Gas Production Operator trainee

Coherent
Saxonburg, PA
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward hands-on candidates comfortable with industrial gas production processes and rotating shifts, with a focus on safety and technical training in Saxonburg, PA.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with mechanical aptitude and a strong work ethic who enjoy learning technical processes in a structured environment
    — “This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on work and are motivated to learn technical processes in a structured, safety-focused environment.”
  • Individuals with prior experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or skilled trades, even if not in gas production
    — “Prior manufacturing, industrial, maintenance, or skilled trades experience is helpful but not required.”
  • Those who can thrive in a 4-day work week with rotating shifts and a focus on safety compliance
    — “Rotating Schedule includes a 15% (midnight) Shift Differential4-day work week, weekends and holidays off”

Things to consider

  • U.S. citizenship or legal residency is mandatory due to ITAR compliance
    — “this position is only open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals who are legally protected under U.S. law”
  • The role involves handling hazardous materials and requires wearing PPE for extended periods
    — “Use of respirators, supplied air, and SCBA equipment is required.”
  • Medical screening and annual physicals are required for continued employment
    — “Pre-employment PFT and respirator physicalRequired Annual PFT and respirator physicals”

How to stand out

  • Highlight hands-on experience and ability to follow detailed procedures in resume and interview responses
    — “Can follow detailed procedures and understand the importance of doing work safely and correctly every time.”
  • Emphasize comfort with industrial environments and adherence to safety protocols
    — “comfort working in an industrial environment with strict safety requirements.”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with or willingness to learn about hazardous materials handling
    — “Learn and follow site and DEP standards for hazardous waste handling and storage.”
  • Showcase reliability and attention to detail in your work history or projects
    — “Are reliable, detail-oriented, and able to retain technical and safety-related information.”
  • Mention any prior experience with emergency response or safety training in your application
    — “Participate as a member of the Coherent Saxonburg Site Emergency Response Team (ERT), including completion of required training (such as 40-hour HAZWOPER)”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · LowAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • operate H2Se gas production equipment
  • learn to operate, monitor, and maintain H2Se processes
Typical background
ManufacturingIndustrialMaintenance

Skills & requirements

Required

Safety AwarenessMechanical AptitudeAttention To DetailAbility To Follow ProceduresComfort Working In Industrial Environments

Preferred

Gas Production ExperienceH2se Systems Operation

Stack & domain

H₂se Systems OperatorProducing Hydrogen Selenide (h2se) GasCapturing Gas In CylindersOperating And Maintaining H₂se Processes And Support EquipmentSupporting Related Support TasksManufacturingIndustrialMaintenanceSkilled TradesMilitaryHands-on WorkTechnical ProcessesSafety AwarenessMechanical AptitudeAttention To DetailFollowing ProceduresWorking In An Industrial EnvironmentStrict Safety RequirementsBasic Computer SkillsData EntryLoggingEquipment Interfaces

About the role

Original posting from Coherent

Compensation

$25/hr to start Rotating Schedule includes a 15% (midnight) Shift Differential4-day work week, weekends and holidays off Benefits

Company Bonuses12-18  month training program with 1-level pay increase upon completion.3-weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual to startPaid Sick Time Off (5 days)Paid HolidaysHealth/Dental/Vision Insurance401K plan with company matchEmployee Stock Purchase Program

Company paid life insurance 

Annual performance review with merit increase

Company supplied boots/uniforms/safety equipment

Job Description

This role is for someone training to become an H₂Se Systems Operator which involves producing Hydrogen Selenide (H2Se) gas and capturing it in cylinders. The trainee will complete a formal training program and must pass required tests. Training includes reviewing procedures and training materials, learning to operate and maintain H₂Se processes and support equipment under supervision, and helping with related support tasks.

Because of ITAR requirements, this position is only open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals who are legally protected under U.S. law (8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)).

