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Furnace Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

PRESS OPERATOR

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15 - $17.49/hr

Furnace Record Pressing is growing; we're looking for Press Operators! About Furnace: Furnace Record Pressing is a full-service vinyl pressing plant based in Alexandria, VA. We make vinyl records for ...

Overhead Cab Crane Operator- Melt Shop Earning potential of $85000 / year which includes biweekly ... Transport raw materials to the floor, add alloys in the furnace/bins, perform electrode addition ...

The Control Room Operator is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a ... Manage chip feed system, fuel feed system, furnace, dryer system, primary and secondary sizing and ...

The Control Room Operator is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a ... Manage chip feed system, fuel feed system, furnace, dryer system, primary and secondary sizing and ...

Heat Treat Operator - Days

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

... Monitor furnace and line performance status and accuracy, based on operational settings. • ... Room Operator, Specialist or Maintenance as needed. • Work with minimal supervision and ...

Heat Treat Operator - Days

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

... Monitor furnace and line performance status and accuracy, based on operational settings. • ... Room Operator, Specialist or Maintenance as needed. • Work with minimal supervision and ...

Heat Treat Operator - Nights

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

... Monitor furnace and line performance status and accuracy, based on operational settings. • ... Room Operator, Specialist or Maintenance as needed. • Work with minimal supervision and ...

Heat Treat Operator - Nights

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

... Monitor furnace and line performance status and accuracy, based on operational settings. • ... Room Operator, Specialist or Maintenance as needed. • Work with minimal supervision and ...

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Furnace Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$18

$26

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for furnace operator in Virginia is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.00 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.

What are furnace operators?

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 is the highest paying machine operator job?

Among machine operators, roles such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operators and industrial machinery supervisors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $60,000 annually. These positions typically require specialized skills, certifications, and experience working with advanced equipment in manufacturing or production environments.

How much do blast furnace operators make?

Furnace operators, including blast furnace operators, typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require knowledge of safety protocols, control systems, and may need certifications to operate heavy industrial equipment.

What job does a furnace give?

A furnace operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring industrial furnaces used in manufacturing, metalworking, or power plants. They ensure the equipment operates safely and efficiently, often requiring knowledge of temperature controls, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications. The role involves working in a controlled environment and may include shift work to maintain continuous operation.

What does a furnace operator do?

A furnace operator controls and monitors industrial furnaces used in manufacturing processes, ensuring proper temperature and safety procedures are maintained. They inspect equipment, make adjustments as needed, and follow safety protocols, often working with control systems and requiring certifications in safety standards. Their role is essential for efficient and safe operation of heat-intensive machinery.

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 popular job titles related to Furnace Operator jobs in Virginia? For Furnace Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Furnace Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Furnace Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Furnace Operator jobs in VA? For Furnace Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, 4% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,482 per year, or $19 per hour.
PRESS OPERATOR

PRESS OPERATOR

Furnace Record Pressing LLC

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$15 - $17.49/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Furnace Record Pressing is growing; we’re looking for Press Operators!


About Furnace:


Furnace Record Pressing is a full-service vinyl pressing plant based in Alexandria,

VA. We make vinyl records for major labels and indies, musicians, and all who care

about quality and craft. We’ve been doing this for over 25 years and are dedicated

to continuing to drive the industry by bringing only the best vinyl records to

market.


Our clients include the biggest bands in the world and independent labels and

bands putting out their first record. Yes, this is a cool place to work, but we also

work very hard and care deeply about the final product.


We practice Lean Manufacturing in the office and on the manufacturing floor. This

means a lot of things but part of it is saving time every day through continual

improvement of processes and ourselves.


About you:

  • Above all else, attitude is important. Desire to always be learning, thinks critically, and is respectful are the key tenants success at Furnace
  • Is open to feedback, and trying things in a different way
  • Takes initiative to problem solving
  • Understands urgency
  • Good communicator
  • Likes being part of a team who works hard, respects their work and their co-workers (very important)
  • Demonstrates common sense and adheres to safety measures
  • Must be able to work Monday-Thursday, 10 hour shifts (6:30AM-5:00PM)
  • This is an on-site, non remote position, reliable transportation is key
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Some things you’ll do in this position:

  • First and foremost, running press machines to hit production goals
  • Keep pressing station stocked with needed supplies
  • Setup and changeover jobs in the pressing room
  • Follow instructions, follow schedules, and keep the press running
  • Provide basic maintenance on presses, or communicate pressing issues to the maintenance team as appropriate
  • Occasional overtime opportunity to meet production deadlines
  • Maintain and improve workspaces for safety, efficiency, and LEAN

Some things you’ll need in this position:

  • Mechanical work experience in a repair or manufacturing environment ideal
  • Restaurant or food service background is a plus, or any industry where one has to hustle and think on their feet
  • Comfortable around (heavy duty) machines and an eagerness to master them is essential

This position is a full time, four day work week. It comes with health and supplemental insurance benefits, PTO, and we observe 11 holidays. Located in Alexandria, VA.


Please make sure you are uploading an updated resume.