Process Operator III (New Britain, PA)

About AIRCO
AIRCO is a world leader in carbon conversion technology, paving the way to global energy security by transforming CO₂ into a valuable resource. Its proprietary AIRMADE™ Technology is an adaptable platform that allows any industry to efficiently produce high-demand, fully-formulated synthetic fuels from waste CO₂ and hydrogen.

The company has commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others, and has been awarded multiple government contracts, including with NASA and the United States Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit. The company has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Inc. Best in Business, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, and the XPrize for Carbon Removal.

AIRCO’s many accolades include winning the prestigious Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2023, an award given to organizations that reinvent processes to reduce the generation of hazardous substances and byproducts. AIRCO was also declared a winner for the World Economic Forum UpLink Sustainable Aviation Challenge, which accelerates the development of promising technology pathways that enable widespread uptake of SAF.

The Position

AIRCO is seeking a Process Operator to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our New Britain, PA production facility.. 

Operator III is the entry, qualified-operator level in AIRCO's three-level operator progression: Operator III → Operator Technician II → Lead Operator Technician I. 

This is a safety-critical, non-exempt, shift-based role in a 24/7 operating environment. The role is responsible for operating assigned process systems, monitoring equipment and process conditions, responding to alarms and deviations, maintaining accurate records, and supporting safe production uptime.

Maintenance work at this level is performed under supervision unless the employee has been trained, qualified, and authorized to perform the task.

What You Get to Do

• Operate assigned process equipment according to SOPs, operating instructions, and supervisor direction.
• Monitor process conditions using control systems, field instruments, alarms, gauges, flowmeters, pressure indicators, temperature indicators, and other operating data.
• Perform routine rounds, collect samples, inspect equipment, and identify leaks, abnormal readings, equipment issues, unsafe conditions, or process deviations.
• Safely handle hazardous chemicals, compressed gases, cylinders, gas and liquid feeds, process materials, and related equipment.
• Respond to alarms, deviations, shutdowns, and emergency situations in accordance with SOPs, training, and supervisor direction.
• Record accurate operating data, shift notes, batch/run information, open issues, and follow-up items.
• Conduct clear shift handovers and escalate equipment issues, process concerns, safety risks, and maintenance needs.
• Support basic troubleshooting, tubing/piping work, installs, modifications, and return-to-service activities under approved direction when trained and authorized.
• Read unit P&IDs and process documentation to support safe operation, troubleshooting, and line-up verification.
• Complete required training and maintain site-specific operator qualifications and task-specific authorizations.

What You Bring to AIRCO

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical certificate, associate degree, military technical training, process technology training, or equivalent industrial experience preferred.
• Experience in chemical processing, petrochemical, refining, pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial gas, hydrogen systems, pilot plant operations, or similar process operations preferred.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, safety procedures, operating instructions, P&IDs, and process documentation.
• Strong safety mindset, attention to detail, and ability to recognize abnormal conditions and escalate concerns.
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Ability to work in loud indoor/outdoor industrial environments around chemicals, compressed gases, pressure systems, rotating equipment, elevated temperatures, and industrial equipment.
• Ability to wear required PPE and lift up to 50 pounds, climb stairs/ladders, stand and walk for extended periods, bend, reach, and perform physical tasks associated with plant/production facility operations.

Bonus Points

• Experience in a production facility, pilot plant, startup, R&D, turnaround, commissioning, startup/shutdown, or return-to-service environments.
• Hands-on experience with pumps, valves, compressors, reactors, pressure systems, tubing, Swagelok fittings, control systems, instrumentation, or hazardous materials.
• Experience with routine rounds, sample collection, alarm response, batch/run logs, P&IDs, process flow diagrams, or equipment documentation.
• Experience with lockout/tagout, hazard communication, permit-to-work, line-breaking, powered industrial trucks, emergency response, OSHA training, HAZWOPER, First Aid/CPR/AED, or similar industrial safety training.

At AIRCO we value employees for their unique perspectives. We are an inclusive affirmative action Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, present or past history of intellectual, learning, mental, or physical disability (including but not limited to blindness) unless AIRCO determines that such disability prevents performance of the work involved, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At AIRCO we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls, security classification and/or designation as Controlled Unclassified Information. Employment in this position is conditioned on the candidate’s ability to obtain and maintain appropriate government authorization to access technology or information, to the extent required, including without limitation a security clearance, export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items technology or information.

We may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as we deem appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.

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