Air Separation Unit Specialist

INEOS Pigments•Ashtabula, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Air Separation Unit (ASU) Specialist provides day-to-day technical leadership for a cryogenic Air Separation Unit. This role integrates operations support including guaranteeing product purity (Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Argon), process troubleshooting, procedure development, training, and maintenance strategy oversight to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance. It is classified as a Safety Critical role.

Requirements

Must have direct Air Separation Unit (ASU) experience
Either: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or related) with 5–8 years of ASU experience, OR Non-degreed (High school diploma / technical training) ASU expert with 15–20 years hands-on experience
Strong knowledge and deep expertise in the mechanics of cryogenic distillation systems, molecular sieve purification beds, and turbo-expanders.
Experience with rotating equipment (pumps, compressors)
Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
Fluent capability to interpret complex Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), electrical schematics and thermodynamic flow charts
Be able to use analytical processes (appraise a situation, develop supporting plans, make decisions, generate innovative ideas, analyze and troubleshoot operational problems)
Working knowledge of chemical/industrial equipment function, design, and regulatory requirements and Process Safety Management and ISO systems and procedures
Functionality with various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Office Suite and SAP
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with all levels of employees

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma training a plus
Experience with reliability tools (RCFA, FMEA) is desired

Responsibilities

Adhere to INEOS Pigments’ 20 principles of process and Behavioral Safety and Life Saving Rules
Provide day-to-day technical support for ASU operations (O ₂ , N ₂ , Ar production)
Troubleshoot complex, non-routine system process fluctuations and manage swift, safe recovery actions during unplanned shutdowns
Maximize plant reliability and efficiency by continuously fine-tuning process variables such as flow rates, temperatures, and pressures.
Support and lead derime and cool-down, startups, shutdowns, and load changes
Optimize plant performance, energy efficiency, and product recovery
Develop and maintain operating procedures and best practices
Lead operator training, qualification, and knowledge transfer
Standardize startup/shutdown and upset recovery procedures
Define maintenance strategies for critical ASU equipment (pumps, centrifugal compressors, expanders, product purification units, cryogenic distillation columns, valves)
Identify and implement reliability and efficiency improvements
Analyze plant data and trends to prevent failures and optimize performance
Support debottlenecking and capacity improvements
Support planning and execution of outages and turnarounds
Lead or participate in RCFA, FMEA, and reliability improvement initiatives
Partner with maintenance teams to prioritize work and improve equipment performance
Ensure adherence to all safety, environmental, and PSM requirements
Participate in HAZOPs, audits, and risk assessments
Reinforce a strong safety culture across operations and maintenance
Other duties as assigned