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Compression Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compression Engineer

Tinley Park, IL

$77K - $104K/yr

... technician qualification and operator qualification (OQ) programs * Be actively involved with the ... compression facilities or similar equipment * Previously demonstrated dedication to safety

Compression Engineer

Mandan, ND

$74K - $101K/yr

... technician qualification and operator qualification (OQ) programs * Be actively involved with the ... compression facilities or similar equipment * Previously demonstrated dedication to safety

Compression Engineer

Bonduel, WI

$76K - $103K/yr

... technician qualification and operator qualification (OQ) programs * Be actively involved with the ... compression facilities or similar equipment * Previously demonstrated dedication to safety

Compression Engineer

Duluth, MN

$79K - $107K/yr

... technician qualification and operator qualification (OQ) programs * Be actively involved with the ... compression facilities or similar equipment * Previously demonstrated dedication to safety

Compression Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

... technician qualification and operator qualification (OQ) programs * Be actively involved with the ... compression facilities or similar equipment * Previously demonstrated dedication to safety

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Compression Technician information

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$10

$27

$47

How much do compression technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for compression technician in the United States is $27.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compression Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compression Technician, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of gas compression systems, and typically a technical diploma or relevant field experience. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, compressors, control systems, and safety certifications such as H2S or OSHA are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help technicians excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure safe, reliable operation of compression equipment, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity in industrial settings.

What is the difference between Compression Technician vs HVAC Technician?

AspectCompression TechnicianHVAC Technician
CertificationsEPA refrigerant certification, technical trainingEPA certification, HVAC-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, manufacturing plants, refrigeration systemsResidential, commercial buildings, HVAC systems
Industry UsageRefrigeration, industrial cooling, manufacturingHeating, ventilation, air conditioning for buildings

Both roles require technical certifications and involve working with cooling and refrigeration systems. However, Compression Technicians focus on industrial refrigeration and manufacturing environments, while HVAC Technicians primarily service building heating and cooling systems. The roles overlap in technical skills but differ in work settings and industry applications.

What are some common challenges faced by Compression Technicians in the field, and how can they be managed?

Compression Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions in remote or harsh environments, managing time-sensitive repairs, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. Staying up-to-date with equipment manuals, participating in ongoing training, and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and other team members are key strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, having a proactive maintenance schedule can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure smoother operations.

What is a Compression Technician?

A Compression Technician is a skilled professional responsible for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting gas compression equipment, typically used in the oil and gas industry. Their work ensures that natural gas is efficiently compressed and transported through pipelines or storage facilities. They perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and emergency repairs on compressors and related machinery. This role requires a strong understanding of mechanical systems, safety protocols, and technical documentation. Compression Technicians often work in field locations and may be on call to respond to equipment failures.
More about Compression Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Compression Technician jobs? Cities with the most Compression Technician job openings:
What states have the most Compression Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Compression Technician jobs include:
Infographic showing various Compression Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,768 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Process Technician (Compression) 1st & 3rd shift

