Cryogenic LOX Plant Operator – Night Shift

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is building its first production-scale Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Starbase to produce high-purity LOX for Starship. As a Process Operator Specialist, you will operate cryogenic distillation systems, turboexpanders, compressors, and molecular sieve beds, monitor parameters, and execute approved procedures.

You will work with engineers and technicians to optimize operation, collect samples, document data, and maintain equipment performance on a night shift (6:00 PM–7:00 AM).

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 6+ years of industrial plant experience in air separation or cryogenics.
• 4+ years operating or supporting automated industrial processes.
• Experience with P&IDs and process flow diagrams.
• Hands-on cryogenic plant or industrial gas facility experience.
• Experience with lockout/tagout, hot work permitting, and PSM practices.
• Exposure to 120V/480V electrical equipment (medium voltage a plus).
• Willingness to work nights/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor ASU via DCS/HMI and perform thorough field rounds.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate critical ASU equipment.
• Execute plant startups, shutdowns, mode changes, and alarm responses.
• Collect process samples, perform field tests, log data, and report deviations.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to implement improvements.
• Develop and refine operating procedures and checklists based on first principles.

Skills

P&IDs familiarity

Cryogenic plant experience

Industrial rotating equipment

DCS/HMI experience

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) knowledge

PSM practices

Electrical equipment knowledge

Shift work experience

Thermodynamics basics

Education

Associate degree in mechanical/electrical/chemical/process engineering technology

Tools

Honeywell DCS

Siemens HMI

Rockwell Automation

Job description

SpaceX is building its first production-scale Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Starbase to produce high-purity LOX for Starship. As a Process Operator Specialist, you will operate cryogenic distillation systems, turboexpanders, compressors, and molecular sieve beds, monitor parameters, and execute approved procedures.

You will work with engineers and technicians to optimize operation, collect samples, document data, and maintain equipment performance on a night shift (6:00 PM–7:00 AM).