Air Separation Unit Operations Lead

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

AIR SEPARATION UNIT OPERATIONS LEAD

As an air separation operations lead, you will own the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of SpaceX’s air separation unit that produces the high-purity liquid oxygen required for Starship. This role is critical to achieving rapid launch cadence and supporting Starship’s development at scale. You will lead operations teams, drive continuous improvement in plant performance, and help eliminate supply risk for one of the most propellant-intensive launch vehicles ever built. If you thrive in high-stakes industrial environments and want your work to directly enable humanity’s multiplanetary future, this is the role for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead daily operations of air separation plants, including startup, shutdown, and steady-state production, targeting >98% availability within the first 12 months

Hire and train an excellent engineering and operations team.

Establish and improve operating procedures, alarm response plans, and troubleshooting for all air separation unit systems

Partner with maintenance and design teams to reduce downtime and find the root cause

Own operational safety and overall plant safety management

Meet or exceed expected plant efficiency and output (distillation efficiency, power consumption, product purity)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

2+ years of hands-on experience operating or directly supervising air separation units (ASU), large-scale industrial gas plants, or other commercial-scale process facilities

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Demonstrated experience leading teams in 24/7 industrial operations

5+ years of experience in air separation or cryogenic operations

Strong working knowledge of cryogenic distillation, turboexpanders, centrifugal compressors, and molecular sieve systems

Experience with data and control systems (Honeywell, Siemens, or Rockwell preferred)

Track record of improving plant reliability and efficiency or reducing specific power consumption

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required

Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)

Hours vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

Stand: Up to 1 hour per day

Sit: Up to 10 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 50 lb (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day

Walk: Up to 3 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 50 lb (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 1 hour per day

Upper body twist: Up to 1 hour per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees, up to 3 hours per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 200 ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.