Heat Treat Operator

Position Summary

The Heat Treat Operator - 2nd & 3rd Shift

The operator loads and unloads furnaces, positions parts on racks, monitors heating cycles, responds to equipment alarms, performs quenching operations, and conducts basic inspections. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to follow established process specifications and quality procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Heat Treatment Operations

• Set and regulate furnace and equipment temperature controls.
• Load parts into batch furnaces according to established procedures.
• Position parts on racks and prepare components for processing.
• Monitor heating cycles to ensure parts reach the required temperature and cycle time.
• Monitor equipment throughout the heating process and respond appropriately to alarms.
• Identify and correct basic alarm conditions when authorized and qualified to do so.
• Remove parts from furnaces at the appropriate time.
• Perform quenching operations using:
• Oil
• Water
• Brine
• Other approved quenching media
• Operate specialized heat-treatment equipment as required, including induction heating equipment where applicable.
  

Equipment Operation

Experience with some or all of the following equipment is preferred:

• Batch furnaces
• Temper ovens
• Wash units
• Endothermic gas generators
• Evaporators
• Hardness testing equipment
• Induction heating furnaces
• PLC/CNC-controlled equipment
  
  

Quality & Inspection

• Visually inspect parts for foreign material, defects, or abnormalities.
• Read and interpret engineering blueprints, setup sheets, prints, and specifications.
• Perform basic dimensional and quality inspections.
• Use inspection equipment such as:
• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Gauge pins
• Optical comparators
• Hardness testers
• Identify and report errors or discrepancies involving routing procedures, drawings, specifications, materials, or processes.
• Follow established quality and ISO procedures.
  

Process & Documentation

• Follow established operating procedures and work instructions.
• Maintain accurate process and inspection records.
• Follow temperature, time, material, and processing specifications.
• Communicate equipment or process abnormalities to the appropriate supervisor or group leader.
• Use Microsoft Excel and other computer systems as required.
• Work with ERP systems such as Syteline where applicable.
  
  

Safety & Housekeeping

• Follow all company safety procedures and applicable workplace requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Handle parts and materials safely.
• Follow proper procedures for furnaces, heated materials, chemicals, quenching fluids, and other process hazards.
• Use required PPE and follow established operating procedures.
  
  

Teamwork & Communication

• Work effectively with operators, maintenance personnel, quality staff, supervisors, and other production employees.
• Follow direction from group leaders and supervisors.
• Communicate process issues, equipment problems, and quality concerns promptly.
• Adapt work practices to changing production requirements.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a metalworking or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed operating and quality procedures.
• Basic mathematics skills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, setup sheets, and technical specifications.
• Ability to perform basic dimensional inspection.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English; ESL candidates may be considered.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Heat-treatment operations
• Metal finishing
• Chain manufacturing
• Metal stamping
• Furnace operation
• Tempering
• Quenching
• Hardness testing
• PLC-controlled machinery
• CNC-controlled machinery
• Industrial production equipment
• Gaging and inspection
• Quality and ISO procedures
• Microsoft Excel
• Syteline ERP or similar manufacturing ERP systems
  
  

Technical Skills

• Heat-treatment process fundamentals
• Furnace temperature and cycle control
• Quenching processes
• Metalworking processes
• Blueprint and specification interpretation
• Basic dimensional inspection
• Calipers and micrometers
• Gauge pins
• Optical comparators
• Hardness testing
• Basic PLC/CNC equipment operation
• Basic computer skills
• Manufacturing quality procedures
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Approximately 80% of the workday may be spent standing, walking, lifting, pushing, or pulling.
• Ability to work around hot equipment and industrial manufacturing processes.
• Requires adequate close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to follow required PPE and safety procedures.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Short-term disability
• Paid Time Off