Position Overview

This is a hands-on manufacturing role operating Hydrogen Selenide (H2Se) Gas production equipment. No prior gas production experience required. This position is well suited for individuals with strong safety awareness, mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn and retain technical information through on-the-job training.

Employees will be trained under supervision and gradually transition to independent work with promotion/pay increase, once training milestones are met. Success in this role depends on attention to detail, willingness to follow procedures, and comfort working in an industrial environment with strict safety requirements.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.Prior manufacturing, industrial, maintenance, or skilled trades experience is helpful but not required.This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on work and are motivated to learn technical processes in a structured, safety-focused environment. You do not need prior experience with gas production systems, or the materials used in this process. Comprehensive on-the-job training is provided.

You should consider applying if you have the following Skills and Abilities:

Have experience in manufacturing, maintenance, construction, utilities, automotive, skilled trades, military, or other hands-on roles.Are mechanically inclined and comfortable working with tools, equipment, and process systems.Can follow detailed procedures and understand the importance of doing work safely and correctly every time.Are reliable, detail-oriented, and able to retain technical and safety-related information.Are comfortable working rotating shifts in an industrial environment.Communicate well with teammates, supervisors, and support groups.Take pride in learning a specialized role and becoming a qualified operator through training and experience.Have basic computer skills for data entry, logging, and equipment interfaces.This role is well suited for candidates who may not have direct industry experience but bring strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn.

Due to ITAR compliance, this position requires a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Learn to operate, monitor, and maintain H2Se gas production equipment and supporting systems through structured on-the-job training and documented qualification processes.Perform assigned production and equipment tasks independently after completing required training and individual signoffs.Safely operate H2Se gas production reactors and support systems in compliance with established procedures.Handle and store process materials and H2Se gas cylinders according to training, site procedures, and regulatory requirements.Monitor equipment, processes, and safety systems; accurately log operating data and report abnormal conditions.Perform routine facility checks and follow reporting requirements.Strictly adhere to safety procedures, policies, and protocols to minimize risk when working with hazardous materials.Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) activities and comply with OSHA PSM and EPA Risk Management Plan (RMP) requirements.Learn and follow site and DEP standards for hazardous waste handling and storage.Participate as a member of the Coherent Saxonburg Site Emergency Response Team (ERT), including completion of required training (such as 40-hour HAZWOPER) and ongoing refresher requirements.Working Conditions

Multiple shift rotation to support a 24/5 operation.Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, fumes, heat, noise, and cold.Work involves hazardous materials and requires strict adherence to safety procedures.Use of respirators, supplied air, and SCBA equipment is required.Physical Requirements

Ability to stand or sit for up to 12 hours per shift.Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs occasionally.Ability to climb, bend, reach, push, pull, and work on ladders or mechanical lifts.Ability to wear required PPE and safety equipment for extended periods.Ability to meet physical requirements for required Emergency Response Team participation.Safety Requirements

All employees must comply with site EHS procedures and Coherent Corporate EHS standards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety glasses, goggles, splash shieldsSteel toe/Static Dissipative footwearLong pants, sleeved uniform, hearing protectionDust mask, respirator, or supplied air as requiredMedical Screening

Pre-employment PFT and respirator physicalRequired Annual PFT and respirator physicalsQuality and Environmental Responsibilities

Due to inventory quantities of some highly hazardous materials, MPZ is covered by OSHA standard for Process Safety Management, as well as EPA’s Risk Management program.  All MPZ personnel are required to understand the importance of following all operating procedures to maintain regulatory compliance with these programs.

Due to classification of several process waste streams, DEP standards for Hazardous Waste handling and storage must be followed to ensure regulatory compliance.

Coherent meets the ISO 9001 quality standards. MPZ employees must understand and follow all applicable Quality Assurance policies and participate in audits to maintain ISO 9001 certification.

Failure to follow operating procedures could result in a release of hazardous materials, impacting employees and the environment.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

 Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

Source: Coherent careers

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