Control Board Operator

Location: Independence, OH

About the role

Airgas Merchant Gases (AMG) operates primary production facilities across the United States, including 60+ production locations in 29 states. The AMG fleet consists of Air Separation (ASU), High Purity Nitrogen (HPN), High Purity Oxygen (HPX), Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA), and Liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO2) production units. AMG is transforming its operations through big data and automation to improve reliability and efficiency, including deploying predictive analytics tools and remote operations.

The Remote Operations Control Center (ROCC) Control Board Operator will remotely operate and control equipment for air separation, high-pressure nitrogen and oxygen, and vacuum swing adsorption across multiple U.S. sites from a central location. This role involves troubleshooting mechanical, instrumentation, and equipment issues in collaboration with engineering personnel and field technicians. Periodic on-site support for maintenance outages, startups, training, and leave coverage is also required.

Responsibilities

• Remote Process Control & Optimization Systems Monitoring: Remotely monitor and maintain safe operation of production facilities using DCS (Delta-V, Allen Bradley, etc.), HMI, and PLC systems to control flow, purities, and pressures.
• Operational Efficiency: Execute process engineers' recommendations to adjust operating modes, utilizing energy optimization principles to maximize liquid/gas production.
• Supply Management: Manage short-term supply availability by collaborating with logistics teams and manage product inventory to meet customer needs.
• Crisis Management: Safely execute emergency protocols during plant upsets or equipment failures, facilitating communication and escalation to ensure continuity of supply.
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve plant alerts, alarms, and malfunctions related to mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical devices.
• Engineering Liaison: Work closely with engineering personnel to identify and resolve ongoing plant challenges and long-term performance trends.
• Logbook & Documentation: Maintain rigorous documentation of all operational incidents, communications, and plant readings in the electronic logbook and Case Management systems.
• Field Support & Safety: Periodically provide on-site field support for plant startups, local technician training, and leave coverage.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure 100% compliance with OSHA, EPA, DHS, and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) to prevent injury and environmental impact.
• Continuous Improvement: Assist with safety incident investigations (Root Cause Analysis) and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as directed.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: High school diploma/GED with 5+ years of experience operating a control board in an industrial plant setting. Two-year technical college degree or military technical experience preferred.
• Specialized Knowledge: Prior experience with DCS/SCADA/HMI/PLC interfaces and a strong background in Electrical or Instrumentation (E&I) troubleshooting. Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control logic.
• Industry Background: Air Separation or Cryogenic plant experience is highly preferred.
• Core Competencies:
  • Critical Thinking: Ability to work independently to diagnose complex process malfunctions and make high-stakes decisions under pressure.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for collaborating with field technicians, management, and stakeholders.
  • Adaptability: A free-thinking, innovative attitude toward problem-solving in a changing environment.
  • Digital Literacy: Proficiency in Google Workspace and digital maintenance management systems.
• Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
  • Works a rotating days/nights 24/7 shift-based schedule, including weekends and holidays. Includes dedicated office/training days during normal business hours.
  • Low travel (< 10%) for routine tasks, but must be available for multi-week on-site assignments at various process plants when required.
  • Requires continuous mental and visual attention to monitor multiple plant screens and data streams simultaneously.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Pay

$38/hr & up, based on experience.

Schedule

7 days on/7 days off, 12-hour shift.

Benefits

• Comprehensive family benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance.
• 14-week paid childbirth benefit to support growing families.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time.
• Benefits start after 30 days of employment.
• Pre-tax commuter transportation benefit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Parental leave, floating holidays, jury duty, and funeral/bereavement leave.
• Discounted college tuition for eligible employees’ dependents and an Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children.