Process Operator III (Medina, NY)

Job Description

Job Description

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 recently 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

We are seeking Process Operators to join our team at AirCo's Medina, NY facility. These roles will report to the Project Installation Manager and play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our production systems.

What you get to do

Operations & Maintenance:

• Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down reactor systems across lab, pilot, and production scales.
• Operate tertiary equipment and H₂ compressor systems.
• Adjust, test, and operate pumps, valves, and controls.
• Monitor and interpret process data using Honeywell Experion.
• Execute quick fabrication, supporting system upgrades, scaling, and research setups allowing for quick response to short term business priorities and technology decision points.

Safety & Quality:

• Follow SOPs and safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals.
• Contribute to achieving 90%+ production uptime.

Data & Troubleshooting:

• Obtain data exports and perform various calculations as required.
• Maintain accurate and detailed logbooks of operational activities.
• In coordination with managers, troubleshooting and light repair of process equipment as well as
• coordinating with third party contractors where required.
• Assist with system upgrades and improvements.
• Assist with scaling up of Air Company's reactor technology.
• Coordinate transportation and handling of inbound and outbound hazardous chemicals.

Shift & Work Environment:

• Work 12-hour rotating shifts in a 24/7 operation.
• Conduct detailed shift handovers.
• Work in loud, varied environments; lift 50 lbs, climb stairs/ladders.
• Use PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes).

What you bring to AIRCO

• High school diploma and/or industry-specific training or experience required.
• Veterans and candidates with 2-year technology certificates or degrees are encouraged to apply.
• Experience operating chemical reaction systems or other pressure equipment.
• Background in operating and maintaining engineering equipment in chemical or petrochemical facilities.
• Experience working 12-hour shift rotations to support 24/7 operations.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work proactively and independently with an eagerness to learn.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to learn and use specialized software.
• Team player with a strong passion for fostering a safe, collaborative work environment.
• Interest in sustainability, technology, science, and startups.
• Must be able to obtain FDNY Certificate of Fitness exams (A-35, G-98, C-92, and G-79) within 6 months of employment.

Bonus Points Optional

• Experience in research and development (R&D) or process improvement.
• Hands-on gas-to-liquids (GTL) operations experience.

Hourly Pay Range: $23.00-$28.00. This role is overtime eligible

The approximate annual base compensation range and benefits listed above may vary based on the applicant's experience, skills, abilities, and relevant industry expertise.

Position type and expected hours of work: Full time position, be willing to work any day of the week, and be flexible to off shift and/or rotating shifts as applicable or assigned. Overtime may be required.

Working at AIRCO - In addition to standard medical and dental benefits, that kick in Day 1, we provide:

Comprehensive Health Benefits

• Full coverage for employee base premiums on health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 70% coverage for spouse and dependent base premiums.
• Choose between base plans or enhanced options to meet your needs.

Health Savings & Flexibility

• Access company-sponsored HSA and FSA accounts to save on healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Income Protection & Insurance

• Company-paid Short-Term Disability insurance.
• Optional Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance plans.

Time Off & Holidays

• Up to 184 hours of paid time off per year.
• 11 company-paid holidays, including overtime pay for holiday work.
• Generous paid sick leave.

Retirement Savings

• Tax-deferred 401(k) plan with a 3% company match to help you invest in your future.

Commuter Benefits

• Pre-tax savings on transit and parking, plus monthly company contributions.

Additional Perks

• Ancillary benefits, including pet insurance and financial wellness programs.
• Employee wellness program to support your well-being.
• Sponsored team events and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
• Weekly catered lunch every Wednesday.

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.