Lead Quality Operator Technician

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Through the passion and diversity of its 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability and innovation. Airgas associates are empowered to share ideas, take initiative and make decisions.

Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees, Air Liquide serves more than 4 million customers and patients.

Join us for a stimulating experience: At Airgas, you matter and so does the work you do. As a member of our team, you play an important role in the success of your team, making sure our products are created sustainably and delivered safely and efficiently. In turn, you'll find a welcoming workplace where you're valued for who you are and where you can fill your potential while growing a fulfilling career - whatever path you choose.

LOQT Lead operator and quality technician

Lead operator of an Air Separation Unit (ASU) is responsible for the overall safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a plant that separates atmospheric air into gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. This role combines the hands-on duties of a plant operator with leadership responsibilities, including coordinating the work of other operators and overseeing shift activities.

• Safety and environmental compliance: Enforcing and promoting all safety, health, and environmental policies and procedures. This includes managing work permits, conducting safety audits, and investigating incidents.
• Supervision and leadership: Leading, coordinating, and providing direction to a team of plant operators during a shift. This involves organizing daily tasks, monitoring performance, and fostering the development of team members.
• Process control and monitoring: Operating and monitoring the plant's distributed control system (DCS) to manage and adjust critical process parameters such as flow rates, temperatures, and pressures.
• Troubleshooting and maintenance: Diagnosing and resolving operational issues with mechanical, electrical, and control systems. The lead operator also coordinates with maintenance personnel to address more complex equipment issues and perform routine upkeep.
• Performance reporting: Maintaining accurate production and safety records, including shift logs, and communicating operational data and test results to supervisors and other departments.
• Startup and shutdown procedures: Safely executing the startup and shutdown sequences for the ASU and related equipment.
• Quality control: Monitoring and performing tests to ensure the purity of the final gas products meets quality standards and customer specifications.
• Logistics: Coordinating the loading and unloading of transportation trucks and managing product storage levels.

• Education and experience: A high school diploma or equivalent is required, with additional vocational or technical training often preferred. A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or chemical plant, particularly within air separation, is typically required.
• Technical knowledge: Strong understanding of industrial process control systems, safety protocols, and mechanical equipment, such as compressors, pumps, and valves. Experience with DCS and PLC systems is essential.
• Leadership skills: The ability to lead and coordinate a team effectively, communicate clearly, and make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
• Physical capabilities: The role requires the physical ability to climb stairs and ladders, work in extreme outdoor weather, and wear personal protective equipment in a noisy industrial environment.
• Problem-solving abilities: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to resolve issues and optimize plant efficiency.

________________________

Benefits

We care about and support all Airgas associates. This is evident not only through our competitive compensation but also through a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation, sick time, floating holidays, and paid holidays for full-time employees.

We provide a progressive parental leave package for our eligible Airgas parents, offering generous paid time off for the birth or placement of children.

Additionally, we offer our employees a 401k plan with company matching funds, tuition reimbursement, discounted college tuition for employees' dependents, and an Airgas Scholarship Program.

_________________________

Your DIFFERENCES enhance our PERFORMANCE

At Airgas, we are committed to building a workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.

_________________________

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Airgas, an Air Liquide Company is a Government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Airgas does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to the known disabilities of such individuals so as to ensure equal access to benefits and privileges of employment. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us by email at us-accommodationrequest@airgas.com.

_________________________

California Privacy Notice