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Air Separation Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nucor

VPSA Process Engineer

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

The Process Engineer will be primarily responsible for developing process engineering designs and ... other air separation equipment components specifications and purchasing. * Develop Process Flow ...

Nucor

VPSA Process Engineer

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

The Process Engineer will be primarily responsible for developing process engineering designs and ... other air separation equipment components specifications and purchasing. * Develop Process Flow ...

Ineos Pigments

Air Separation Unit Specialist

Ashtabula, OH · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Adhere to INEOS Pigments' 20 principles of process and Behavioral Safety and Life Saving Rules ... Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or related) with 5-8 years of ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$100 - $125/hr

PROCESS OPERATOR SPECIALIST, AIR SEPARATION UNIT (STARSHIP) - LEVEL 4/5 SpaceX was founded under ... Work with engineers, Lead Operations Specialists, technicians, and fabricators to implement fluid ...

Future Ventures

WI · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

PROCESS OPERATOR SPECIALIST, AIR SEPARATION UNIT (STARSHIP) - LEVEL 4/5 SpaceX is building its ... Work with engineers, Lead Operations Specialists, technicians, and fabricators to implement fluid ...

New

INEOS Belgium

Air Separation Unit Specialist

Ashtabula, OH · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Adhere to INEOS Pigments' 20 principles of process and Behavioral Safety and Life Saving Rules ... Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or related) with 5-8 years of ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$100 - $125/hr

PROCESS OPERATOR SPECIALIST, AIR SEPARATION UNIT (STARSHIP) - LEVEL 4/5 - NIGHT SHIFT SpaceX is ... Work with engineers, Lead Operations Specialists, technicians, and fabricators to implement fluid ...

Future Ventures

WI · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

PROCESS OPERATOR SPECIALIST, AIR SEPARATION UNIT (STARSHIP) SpaceX is building its first production-scale Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Starbase to produce the high-purity liquid oxygen that powers ...

New

Latent AI

WI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

CHEMICAL PROCESS ENGINEER - STARSHIP LAUNCH SYSTEMS The Starship launch team is looking for a ... Design, build, and commission air separation, liquefaction, liquified natural gas production, and ...

Future Ventures

WI · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

PROCESS OPERATOR SPECIALIST, AIR SEPARATION UNIT (STARSHIP) - LEVEL 4/5 - NIGHT SHIFT SpaceX is ... Work with engineers, Lead Operations Specialists, technicians, and fabricators to implement fluid ...

New

CHART COOLER SVC CO INC

Process Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Knowledge of cryogenic process technologies which can include cryogenic air separation, natural gas ... Understands basic applicable engineering/electrical/safety codes Our Benefits Package... * Medical ...

Linde

Senior OES Process Engineer

Tonawanda, NY · On-site

$108K - $158K/yr

Linde Inc. Senior OES Process Engineer Deer Park, TX, The Woodlands, TX, Tonawanda, NY, United ... Proven experience with air separation plant operations, including plant startups, thaw (derime ...

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Air Separation Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do air separation process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for air separation process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an air separation process engineer do?

An Air Separation Process Engineer is responsible for designing, operating, and optimizing plants that separate atmospheric air into its primary components—mainly oxygen, nitrogen, and argon—using processes such as cryogenic distillation or pressure swing adsorption. They ensure that the separation processes are efficient, safe, and meet the required purity standards for industrial applications. Their duties include troubleshooting equipment, implementing process improvements, and collaborating with other engineering disciplines to maintain plant performance and safety. This role is essential in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and energy, where high-purity gases are required.

What are some common challenges faced by air separation process engineers during plant operations?

Air Separation Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal process efficiency, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring product purity meets stringent industry standards. Balancing energy consumption with production demands is crucial, especially during equipment startups, shutdowns, or when switching product grades. Effective communication with maintenance, operations, and safety teams is essential to quickly resolve issues and implement continuous improvements, making collaboration a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air separation process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Separation Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering principles, thermodynamics, and process design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or Aspen Plus), control systems, and safety regulations is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help drive continuous improvement and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for optimizing complex separation processes, ensuring plant safety, and maximizing operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Air Separation Process Engineer vs Cryogenic Process Engineer?

AspectAir Separation Process EngineerCryogenic Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering; certifications varyBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering; certifications may include ASME or industry-specific
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, refineries, and gas production facilitiesIndustrial plants, LNG facilities, and gas processing units
Industry UsageAir separation units, industrial gas productionCryogenic gas processing, liquefaction, and storage

The Air Separation Process Engineer focuses on designing, optimizing, and maintaining air separation units that produce oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. In contrast, the Cryogenic Process Engineer specializes in cryogenic processes like liquefaction and storage of gases. Both roles require similar technical credentials and often work in overlapping industrial environments, but their specific focus areas differ within the gas production industry.

What are popular job titles related to Air Separation Process Engineer jobs?

For Air Separation Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Air Separation Specialist

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Channel Personnel Services
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Channel Personnel Servicesexternal

$110K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

  • Serve as the technical expert for the site's cryogenic Air Separation Unit (O₂, N₂, and Ar production).
  • Provide daily process engineering support to operations while ensuring product purity and reliable production.
  • Troubleshoot complex process upsets and lead safe recovery during plant disturbances and unplanned shutdowns.
  • Optimize operating parameters including temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and energy consumption.
  • Lead and support plant startups, shutdowns, cool-downs,  and load changes.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve operating procedures and best practices.
  • Train, mentor, and qualify operators while improving technical knowledge throughout the organization.
  • Standardize startup, shutdown, and upset recovery procedures.
  • Develop maintenance strategies for critical ASU assets including:
  • Cryogenic distillation columns
  • Molecular sieve purification systems
  • Turbo-expanders
  • Centrifugal compressors
  • Pumps
  • Valves
  • Product purification equipment
  • Analyze operating data to identify performance trends and reliability improvement opportunities.
  • Support debottlenecking projects, capacity improvements, and energy optimization initiatives.
  • Participate in outage planning, turnarounds, and major maintenance activities.
  • Lead or participate in Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA), and other reliability initiatives.
  • Partner with maintenance and operations teams to prioritize equipment repairs and improve long-term asset performance.
  • Participate in HAZOPs, Process Safety Management (PSM) activities, risk assessments, and compliance audits.
  • Promote a strong culture of process safety and operational excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
  • Direct experience supporting or operating a cryogenic Air Separation Unit (ASU) is required.
  • One of the following:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with approximately 5-8 years of ASU experience, or
  • High school diploma or technical training with 15-20 years of extensive hands-on ASU experience.
  • Strong technical understanding of:
  • Cryogenic distillation systems
  • Molecular sieve purification beds
  • Turbo-expanders
  • Rotating equipment including compressors and pumps
  • Experience working with Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex process and equipment issues in a continuous manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to read and interpret:
  • P&IDs
  • Electrical schematics
  • Process flow diagrams
  • Thermodynamic flow charts
  • Experience with reliability methodologies such as RCFA and FMEA is preferred.
  • Knowledge of OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM), industrial safety practices, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Experience using SAP and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Six Sigma or other continuous improvement training is a plus.

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