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Air Separation Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R10093772 Plant Technician Operator (Open) Location: Chester, VA - ASU How will you CONTRIBUTE and ... Air Separation Plant or related industrial experience would be a valuable addition to the team.

R10093772 Plant Technician Operator (Open) Location: Chester, VA - ASU How will you CONTRIBUTE and ... Air Separation Plant or related industrial experience would be a valuable addition to the team.

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Minimum 2+ years of Air Separation Plant (ASU) or related industrial plant experience * Experience maintaining industrial compressors, pumps, motors, valves, and rotating equipment * Strong ...

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Minimum 2+ years of Air Separation Plant (ASU) or related industrial plant experience * Experience maintaining industrial compressors, pumps, motors, valves, and rotating equipment * Strong ...

Production Technician

Taylor, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

* In this role, you will safely operate a cryogenic air separation plant to guarantee reliable and efficient performance * You will perform and facilitate maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to ...

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How much do air separation plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for air separation plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an air separation plant operator do?

An Air Separation Plant Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring equipment that separates atmospheric air into its primary components, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. They ensure the plant runs efficiently by adjusting pressures, temperatures, and flow rates while performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting issues. Operators must follow strict safety protocols and quality standards to ensure the purity of the gases produced. Their role is crucial in supplying industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and electronics with high-purity gases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air separation plant operator?

To thrive as an Air Separation Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial operations, equipment monitoring, and process control, often supported by a technical diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and safety protocols, as well as certifications in plant operations or hazardous materials handling, are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to communicate clearly with team members are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the plant while minimizing risks and maintaining product quality.

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Infographic showing various Air Separation Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Air Separation Plant Operator

United States Steel Corporation

Fairfield, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description


The Air Separation Plant Operator safely operates and monitors air separation equipment to produce and deliver oxygen, nitrogen, and other industrial gases required for steelmaking and plant operations.
Responsibilities include:
  • Monitoring and maintaining the safe operation of the air separation plant, which produces gaseous Oxygen and Nitrogen, Cryogenic LOX, LIN, and LAR products for the back-up system.
  • Controlling flow purities, pressures of the process using Allen Bradley/HMI/PLC system-Working with USS Management to maximize production and efficiency to meet the needs of USS Fairfield gaseous users flows and production rates.
  • Reading and interpreting technical drawings and manuals.
  • Performing quality assurance functions including the calibration of process analyzers and other equipment, associated with products to maintain quality assurance.
  • Performing preventive and corrective maintenance throughout the entire plant to include compressors, pumps, turbines, valves, motors, electrical equipment, and other plant equipment
  • Requiring the ability to use common hand tools and test equipment necessary for repairing and replacing mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment.
  • Performing plant rounds, taking readings, and maintaining plant cleanliness as necessary.
  • Troubleshooting process and system problems to restore reliable and efficient operation.
  • Complying with maintenance of environmental, safety, quality assurance, systems and programs including spare parts, preventive, predictive and proactive maintenance.
  • Share on-call responsibilities with other Operator Technicians to facilitate uninterrupted plant operation.

Requirements:
  • Associates degree in petrochemical or relevant technical field, relevant military experience, or 2 years related experience operating a relevant process plant, air separation, refinery or other distillation processes.
  • Experience with electrical and instrumentation equipment in a process plant environment and experience working with preventative maintenance programs and systems is preferred
  • Candidates with an Air Separation operating experience or similar process. Navy Machinists mates with a 4283 NEC or Navy nukes are strongly encouraged to apply.

Desired Prior Skills Include:
  • Background in pumps, mechanical seals, vessels, exchangers, gear drives, compressors, rotating equipment
  • Calibration skills and knowledge
  • Instrumentation troubleshooting
  • Mechatronics and / or Petrochemical
  • Strong mechanical, instrument or electrical aptitude required.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
  • Climb ladders and steps
  • Lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Perform elevated work when required.
  • Working Conditions in various weather
  • Must be able to work 12-hour rotating shifts, which will include a weekend rotation and Monthly on-call requirement.

Company Overview
Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies® 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24

Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)
Competency Summary
At U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:
Think: Think Critically and Drive Change
Lead: Develop Talent and Collaborate
Do: Empower Performance and Deliver Results

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