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Furnace Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

General Operator

Nappanee, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Furnace Operator Operate and monitor furnaces per established procedures. Build heat treat loads: including placement of parts, test material and preparation of load diagrams. Perform routine furnace ...

Heat Treat Engineer

Columbus, IN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Heat Treat Engineer will work closely with furnace operators, technicians, engineering, quality, and production teams to maintain stable processes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure components meet ...

Heat Treat Engineer

Columbus, IN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Heat Treat Engineer will work closely with furnace operators, technicians, engineering, quality, and production teams to maintain stable processes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure components meet ...

Pyrotechnician - Journeyman

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$26.75 - $36.50/hr

Aid furnace operators when the furnace gets off cycle, mechanically fails or has debris that needs to be cleared. This includes setting back furnace, repairs, (often coordinating with other skilled ...

Pyrotechnician - Journeyman

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$26.75 - $36.50/hr

Aid furnace operators when the furnace gets off cycle, mechanically fails orhas debris that needs to be cleared. This includes setting back furnace, repairs, (often coordinating with other skilled ...

Heat Treat Operator

Frankfort, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Responsible for the heat treat processes and monitor the furnace lines in the heat treat department. This posting represents a 1st and 2nd shift openings. Essential Functions: · Operate mobile ...

Heat Treat Operator

Frankfort, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Position Summary Responsible for the heat treat processes and monitoring the furnace lines in the Heat Treat Department. Essential Functions Operate mobile equipment. Train and mentor teammates.

Showing results 21-40

Furnace Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$18

$25

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for furnace operator in Indiana is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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. Safety procedures and technical knowledge are essential components of the role.

What job categories do people searching Furnace Operator jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Furnace Operator jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Furnace Operator jobs in IN?

For Furnace Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,895 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

2nd Shift Machine Operator - Furnace Operator

A. M. Castle & Co.

Hammond, IN • On-site

$28.43/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

A. M. Castle & Co is seeking a full-time Machine Operator, Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. This is a 2nd Shift Opportunity. Our Hammond, Indiana, facility specializes in heat treating metal / material for customers. The ideal candidate will have experience operating safely moving product throughout an industrial warehouse. Past experience with operating an overhead crane is desired and training on the turning machine will be provided. 
Castle Metals has over 135 years of experience as a leader in the metals service center industry. We provide exceptional benefits, including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, 401K match, paid time off, paid parental leave, employee recognition, disability benefits, and tuition reimbursement.
Compensation during the first 90 days - $21/hr
Compensation after 90 days - $28.43/hr +.30c shift differential

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (performs other duties as assigned):
• Operate turning machines and saws, monitor quality of material produced
• Operate crane to load machines and load or unload trucks
• Maintain accurate documents and data input
• Sets up and operates cutting machine(s) in accordance with established procedures and guidelines
• May perform programming and/or editing on assigned machine(s)
• Performs preventative maintenance on assigned machine(s) and corresponding equipment
• May perform other responsibilities in the warehouse as requested
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1-3 years of previous warehouse experience
• Previous experience on the Kieserling machine is a plus 
• Past experience operating an overhead crane
• Capable of being certified in assigned equipment (forklift, Raymond sideloader, etc.)
• Advanced measurement competency
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a warehouse environment
• Strong work ethic
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Heat treating operation such as adjust furnace temperatures and heat cycle requirements for objects to be heat-treated for orders.
• Experience in a metals service center.
• Certified in assigned equipment (forklift, Raymond side-loader, overhead crane, etc.)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Manual dexterity (grasp, hand/wrist movement)
• Stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach
• Push/pull
• Light lifting (25lbs or less)
• Heavy lifting (25-50lbs)
• Exposure to powered industrial equipment
• Operates machinery and/or power tools
• Operates motor vehicles or heavy equipment
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to training plan
• Frequent exposure to mechanical moving parts and heat treatment equipment
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP
Company Overview: Founded in 1890, A. M. Castle & Co. is a global distributor of specialty metal and plastic products and supply chain services, principally serving the producer durable equipment, oil and gas, commercial aircraft, heavy equipment, industrial goods, construction equipment, retail, marine and automotive sectors of the global economy. Its customer base includes many Fortune 500 companies as well as thousands of medium and smaller-sized firms spread across a variety of industries. Within its metals business, it specializes in the distribution of alloy and stainless steels; nickel alloys; aluminum and carbon. Together, Castle operates service centers located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.