Plant Operator - Cylinder Prep

US11345-AIRGAS Airgas USA, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life and AD&D Insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Job summary

Airgas USA, LLC in Chicago, IL is seeking a Plant Operator - Cylinder Prep Tech. This role focuses on safer cylinder preparation, inspection, and maintenance, with hands-on responsibilities including sorting, painting, valve changes, and forklift movement. A strong commitment to safety and quality is required.

The position offers 1st shift hours, seasonal bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. Training is provided to qualify for forklift operations and to support growth within the plant.

Qualifications

• One year of hands-on manufacturing or processing experience preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend material safety data sheets (MSDS).
• Ability to work with a wide variety of people and backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and under some pressure to meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift.

Responsibilities

• Sort cylinders by size and service; assist with manifolds and vacuum pumps.
• Scrape, paint, and perform cylinder maintenance including valve changes.
• Move cylinders using forklift and handcart; ensure safe handling within the facility.
• Conduct pre-fill inspections of cylinders and valves per SOPs.
• Connect cylinders to gas manifolds and perform leak checks; vent and purge cylinders as needed.
• Maintain safety, product quality, and productivity standards per procedures.
• Keep work area clean and orderly; assist with basic equipment maintenance.

Skills

One year experience

Strong communication

MSDS literacy

Diversity teamwork

Independent work

Attention to detail

Forklift operation

Job description

R10100679 Plant Operator - Cylinder Prep (Open) Location: Chicago, IL (ASG) - Industrial spec gas

How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the unique perspectives of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders, and cultures across the world. We believe that a variety of backgrounds makes our team stronger and more innovative At Airgas, we RESPECT, HONOR and VALUE diversity. Airgas is Hiring for a Cylinder Prep Tech in Chicago, IL! We are looking for you ! Shift: 1st Shift (Tuesday - Friday 4:30 AM - 3:00 PM; Sat - Mon off) Hourly rate - $23-$26/hr 5% gainshare bonus $1000 retention bonus(after 6 months of employment) Comprehensive Family Benefits: Airgas offers a full benefits package designed to support your whole life, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance. Future Security: 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match, Tuition Assistance, Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time. Early Access: Your benefits start after just 30 days of employment

The Plant Operator - Cylinder Prep Tech processes and repairs previously serviced gas cylinders to prepare them for new gas production. This role involves a strong commitment to safety, product quality, and productivity standards. Responsibilities include sorting cylinders by size and service; contributing with manifolds and vacuum pumps for internal cylinder preparation; scraping and painting cylinders; and safely moving cylinders within the facility using a forklift and handcart. Loads and unloads gas cylinders from pallets, moving cylinders safely utilizing proper cylinder movement techniques. Guided by Airgas standard operating procedures while conducting pre-fill inspections of cylinders and valves to support the safe filling of cylinders. Connects cylinders to various gas manifolds for processing. This process involves a proper leak check—including pressure-checking connections and valves—followed by venting residual product, purging cylinder gas, and placing the cylinders under a vacuum. Knowledge of hazards of various gases by utilizing material safety data sheets, cylinder shoulder and or body label, and pure gas color coding. Performs cylinder maintenance including scraping and painting cylinders, safely changing valves and or pressure relief devices and installing new valves in high pressure cylinders. Familiarity with basic compressor operation as well as cryogenic liquid and vacuum pump operations. Perform valve and cylinder inventory. We will support you in qualifying to operate a forklift and performing forklift inspections. Ideally, you bring experience in troubleshooting and performing basic equipment maintenance. Keep a clean and orderly work area. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• One year of prior experience in a hands‑on manufacturing or processing role or previous industrial gas experience preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend material safety data sheets.
• Must be able to work with a wide variety of people with different personalities and backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and under some pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong level of attention to detail.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift.

Physical Requirements

The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus objects. Regularly required to stand, bend, stoop, crouch, reach, grasp, feel and talk or hear. Able to smell and hear leaking gas from cylinders. Must be able to be on your feet for extended periods of time throughout the work shift. Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance. Ability to work in hot and cold environments.

Benefits

We care about and support our Airgas Families. This is evident not only through our competitive compensation but also through a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term and long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pre-tax commuter transportation benefit, parental leave, vacation, sick time, floating holidays, jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees. Additionally, we offer our eligible employees a 401k plan with company matching funds, tuition reimbursement, discounted college tuition for eligible employees’ dependents, and an Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children. Associates who are members of collective bargaining units should review their bargaining agreement to determine whether they are eligible for some or all of the benefits described here and to see any special terms or conditions for eligibility.

Your DIFFERENCES enhance our PERFORMANCE

At Airgas, we are committed to building a workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.

About Airgas

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Through the passion and diversity of its 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability and innovation. Airgas associates are empowered to share ideas, take initiative and make decisions. Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees, Air Liquide serves more than 4 million customers and patients. Join us for a stimulating experience: At Airgas, you matter and so does the work you do. As a member of our team, you play an important role in the success of your team, making sure our products are created sustainably and delivered safely and efficiently. In turn, you'll find a welcoming workplace where you're valued for who you are and where you can fill your potential while growing a fulfilling career — whatever path you choose.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. Airgas, an Air Liquide Company is a Government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Airgas does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to the known disabilities of such individuals so as to ensure equal access to benefits and privileges of employment. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us by email at [e-mail].