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Furnace Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

ASM

Senior Engineer, Field Process

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

... in ASM systems, operating methodologies, and customer support practices. Working alongside ... Experience with ASM ALD, PEALD, PECVD, Epitaxy, or vertical furnace LPCVD equipment. * Demonstrated ...

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All JobsFurnace Operator JobsFurnace Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

Furnace Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$20

$28

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for furnace operator in Portland, OR is $20.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $21.39 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.
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Furnace Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,233 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician- Commercial &Industrial

CoolSys

Portland, OR

$28 - $36.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

CoolSys rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 283 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

Overview

WHY COOLSYS?

At CoolSys, we offer more than just a job—we provide stability, growth, and industry-leading benefits for our employees. No wonder Newsweek named CoolSys one of America’s Greatest Workplaces! As a large company serving diverse customers, we invest in our team with:

  • Competitive Compensation: $40.00-$65.00 DOE
  • Sign on Bonus: Up to $5,000.00 DOE
  • Ongoing Education & Training: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and paid online training.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage, paid vacation/holidays, and a 401(K) match.
  • Year-Round, Diverse Work: Stay engaged with consistent, interesting projects throughout the year, working across various industries and systems to keep learning and growing.
  • Extra Perks: Quarterly bonus plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts on vehicles, hotels, theme parks, pet insurance, and more.

Join us and advance your career while working with top-tier clients in the HVAC and refrigeration industry!


Responsibilities

This position is responsible to assist in the repair and overhaul equipment, refrigeration, heating and ventilation equipment to ensure customer needs are met efficiently, accurately and on-time.

  • Provides service to the customer base by repairing and overhauling equipment, such as compressors, water pumps, air handlers, electrical and mechanical control devices in a safe, efficient and timely manner that exceeds customers’ expectations
  • Provides general repair work on refrigeration, heating and ventilation equipment, such as air conditioning units, evaporative condensers, ice machine equipment, water pumps, gas furnaces, compressors and electric motors in a safe and timely manner.
  • Provides preventative maintenance activities for customers by diagnosing equipment malfunction and any operating deficiency of the mechanical equipment to ensure quality work performance for the customer base.
  • Provides department support by processing job tickets, work orders to the necessary department in a timely manner.
  • Provides necessary training to new or less qualified technicians as needed.
  • Perform work on minor construction and remodeling projects including startups of new installations.
  • Drives company vehicle in a safe manner.
  • Performs other related duties and projects as assigned by management.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma/GED.
  • EPA certification.
  • Certification from an accredited vocational-technical or trade school a plus.
  • Good driving record.
  • Knowledge of commercial refrigeration, ice machines, gas furnaces, and electrical components.
  • Working knowledge of single systems, parallel rack systems, display cases and walk-in boxes.
  • 5-7 years’ experience in commercial refrigeration, HVAC, ice machines, gas furnace and electrical required.
  • Experience working on refrigeration equipment in convenience and supermarket stores.
  • Ability to efficiently troubleshoot and repair computer controls and commercial refrigeration equipment.
  • Good mechanical aptitude skills.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with customers, coworkers and management.
  • Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. with no assistance and also be able to sit and/or stand for several hours at a time.

What CoolSys employees say

Pay

Benefits

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