Summary of Job –

The Heat Treat Furnace Operator is responsible for setting up and operating heat treat equipment to perform case hardening, through hardening, and tempering processes.

This role ensures product quality by following specifications, maintaining equipment, monitoring processes, and conducting inspections.

Function & Scope of Responsibility –

Stage materials, weigh parts, and prepare loads for processing.

Load and unload furnaces (batch and continuous) using baskets, containers, or automated feeding equipment.

Operate and monitor multiple heat treat furnaces simultaneously.

Continuously monitor critical process variables such as furnace temperatures, quench levels and agitation, conveyor speeds, burner performance, and flow rates and system controls

Perform routine equipment maintenance and basic troubleshooting.

Inspect parts during and after processing to ensure compliance with specifications.

Conduct both destructive and non-destructive testing, including

• Cutting, breaking, and etching samples
• Measuring case depth
• Using hardness testing equipment (Rockwell, Brinell)
• Identify non-conforming products and take corrective action or properly segregate materials.

Wash, shot blast, and prepare parts as required.

Accurately record production data, inspection results, and process parameters.

Move materials throughout the facility using material handling equipment (e.g., forklift/tow motor).

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Communicate production status and issues to supervisors or leads.

Cross-train and provide coverage for other operators as required.

Education or Professional Qualifications -

• High school diploma or GED required.

• 0–3 months of related manufacturing or heat treat experience preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience Required -

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings, work orders and routing instructions, and safety rules and operating procedures

• Basic math skills, including working with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

• Ability to use measuring and testing equipment, including calipers and hardness testers.

• Strong attention to detail and quality.

• Basic mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to follow instructions and work independently in a structured production environment.

Other Requirements/ Comments –

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

• This individual is required to work in a hot and harsh environment.

• Employees must be able to work additional hours at the beginning or end of the shift, additional days during the payroll week which and will be in excess of forty (40) hours per payroll weeks.

• Employees are expected to support company quality objectives by adhering to all policies, procedures, and work instructions. This role plays a key part in meeting production and quality standards.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Frequent standing, walking, and use of both hands for handling tools and materials.

• Occasional bending, crouching, climbing, or reaching overhead.

• Ability to lift:

• Up to 10 lbs regularly
• Up to 25 lbs frequently
• Up to 50 lbs occasionally

• Vision requirements include close detail, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

• Regular exposure to high temperatures and heat treat furnaces, moving mechanical partLoud noise levels

• Industrial manufacturing environment with potentially harsh conditions.

• Must be available to work scheduled shifts and overtime as required.

• Overtime may include extended hours and additional days beyond a standard 40-hour workweek.