Operations Tech III
At Air Products, we reimagine what’s possible by tapping into the motivation of our people and our collective experience to create ideas and innovations that drive us forward. When we come together—where every voice is heard and everyone knows they belong and matter—we create solutions that launch people into space, support lifesaving care in hospitals, and enable the construction of groundbreaking, world-scale production facilities.
About the role
The Operations Technician will work hand in hand with Mechanical Technicians, Instruments Technicians, other Operations Technicians, and Process Engineers to safely and efficiently maintain and operate the Hydrogen Plants in Wilmington, CA. The Southern California H₂ facilities consist of two (2) SMR (steam methane reformers) units and associated equipment within the growing Los Angeles area H₂ pipeline franchise. This role includes participating in the management of effective safety programs. Additionally, Operations Technicians will work to acquire a City of Los Angeles Steam Engineer (Boiler Operator) license if they do not already possess one. This is a safety-sensitive position.
Responsibilities
- Active participation in the Basic Safety Process as a key member of the Site Safety Committee.
- Controlling and monitoring the continuous manufacturing processes to produce hydrogen (H₂), steam in the SMR, and carbon monoxide in the cryogenic cold box.
- Working with compressors, pumps, and other pieces of rotating equipment.
- Assisting in plant equipment mechanical repairs, instrument calibrations, and electrical troubleshooting.
- Providing direct interface with pipeline customers.
- Taking and recording boiler chemistry water samples.
- Performing equipment inspections.
- Preparing and submitting documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures, internal/external audits, and management of change documents.
- Following Lockout/Tag Out Procedures.
- Issuing Safe Work Permits for all jobs completed in the plant.
- Professional skills improvement and development in process and safety management.
- Reading and interpreting piping schematics/diagrams.
- Utilizing written procedures for starting and stopping equipment.
- Isolating systems for maintenance using work permits and lockout/tagout processes.
- Performing water chemistry testing.
- Operating manual and pneumatic valves.
- Operating systems from a remote location via Distributed Control System.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency.
- 2 years of plant process experience and/or a Process Technology degree/certification.
- Strong commitment to safety.
- Able to climb ladders and steps and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
- Exposure to high noise levels.
- Able to meet call-in requirements as needed.
- Elevated work required.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and strong computer skills.
- Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts.
Skills
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Self-starter with a strong work ethic.
- Commitment to working as a team and operational excellence.
Benefits
- Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance (day 1 of employment).
- 401k with 100% vested company core and match.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and 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 and identity theft coverage.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Many more supplemental benefits available.
Pay
Starting rate is $49.34 per 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.
Schedule
12-hour rotating shifts.