Gas Production Operator trainee

Coherent Corp. • Saxonburg, PA

1d

About The Position

The Gas Production Operator trainee role is a hands-on manufacturing position preparing an employee to become an H₂Se Systems Operator. The work involves producing Hydrogen Selenide (H₂Se) gas and capturing it in cylinders. No prior gas production experience is required. Employees complete a formal, 12–18-month training program that includes reviewing procedures and training materials, learning to operate and maintain H₂Se processes and support equipment under supervision, and passing required tests and documented qualification milestones. After completing the required training and individual signoffs, employees transition to independent work and receive a one-level pay increase.

The role is suited to people with strong safety awareness, mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to learn and retain technical information. Work takes place in an industrial manufacturing environment with strict safety requirements and hazardous materials. The position supports a 24/5 operation through rotating shifts, with a four-day work week and weekends and holidays off. Compensation starts at $25 per hour, with a 15% midnight shift differential.

Because of ITAR requirements, applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals protected under U.S. law as defined in 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). The role requires compliance with company EHS procedures and applicable OSHA Process Safety Management, EPA Risk Management Plan, DEP hazardous-waste, and ISO quality requirements. Emergency Response Team participation is required, including required training such as 40-hour HAZWOPER and ongoing refreshers. Respirators, supplied air, and SCBA equipment are required. Pre-employment and annual pulmonary function tests and respirator physicals are also required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or protected-individual status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), due to ITAR requirements.
• Strong safety awareness and willingness to strictly follow detailed procedures.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, equipment, and process systems.
• Ability to learn and retain technical and safety-related information.
• Reliability and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate with teammates, supervisors, and support groups.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, logging, and equipment interfaces.
• Comfort working rotating shifts in an industrial environment.
• Ability to stand or sit for up to 12 hours per shift.
• Ability to occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb, bend, reach, push, pull, and work on ladders or mechanical lifts.
• Ability to wear required PPE and safety equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements for Emergency Response Team participation.
• Ability to complete required pre-employment and annual pulmonary function tests and respirator physicals.
• Ability to use respirators, supplied air, and SCBA equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

• Prior manufacturing, industrial, maintenance, or skilled-trades experience is helpful but not required.
• Experience in manufacturing, maintenance, construction, utilities, automotive, skilled trades, military, or other hands-on roles.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate, monitor, and maintain H₂Se gas production equipment and supporting systems through structured on-the-job training and documented qualification processes.
• Perform assigned production and equipment tasks independently after completing required training and individual signoffs.
• Safely operate H₂Se gas production reactors and support systems in compliance with established procedures.
• Handle and store process materials and H₂Se gas cylinders according to training, site procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor equipment, processes, and safety systems; accurately log operating data and report abnormal conditions.
• Perform routine facility checks and follow reporting requirements.
• Follow safety procedures, policies, and protocols when working with hazardous materials.
• Participate in Process Safety Management activities and comply with OSHA PSM and EPA Risk Management Plan requirements.
• Learn and follow site and DEP standards for hazardous-waste handling and storage.
• Participate as a member of the Coherent Saxonburg Site Emergency Response Team, including required training and ongoing refreshers.
• Follow applicable Quality Assurance policies and participate in audits to maintain ISO 9001 certification.
• Comply with site EHS procedures, Coherent Corporate EHS standards, company values, and applicable quality and environmental management standards.

Benefits

• Company bonuses.
• 12–18-month training program with a one-level pay increase upon completion.
• Three weeks of paid time off accrual to start.
• Five days of paid sick time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Annual performance review with merit increase.
• Company-supplied boots, uniforms, and safety equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED