Gas Production Operator Trainee

About the role

This is a hands-on manufacturing role operating Hydrogen Selenide (H₂Se) gas production equipment. The trainee will complete a formal training program and must pass required tests to become an H₂Se Systems Operator, which involves producing Hydrogen Selenide gas and capturing it in cylinders. Due to 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)).

No prior gas production experience is 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 and pay increase once training milestones are met.

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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior manufacturing, industrial, maintenance, or skilled trades experience is helpful but not required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legally protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) due to ITAR compliance.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience in manufacturing, maintenance, construction, utilities, automotive, skilled trades, military, or other hands-on roles.
• Mechanically inclined and comfortable working with tools, equipment, and process systems.
• Able to follow detailed procedures and understand the importance of doing work safely and correctly every time.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to retain technical and safety-related information.
• Comfortable working rotating shifts in an industrial environment.
• Strong communication skills with teammates, supervisors, and support groups.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, logging, and equipment interfaces.
• Motivated to learn technical processes in a structured, safety-focused environment.

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

• Compliance with site EHS procedures and Coherent Corporate EHS standards.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes:
  • Safety glasses, goggles, splash shields
  • Steel toe/metatarsal footwear
  • Long pants, sleeved uniform, hearing protection
  • Dust mask, respirator, or supplied air as required
• Pre-employment and annual Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and respirator physicals required.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

• Understand and follow all operating procedures to maintain regulatory compliance with OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) and EPA Risk Management Plan (RMP).
• Follow DEP standards for hazardous waste handling and storage to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Understand and follow all applicable Quality Assurance policies to maintain ISO 9001 certification.

Culture Commitment

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

• 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

About Us

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.