Process Technician (Compression) 1st & 3rd shift

US Farathane Corporation

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


US Farathane rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 79 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Job Title: Process Technician (Compression)
Department: Manufacturing
Reports To: Manufacturing Engineer
FLSA Status: Hourly Non-Exempt
SUMMARY:
The Compression Process Technician is responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment used in the compression molding manufacturing process. This role supports safe, efficient, and high-quality production across compression presses, thermal ovens, robots, and waterjet cutting systems. The Process Technician works closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to minimize downtime, reduce scrap, and ensure compliance with all safety and quality standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the equipment used in compression molding manufacturing process.
  • Monitor and adjust machine parameters to ensure that the products meet the required quality specifications.
  • Maintain accurate records of machine performance and maintenance activities; complete all required daily paperwork and electronic entries.
  • Perform minor robot program adjustments on ABB and FANUC robots as required to support production, including touch-up of points, path alignment, and recovery adjustments, in accordance with approved procedures and safety requirements.
  • Adhere to safety protocols and ensure that all team members are comply with safety regulations.
  • Train and mentor new process technicians and machine operators on proper equipment operation, maintenance, and safety requirements.
  • Continuously identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and safety.
  • Participate in engineering and cross-functional projects to develop and implement corrective actions and process improvements that reduce scrap and downtime.
  • Responsible for following all USF policies and procedures
  • Perform and oversee all die change activities, ensuring proper setup, alignment, and release for production.
  • Identify and troubleshoot machine, mold, robot, waterjet, and material-related issues and escalate appropriately when required.
  • Serve as the first responder to press, robot, thermolator, and waterjet fault alarms.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES & ROLE EXPECTATIONS:
  • Act as the primary process owner for the assigned shift, with accountability for equipment performance, safety, quality, and communication when Engineering or Maintenance support is not immediately available.
  • Maintain the authority to stop equipment for safety, quality, or process concerns and initiate escalation to Maintenance, Engineering, or Quality as required.
  • Serve as the first level of troubleshooting and containment prior to maintenance escalation.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot waterjet cells, including robot operation, fixture loading and seating, nozzle condition, visible leaks, and other abnormal conditions that could impact safety, quality, or uptime.
  • Rebuild, service, and replace waterjet consumables, including cutting heads, nozzles, orifices, mixing tubes, coils, high-pressure lines, seals, and intensifier-related wear components in accordance with approved procedures.
  • Verify proper execution of die changes, including clamp setup, alignment, documentation completion, and confirmation that tooling is production-ready prior to release.
  • Support robot operation and reliability by performing validated robot program touch-ups, end-of-arm alignment checks, and safe recovery actions following faults or abnormal conditions. Escalate complex program creation and changes to Engineering.
  • Ensure accurate completion of process-critical documentation, including mold change forms, PVs, first-piece and last-piece verification, scrap and downtime reporting, and MES or manual log entries required for traceability and audits.
  • Identify abnormal trends in scrap, downtime, cycle time, or equipment behavior and proactively communicate findings to Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations leadership.
  • Support and participate in continuous improvement and engineering initiatives, including trials, corrective actions, error-proofing, and standardization activities.
  • Ensure strict adherence to SOPs, work instructions, safety procedures, and USF policies, and actively coach operators to maintain compliance.
  • Perform and communicate effective shift handovers, clearly documenting equipment status, issues encountered, actions taken, and open items for the incoming shift.
  • Mentor and develop operators and junior process technicians by reinforcing standard work, troubleshooting techniques, and safe equipment operation.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Minimum 2+ years of experience operating and maintaining compression molding equipment, thermal ovens, robots, and/or waterjet cutting machines.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required; Technical degree, trade certification, or vocational training preferred.
  • Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot presses, ovens, robots, waterjet systems, thermolators, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Hands-on experience with ABB and/or FANUC robots, including program touch-ups, point adjustments, and basic recovery under controlled and approved procedures.
  • Hands-on experience rebuilding and maintaining waterjet and intensifier consumables, including cutting heads, coils, seals, nozzles, orifices, mixing tubes, and high-pressure components.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, SOPs, and work instructions.
  • Demonstrated understanding of safety practices, including LOTO, machine guarding, and safe material handling.
  • Experience supporting die change activities, equipment setup, and production release.
  • Valid forklift certification and demonstrated ability to safely operate large-capacity forklifts used for mold handling and die change activities, in accordance with company safety policies.
  • Working knowledge of quality requirements, first-piece/last-piece validation, and basic problem-solving methodologies.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in documentation and data entry.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify inefficiencies and suggest process improvements.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills; able to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality.
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a physically demanding manufacturing environment.
  • Willingness to work overtime, weekends, off-shifts, or shutdown periods as business needs require.
  • Willingness to complete required training and maintain authorization for robot, waterjet, and high-pressure system work.
  • Willingness to complete and maintain required forklift and crane/rigging training as applicable to mold handling activities.

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