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Plant Operator - Cylinder Prep

Airgas, Inc.
parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Oct 21, 2025
R10078552 Plant Operator - Cylinder Prep (Open)

Location:

Chicago, IL (ASG) - Industrial spec gas How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? Airgas is hiring for a Cylinder Prep Tech in Chicago, IL
(our site is located on the South side)
Shift: 1st Shift (Tuesday - Friday 4:30 AM - 3:00 PM; Sat - Mon off)

The Plant Operator - Cylinder Prep processes and repairs previously serviced gas cylinders to prepare them for new gas production. This role requires strict adherence to safety, product quality, and productivity standards. Responsibilities include sorting cylinders by size and service; utilizing manifolds and vacuum pumps for internal cylinder preparation; scraping and painting cylinders; and safely moving cylinders within the facility using a forklift and handcart.

We are looking for you !

  • Loads and unloads gas cylinders from pallets, moving cylinders safely utilizing proper cylinder movement techniques.

  • Follows Airgas standard operating procedures while conducting pre-fill inspections of cylinders and valves to ensure cylinders can be safely filled.

  • Connects cylinders to various gas manifolds for processing. This process involves a proper leak check-including pressure-checking connections and valves-followed by venting residual product, purging cylinder gas, and placing the cylinders under a vacuum.

  • Understands hazards of various gases by utilizing material safety data sheets, cylinder shoulder and or body label, and pure gas color coding.

  • Performs cylinder maintenance including scraping and painting cylinders, safely changing valves and or pressure relief devices and installing new valves in high pressure cylinders.

  • Understands basic compressor operation as well as cryogenic liquid and vacuum pump operations.

  • Perform valve and cylinder inventory.

  • Qualify to operate forklift and perform forklift inspection.

  • Ability to troubleshoot and perform basic equipment maintenance.

  • Keep a clean and orderly work area.

  • Other duties as assigned.

  • Hourly rate - $21-$23/hr

________________________ Are you a MATCH?

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

  • One year of prior experience in a hands-on manufacturing or processing role or previous industrial gas experience preferred.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to read and comprehend material safety data sheets.

  • Must be able to work with a wide variety of people with different personalities and backgrounds.

  • Ability to work independently and under some pressure to meet deadlines.

  • Strong level of attention to detail.

  • Ability to safely operate a forklift.

Physical Requirements

The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

  • Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus objects.

  • Regularly required to stand, bend, stoop, crouch, reach, grasp, feel and talk or hear.

  • Able to smell and hear leaking gas from cylinders.

  • Must be able to be on your feet for extended periods of time throughout the work shift.

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance.

  • Ability to work in hot and cold environments.

________________________

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.

_________________________

About Airgas

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.

_________________________

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.

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