Plant Operator / Operations Technician

At Air Products, our purpose is to bring people together to reimagine what’s possible, collaborate and innovate solutions to the world’s most significant energy and environmental sustainability challenges. Grow with us as we embark on building tomorrow together by being the safest, most diverse and most profitable industrial gas company in the world.  

Reimagine What’s Possible 

Do you enjoy working in a plant environment? Are you a hands-on, safety-minded person who enjoys solving problems? We are seeking a highly motivated and safety-conscious Operations Technician to join our team in Santa Clara, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for controlling and monitoring the processes to produce liquid and gaseous nitrogen, oxygen, and argon (e.g., steam system, compressors, rotating equipment, and DCS operation), performing equipment inspections and minor maintenance tasks. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to following safety protocols.

The Santa Clara facility comprises of three air separation (ASU) plants supporting pipeline and merchant gas businesses. Liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon products are manufactured and delivered to a customer base in and around northern California. Air Products Santa Clara is also a hydrogen distribution location supporting the hydrogen fueling stations of northern California.

What's In It for You: 

At Air Products we foster a culture of inclusion where every voice is heard, and everyone feels they belong and matter. Additionally, we offer competitive pay and great benefits for our employees. Check out some of our benefits below!

• Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (day 1 of employment) 
• 401k with 100% vested company core and match  
• Paid Vacation, holidays + sick time  
• Paid Parental leave (Up to 8 weeks) 
• Backup Child and Adult Care benefit 
• Adoption assistance  
• Flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent daycare) 
• Life Insurance (AD&D- Paid for by Air Products), Supplemental AD&D 
• Legal Plan & Identity theft coverage  
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program) 
• Many more supplemental benefits available 

Required Skills / Abilities:   

• A strong commitment to safety, working as a team, and operational excellence.
• A self-starter with a Strong Work ethic.
• Ability to read and interpret piping schematics/ diagrams.
• Utilizing written procedures for starting and stopping equipment.
• Isolating systems for maintenance using work permits and lock out tag out processes.
• Performing water chemistry testing.
• Operating manual and pneumatic valves.
• Operating systems from remote location via Distributed Control System.
• Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation drawings.
• Strong mechanical proficiency and/or military experience.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in the basic safety process, sharing responsibility for the site’s overall safety performance.
• Follow, update, and maintain operating procedures to ensure safety and efficiency of the operations.
• Issue safety work permits and performs lock out / tag out of various process equipment.
• Calibration of analyzers for multiple processes.
• Perform routine maintenance on plant equipment and assist technicians with mechanical repairs, instrument calibrations and electrical troubleshooting.
• Provide troubleshooting expertise for the production units
• Supervise trailer loading operations and train loading personnel.
• Adhere to strict product quality guidelines.

Minimum Hiring Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalency required.
• Two-year associate degree in technical field is a plus.
• 2 years of plant process experience preferred and/or Process Technology Degree/Certification highly desired.
• Experience in operations or military background a plus.
• Electrical, instrument, or mechanical maintenance experience a plus.

Work Hours:

• Able to work 12hr rotating shift schedule to support the 24/7 operation of the units
• On call during weekdays and weekends as needed.
• Willing to work overtime as needed.
• Must be a self-starter and able to work alone.

Physical requirements:

• Must be able to climb ladders and steps and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Will be exposed to high noise levels.
• Be able to meet call-in requirements as needed.
• Work at elevation required.

This is a safety sensitive position.

Starting rate is $51.18/hour (8-hour shift for new hires), PLUS potential overtime and bonus. (This role is a ladder position, and advancement is possible based on experience and demonstrated competency).

Join Air Products, where we proudly value the skills, dedication, and leadership that Veterans bring to the table. As a Veteran-friendly organization, we actively encourage and welcome Veterans to apply for various roles within our company. We recognize the unique strengths and experiences that Veterans contribute, and we foster a workplace that honors your service while providing a platform for professional growth.  

#LI-Onsite 

#LI-AT1

#INDGIG

We are the world’s largest hydrogen producer with over 80 years of industrial gas experience. We are hydrogen and industrial gas experts delivering safe, end-to-end solutions, investing in real, clean energy projects at scale, and driving the industry forward to generate a cleaner future. 

At Air Products, we work in an environment where we put safety first, diversity is essential, inclusion is our culture, and each person knows they belong and matter. To learn more, visit About Air Products. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays and vacation, affordable medical, dental, life insurance and retirement plans. You will be eligible for benefits and also be 100% vested in your retirement benefits on your first day of employment.  
  
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (U.S.).  You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, citizenship, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or veteran status.  

Air Products is committed to working with and providing a reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail us at [email protected]. General application status inquiries are not answered by this mailbox rather you’ll receive an e-mail directly from our Career Center and/or the Talent Acquisition Specialist.