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Furnace Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JB Enterprises Inc.

Machine Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Lifts and loads units to and from braze furnace * Follows sequence of operations (SOP's) and ... Able to perform safety requirements while machine is operating or during lockout-tag-out procedures ...

Three Point Solutions, Inc.

Production Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Production Operator Client: Aerospace Industry Location: San Diego, CA 92121 Duration: 6 Months ... Chem-mill and furnace loading/unloading * Masking tools * Hand-held motors * Belt and wire wheel ...

Three Point Solutions

Production Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Production Operator Client: Aerospace Industry Location: San Diego, CA 92121 Duration: 6 Months ... Chem-mill and furnace loading/unloading * Masking tools * Hand-held motors * Belt and wire wheel ...

Velo3D

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Partner cross-functionally with EDM technicians, furnace operators, depowdering teams, quality, and shipping/receiving to eliminate process handoff gaps and improve production flow. * Lead structured ...

VELO3D

Staff Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$165K/yr

Drive cross-functional alignment between engineering, operations, quality, EDM technicians, furnace operators, depowdering personnel, and other manufacturing stakeholders to improve production flow ...

Velo3D

Staff Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Fremont, CA

$165K - $188K/yr

Drive cross-functional alignment between engineering, operations, quality, EDM technicians, furnace operators, depowdering personnel, and other manufacturing stakeholders to improve production flow ...

Velo3D

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Partner cross-functionally with EDM technicians, furnace operators, depowdering teams, quality, and shipping/receiving to eliminate process handoff gaps and improve production flow. * Lead structured ...

VELO3D

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$145K/yr

Partner cross-functionally with EDM technicians, furnace operators, depowdering teams, quality, and shipping/receiving to eliminate process handoff gaps and improve production flow. * Lead structured ...

Employnet Inc

Vacuum Casting Operator

Fremont, CA

The ideal candidate will have experience in foundry or furnace operations and a strong focus on ... Experience operating and maintaining vacuum and/or hydrogen furnaces is highly desirable. * Ability ...

Employnet Inc

Vacuum Casting Operator

Fremont, CA

The ideal candidate will have experience in foundry or furnace operations and a strong focus on ... Experience operating and maintaining vacuum and/or hydrogen furnaces is highly desirable. * Ability ...

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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.

Foreman, Foundry (2nd Shift)

Samuel, Son & Co (USA), Inc.

Riverside, CA • On-site

$27.77 - $28.74/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Samuel, Son & Co. rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description


Monday - Saturday
3:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Here are some of the great benefits that we offer:
  • Competitive pay ( + Foundry Premium $3.00/hour)
  • Company paid health and dental benefits.
  • Paid vacation
  • 401K Plan with company match
  • Opportunity for career stability and growth
  • Tuition reimbursement program

Responsibilities
1. Safety & Compliance
  • Adhere to all safety policies related to molten metal handling and furnace operations
  • Verify that all materials, tools, and scrap are dry and properly inspected before charging or use to maintain a safe operating environment.
  • Monitor safe charging practices (long scrap, bales, cold/wet materials)
  • Ensure proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for out-of-service equipment
  • Identify hazards such as cracked hoses, thermocouples, or furnace issues and escalate and stop operations when required for safety

2. Production & Operations
  • Monitor furnace charging, melting, alloying, and casting processes
  • Ensure furnace capacity is optimized and charging specifications are followed
  • Control melt times and furnace temperatures to prevent overheating and oxidation
  • Coordinate daily production to meet throughput targets.
  • Monitor billet quality, scrap rates, and process efficiency

3. Alloying & Metallurgical Control
  • Ensure correct alloying practices per Sierra and ASTM specifications
  • Oversee addition of alloying elements and verify chemical composition
  • Monitor spectrometer usage for accurate metal analysis
  • Ensure proper stirring, sampling, and homogenization of molten metal

4. Equipment & Process Control
  • Oversee furnace maintenance including hot cleaning Furnaces/Degasser unit and inspections
  • Ensure proper operation and calibration of thermocouples
  • Monitor condition of molds, filters, troughs, and casting tables
  • Coordinate with maintenance for repairs

5. Quality Control
  • Ensure compliance with work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Monitor inclusion risks (filters, dross, contamination)
  • Verify proper tracking of materials using D365.
  • Ensure traceability of production from charge to final product

6. Team Coordination & On-Shift Leadership
  • Provide hands-on direction and job-site coaching to furnace operators and casting crews during assigned shifts
  • Assign tasks and monitor shift performance against safety and production expectations
  • Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
  • Conduct shift meetings and communicate production goals and safety expectations

7. Leadership Skills
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to lead teams in high-temperature, high-risk environments
  • Effective communication with operators, maintenance, and management

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in aluminum casting, foundry, or furnace operations
  • At least 2 years of lead or foreman-level experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong knowledge of aluminum alloys and alloying practices (ASTM standards preferred)
  • Experience with furnace operations, melt control, and casting processes
  • Ability to identify and mitigate safety risks related to molten metal, wet scrap, and high-temperature environments
  • Familiarity with spectrometer use and basic metallurgical analysis
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Experience with (D365 or similar) for production tracking and material traceability
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage shift operations effectively

Physical & Environmental Requirements
  • Ability to work safely in high-temperature industrial environments using required personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work around molten metal and industrial equipment for extended periods

The pay for this position is $27.77 - $28.74. If you are hired, your base salary will be determined based on factors such as geographic locations, skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
About Us
At Samuel, we believe every team member brings unique and valuable skills, experiences and knowledge to our thriving business - enabling us to build on over 170 years of success in the metals industry. We offer countless opportunities for our team members to develop and grow in their careers, empower them to make decisions on the job and be a part of driving positive change - within our organization and in the communities where we live and work. If you're seeking a dynamic, supportive and welcoming workplace to make your mark and grow your career, we have the programs, culture and opportunities to make it happen. We're stronger together.
At Samuel we believe in a culture of equality. Respect and integrity are at our core. We are committed to building and creating an environment that is open and welcoming for everyone.
This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization
Samuel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In the United States, we utilize E-Verify.
About the Team
Sierra Aluminum is a vertically integrated aluminum extrusion mill providing standard, custom and OEM aluminum products that range from basic mill finished extrusions all the way to finished, fabricated shapes. With in-house value added services such as anodizing, painting, thermal improvement, fabrication and specialized packaging, we ensure consistent quality products delivered on time.

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