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Furnace Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TST MASTER

Furnace Operator

Fontana, CA

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

SUMMARY Operate "Reverbatory" furnace according to standard operating procedures to maintain quality, optimum production and safety. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Assists in training helper.

TST MASTER

Furnace Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

SUMMARY Operate "Reverbatory" furnace according to standard operating procedures to maintain quality, optimum production and safety. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Assists in training helper.

VPE Thermal LLC

Be Seen First

Furnace Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

As a furnace technician at VPE Thermal, your primary role will be operating the diffusion bonding furnaces per the specifications provided by the engineering departments for manufacturing production ...

Cardinal Glass

Tempering Operator/Assembly Line

Galt, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

A and furnace operator in regards to quality or breakage issues * Never allow the line to get backed up with glass * Must possess a high sense of urgency Non-essential Job Functions * Help out unload ...

alu

Heat Treat Apprentice - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$20 - $23.97/hr

Acquire the skill to prepare furnace unloading. * Acquire the skill and knowledge to perform hardness and conductivity inspection under direct supervision. * Acquire the knowledge to document the ...

Howmet

Heat Treat Helper

Fontana, CA · On-site

$20.66/hr

Places work piece into heating furnace for specified period of time. Will learn to perform hardness inspection and read conversion table (ASTM E140). Load couple preparation Grinds parts Must have ...

Samuel

Foreman, Foundry (2nd Shift)

Riverside, CA

$27.77 - $28.74/hr

Provide handson direction and jobsite coaching to furnace operators and casting crews during assigned shifts * Assign tasks and monitor shift performance against safety and production expectations

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All JobsFurnace Operator JobsFurnace Operator Jobs in California

Furnace Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$18

$26

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for furnace operator in California is $18.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Furnace Operator vs Boiler Operator?

AspectFurnace OperatorBoiler Operator
CertificationsTypically requires HVAC or furnace-specific certificationsRequires boiler operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, power plantsPower plants, heating plants, industrial facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate and monitor furnaces for heat productionOperate and maintain boilers for steam or hot water
Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, and processing industriesPower generation, heating, and industrial sectors

While both Furnace Operators and Boiler Operators work in industrial settings managing heat-producing equipment, Furnace Operators focus on operating furnaces for heat generation, whereas Boiler Operators manage boilers for steam or hot water production. Certifications, work environments, and industry usage overlap, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the equipment they handle.

What are some common challenges furnace operators face when working with high-temperature equipment?

Furnace Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise temperature controls, ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions under pressure. Working with high-temperature equipment requires constant attention to detail and quick decision-making to prevent accidents or product defects. Operators also need to coordinate closely with maintenance teams and production supervisors to address issues promptly and minimize downtime, making strong communication skills essential in this role.

Is being a furnace operator hard?

Furnace operators are responsible for controlling and monitoring industrial heating equipment, which requires attention to safety protocols, technical skills, and the ability to work in potentially hazardous environments. The job can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but with proper training and experience, it becomes manageable. Success in this role depends on attention to detail, safety awareness, and technical competence.

What is a furnace operator?

Furnace operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring industrial furnaces used in manufacturing processes. They load materials, set temperature controls, and ensure the furnace operates safely and efficiently. Their duties may include adjusting settings, recording data, performing routine maintenance, and following safety procedures to prevent accidents. Furnace operators are essential in industries such as metalworking, glassmaking, and ceramics, where precise heating is required.

What does a furnace operator do?

A furnace operator controls a gas, coal, electric, oil, or other type of furnace in preparation to melt metal, usually at a foundry or refinery. Your duties include operating the machine on a daily basis and performing sample tests to verify that the equipment is functional. Your responsibilities may include making detailed analyses of the materials you melt, ensuring that every melting operation is performed to specifications, and conducting maintenance and safety checks on all equipment. The career requires excellent mechanical skills and the ability to use measurement tools such as calipers, gauges, and scales.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a furnace operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Furnace Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial furnace operations, materials handling, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with control systems, temperature monitoring equipment, and potentially certifications in OSHA safety standards are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators respond quickly to issues and maintain safe environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, preventing accidents, and maximizing operational efficiency in industrial settings.
More about Furnace Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Furnace Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Furnace Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Furnace Operator jobs in California? For Furnace Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Furnace Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Furnace Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Furnace Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Furnace Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Furnace Operator jobs in CA? For Furnace Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Furnace Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,302 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Furnace Operator

TST MASTER

Fontana, CA

$21.50 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY

Operate "Reverbatory" furnace according to standard operating procedures to maintain quality, optimum production and safety.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assists in training helper.
  • Charge and/or puddle material as prescribed by approved metallurgical practice (including mixing, circulating, fluxing, skimming, taking temperatures, and raking non-metallic’s. Coordinate with supervisory personnel to insure proper alloying of heat. 
  • Follow established procedures when charging wet or doubtful material. Makes sure tools to be used in charging, cleaning, skimming, or puddling will not present a danger when introduced into furnace. 
  • Accomplish furnace charging/cleaning tasks according to prescribed procedures to avoid smoke emission.
  • Makes sure safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers are available, and that prescribed personal protective equipment is available and worn.
  • Makes sure dross boxes are available, in serviceable condition at correct temperatures prior to skimming furnace.
  • Melts charge so as to obtain minimum melt loss and optimum furnace efficiency.
  • Checks burners, "recuperators", molten metal pumps, chlorine and nitrogen flow.
  • Ensure furnace operates at prescribed temperatures, throughout heat, by checking and setting burner controls.
  • Pours samples for quality inspection at prescribed intervals according to approved metallurgical practice.
  • Maintains adequate supply of tools, flux and other necessary materials in the furnace area.
  • Hauls materials to furnace using automotive equipment when necessary.
  • Keeps areas, building, furnace, tools, and equipment clean and in efficient operating condition.
  • Maintains quality, by charging prescribed and appropriate material.
  • Maintains records as required and informs supervisory personnel, in written report, what material was charged during shift.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Management

QUALIFICATIONS

-Six months of experience in manufacturing preferred.

-Six months of experience of forklift or skid loader.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
  • Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurements, volume, and distance.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Diversified and involves some choice of action within limits defined by standards/instructions. Under supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing normal duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands frequently. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception to read instruments, operate material handling equipment and identify plant color code system.  Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities in accordance to legal requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat, and certain chemicals.  The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and vibration. The noise level in this work environment requires hearing protection.  Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities in accordance to legal requirements.

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