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Senior 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 ...

Be Seen First

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

Air Separation Unit Specialist

Ashtabula, OH · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Air Separation Unit Specialist ID: 62174 Location: Ashtabula, Ohio Department: Operations Campaign ... plant performance, energy efficiency, and product recovery * Develop and maintain operating ...

Senior OES Process Engineer

Tonawanda, NY · On-site

$108K - $158K/yr

Utilize process models, historical operating data, statistical analysis tools, and simulation ... Proven experience with air separation plant operations, including plant startups, thaw (derime ...

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Senior Air Separation Plant Operator information

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior air separation plant operator in the United States is $18.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior air separation plant operator do?

A Senior Air Separation Plant Operator oversees the operation and maintenance of facilities that separate atmospheric air into its primary components, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, through processes like cryogenic distillation. They are responsible for monitoring plant equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing production efficiency. Additionally, they often supervise junior operators, maintain records, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Their expertise is critical for the consistent and safe supply of industrial gases used in various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior air separation plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Air Separation Plant Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of industrial gas production processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a technical diploma or degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and safety protocols, along with relevant certifications (such as OSHA or process safety training), is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations while minimizing downtime and adhering to strict safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by senior air separation plant operators, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Senior Air Separation Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal plant performance, responding to equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. These operators are responsible for monitoring complex systems and making real-time adjustments, which requires sharp troubleshooting skills and attention to detail. To address these challenges, operators rely on thorough training, regular preventive maintenance schedules, and close collaboration with engineering and maintenance teams. Additionally, they often participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

What is the difference between Senior Air Separation Plant Operator vs Air Separation Plant Operator?

AspectSenior Air Separation Plant OperatorAir Separation Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically required to have advanced certifications and extensive experienceBasic certifications and on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervisory roles, overseeing operations, troubleshooting complex issuesOperating and monitoring air separation units
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, troubleshooting, process optimizationMonitoring equipment, adjusting controls, routine maintenance

The main difference is that Senior Air Separation Plant Operators have advanced certifications, more experience, and supervisory responsibilities, while Air Separation Plant Operators focus on daily operational tasks. Senior roles involve overseeing processes and troubleshooting complex issues, whereas standard operators handle routine operations.

What cities are hiring for Senior Air Separation Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Air Separation Plant Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Separation Plant Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Air Separation Plant Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Air Separation Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Air Separation Plant Operator jobs include:

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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