Industrial Machine Operator

Melt Operator / Furnace Operator

Location: Morgantown, PA
Workplace Type: On-Site
Department: Operations / Melt
Position Type: Full-Time
Pay Rate: 31.00 hour + 10% for 2nd and 3rd Shift differential
Openings: 5 total

Position Summary

A confidential metals manufacturing client in Morgantown, PA is seeking Melt Operators / Furnace Operators to support melt operations. This role is responsible for operating and maintaining furnaces, monitoring high-vacuum systems, supporting furnace setup, performing maintenance and troubleshooting, handling materials, and maintaining production records.

The Melt Operator will operate furnace equipment, respond to equipment needs, interpret gauges and monitors, support preventative maintenance, use hand and power tools, and assist with material handling using forklifts and cranes.

The ideal candidate will be mechanically inclined, safety-minded, and comfortable working in a heavy manufacturing environment. Strong candidates may come from backgrounds such as welder, fabricator, crane operator, forklift operator, furnace operator, industrial machine operator, maintenance helper, or metals manufacturing operator.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain EB furnace equipment and related melt equipment.
• Understand basic high-vacuum and furnace technologies.
• Interpret and respond to the needs of furnace equipment during operation.
• Perform pre-operative checks before and during pump-down cycles using pre-pump and startup checklists.
• Set up and operate furnaces as directed for melting operations.
• Load and unload particulate material and/or electrodes as required by the furnace process.
• Operate furnace controls and Melt Chair equipment.
• Interpret video monitors, gauges, meters, and related furnace instrumentation during operation.
• Understand basic chemistry specifications and interpret furnace-casting conditions.
• Cool, unload, identify, weigh, and document ingots.
• Take samples as required.
• Maintain accurate operating records and production logs.
• Operate leak detectors and determine vacuum integrity.
• Clean out furnaces and crucibles during maintenance cycles.
• Replace damaged components as needed.
• Change molds, hearths, shields, and feed devices.
• Perform preventative maintenance, including changing filters, replacing parts, changing oil, and checking fluids.
• Perform mechanical tasks such as flame cutting, arc welding, silver soldering, and soft soldering.
• Use hand and power tools such as wrenches, drills, grinders, and saws.
• Correctly operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and cranes.
• Support other departments as needed based on production demands.
• Follow all safety rules, PPE requirements, manufacturing procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Work holidays, weekends, or alternate schedules as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Relevant manufacturing, industrial, furnace, material handling, welding, fabrication, maintenance, or mechanical experience preferred.
• Must be mechanically inclined.
• Basic math skills required.
• Ability to learn furnace and high-vacuum technologies.
• Ability to interpret monitors, gauges, meters, and furnace conditions.
• Ability to follow detailed checklists, startup procedures, production instructions, and safety requirements.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to perform basic mechanical tasks and preventative maintenance.
• Ability to work around furnaces, hot materials, heavy equipment, and industrial production areas.
• Ability to wear a respirator.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work assigned shift, overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in a relevant manufacturing or industrial environment preferred.
• Trade school or additional technical training preferred.
• Forklift experience highly preferred.
• Crane operation experience highly preferred.
• Welding or fabrication experience preferred.
• MIG, TIG, Stick, arc welding, flame cutting, soldering, or related hands-on experience preferred.
• Heavy manufacturing, metals, foundry, forging, furnace, heat treat, melt, or industrial machine operation experience preferred.
• Experience with leak detectors, vacuum systems, furnace controls, or industrial maintenance is a plus.

Ideal Candidate Backgrounds

Strong candidates may come from roles such as:

• Welder.
• Fabricator.
• Crane Operator.
• Forklift Operator.
• Furnace Operator.
• Melt Operator.
• Heat Treat Operator.
• Foundry Operator.
• Forge Operator.
• Heavy Manufacturing Operator.
• Industrial Machine Operator.
• Maintenance Helper.
• Mechanical Assembly Technician.
• Metal Processing Operator.