SUMMARY

The Machine Operator is responsible for operating specialized ovens and tumbling/finishing equipment to heat-treat, deburr, polish, and clean sheet metal components. This role ensures that all parts meet engineering specifications and quality standards while maintaining safety and efficiency. The position also includes material handling duties using forklifts and company vehicles to transport materials between facilities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Oven Operation & Heat Treatment:

• Manage and operate furnaces containing aluminum at significantly high temperatures used for casting high-quality parts.
• Load CNC parts and metal castings into containers to be inserted into the heat treat furnace.
• Monitor and adjust oven settings (temperature, gas flow, cycle duration).
• Ensure proper purging and sealing of ovens to maintain inert conditions.
• Record process data and maintain accurate logs of oven cycles and gas usage.
• Inspect heat-treated parts for quality and conformity to specifications.

Tumbling & Finishing Operations:

• Operate tumbling machines, vibratory finishers, and related finishing equipment.
• Load and unload parts, ensuring correct media and compounds are used.
• Inspect finished parts for burrs, sharp edges, and proper surface finish.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of finishing equipment.
• Monitor machine performance and report malfunctions or irregularities.

Material Handling & Transportation:

• Safely operate forklifts to transport raw materials, work-in-progress, and ?nished goods.
• Load and unload oven trays and ?xtures using appropriate lifting techniques and equipment.
• Drive company vehicles between facilities to transport materials and products as needed.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and report any maintenance issues.

Quality & Safety Collaboration & Reporting:

• Follow all safety protocols for high-temperature ovens, rotating machinery, inert gas systems, and chemical compounds.
• Wear required PPE (gloves, safety glasses, respirators, hearing protection, etc.).
• Collaborate with quality control, production, and maintenance teams.
• Assist in continuous improvement initiatives related to both heat treatment and finishing.

REQUIRED:

• A high school diploma or equivalent; technical manufacturing or material processing training is preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of experience operating industrial ovens or furnaces in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven forklift operation experience; certification preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; experience driving between
• facilities or delivery routes preferred.
• Familiarity with inert gas systems (e.g., nitrogen, argon) and safety procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, work orders, and safety instructions.

DESIRED:

• Someone who proactively addresses concerns and potential issues before them negatively impact business
• Someone who is personally committed to owning the outcome of identified results, with a proven record of success and ownership when achieving goals
• A strong initiative with the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• A problem solver with a solution-focused mindset

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting/Standing/Walking
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in high-temperature environments and around industrial equipment.
• Exposure to noise, dust, heat, and chemicals on the manufacturing floor.
• Requires frequent standing, bending, lifting, and operation of forklifts and rotating machinery.
• Must be able to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently
• Clear diction, correct grammar, and acute hearing are necessary for effective communication with clients, vendors, management, and other employees
• Corrected vision close to 20/20 is necessary to effectively use computer screens, read reports, and respond to correspondence and emails