1

Furnace Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Furnace Operator - Weekend Shift

Kent, WA · On-site

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Furnace Operator (Aerospace) - Weekend Shift Hours: 5:00am - 5:30pm, Friday - Sunday Functions and Responsibilities * Prepare parts for loading into furnace, including wiping and final cleaning as ...

Furnace Operator (Aerospace) - Swing Shift

Kent, WA · On-site

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Furnace Operator (Aerospace) - Swing Shift Hours: 2:30pm - 1:00am, Monday through Thursday. May be asked to train on day shift hours for 4-6 weeks. Functions and Responsibilities * Prepare parts for ...

Furnace Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$21

$30

How much do furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for furnace operator in Seattle, WA is $21.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $22.98 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 are popular job titles related to Furnace Operator jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Furnace Operator jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Furnace Operator jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Furnace Operator jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Furnace Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Furnace Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,320 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Furnace Operator - Weekend Shift

Kent, WA • On-site


Parker
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

At Parker Aerospace, we develop technologies and innovative solutions that enable reliable, efficient and increasingly sustainable flight for the lifecycle of the aircraft, including aftermarket support. Our passionate people with deep engineering expertise, together with our breadth of differentiated technologies, ensure that we make the extraordinary happen and continue to shape the future of aviation in partnership with our customers.

As a member of our team, you are instrumental in fulfilling our mission: 'Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow.' Pursuing a career at Parker presents unlimited opportunities for both professional and personal development. Working with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, your contributions will be pivotal in developing innovative technologies and products, significantly contributing to Parker's goal of addressing the world's most pressing engineering challenges. At Parker, our team members belong, matter and make a difference.

At Exotic Metals Forming Division, our highly talented team blends a passion for manufacturing with relentless customer support, making us the partner of choice for complex aerospace solutions. Working at EMFD is about being part of a team, a culture, something that is bigger than each of us individually. We began as a small group of people passionately committed to a common goal. That is why we are so proud of everyone in our Exotic family who strives to be the best at what they do every day, working as a collaborative team in a culture of continuous improvement to stretch the bounds of creative thinking and provide quality products to our customers around the globe.

Furnace Operator (Aerospace) - Weekend Shift

Hours: 5:00am - 5:30pm, Friday - Sunday

Functions and Responsibilities

  • Prepare parts for loading into furnace, including wiping and final cleaning as necessary.
  • Manufacturing load thermocouples.
  • Ensure proper heat treat cycle is used following manufacturing traveler requirements for heat, vacuum levels, time and cooling rate.
  • Monitor leak rate and progress of load during cycle.
  • Maintain furnace systems including preventative maintenance checks on pumps and other items listed in the maintenance log.
  • Perform weekly leak rate testing.
  • Recognize and control equipment failures. Detect faulty processes and provide input for their resolution.
  • Responsible for ensuring proper documentation is entered on manufacturing planning (including correct quantities), paperless timecard system and furnace log. 
  • Knows when to stop and ask for clarification.
  • Knowledge of shop math and precision measurement equipment.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent GED

Working Conditions

Demonstrate proper and safe operation of equipment, and personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, safety glasses/chemical goggles, hearing protection, respirator, and heat-reflective gloves as required.

Physical Requirements

The furnace operator performs physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and frequent movement of the whole body, such as climbing, lifting to 50 pounds, balancing, and handling of material.

Drug-Free Workplace

In accordance with Parker's policies and applicable state laws, Parker provides for a drug-free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with Parker will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.

This position is subject to meeting U.S. export compliance and/or U.S. Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements

Pay, Benefits, Work Schedule

Competitive Compensation

  • Pay Range:  20/hr to 31.6/hr
  • Participation in Annual Incentive Program

Benefit & Retirement Plans 

Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:

  • Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost. 
  • 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
  • Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
  • Career development and tuition reimbursement.
  • Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
  • Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
  • Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.
     

Equal Employment Opportunity

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.  However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.
("Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor")

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Employment Type: Regular


What Parker Hannifin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom