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Lead Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PQ

Furnace Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

The Furnace Operator will be responsible for overall operations of the Furnace; which also include ... Lead shift operator activities: Safety, Health and Environmental: * Conduct Safety Contacts with ...

Integrity Trade Services

Furnace Operator

Rochester, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

FURNACE OPERATOR - 2ND SHIFT Rochester, IN • Melt Department Are you ready to take on a hands-on ... Ability to lead and provide direction to team members * Willingness to work weekends as needed

Integrity Trade Services

Furnace Operator

Rochester, IN

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

FURNACE OPERATOR - 2ND SHIFT Rochester, IN • Melt Department Are you ready to take on a hands-on ... Ability to lead and provide direction to team members * Willingness to work weekends as needed

PQ

Furnace Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

The Furnace Operator will be responsible for overall operations of the Furnace; which also include ... Lead shift operator activities: Safety, Health and Environmental: * Conduct Safety Contacts with ...

PQ

Furnace Operator

Joliet, IL

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

The Furnace Operator will be responsible for overall operations of the Furnace; which also include ... Lead shift operator activities: Safety, Health and Environmental: * Conduct Safety Contacts with ...

Parker

Furnace Operator (Aerospace)

Kent, WA · On-site

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

... Lead to a Better Tomorrow.' Pursuing a career at Parker presents unlimited opportunities for both ... Furnace Operator (Aerospace) Day Shift, Monday through Thursday Functions and Responsibilities

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How much do lead furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead furnace operator in the United States is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Furnace Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Furnace Operator, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, furnace operation, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with industrial control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and temperature monitoring equipment is crucial. Attention to detail, leadership, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining product quality, workplace safety, and efficient furnace performance in demanding industrial environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Lead Furnace Operator, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lead Furnace Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal furnace temperatures, ensuring the safety of team members, and minimizing equipment downtime. Balancing production targets with strict safety and environmental standards requires strong attention to detail and proactive communication with maintenance and production teams. Developing troubleshooting skills and staying updated on best practices helps operators address issues quickly, ensuring smooth operations and consistent product quality.

What are Lead Furnace Operators?

Lead Furnace Operators are skilled professionals responsible for overseeing the operation of industrial furnaces in manufacturing plants or foundries. They manage the heating process, monitor temperature controls, and ensure the safe and efficient melting or treatment of metals and other materials. In addition, they supervise other furnace operators, maintain equipment, and enforce safety guidelines. Their expertise is crucial for producing high-quality products and minimizing downtime due to equipment failures.

What is the difference between Lead Furnace Operator vs Furnace Operator?

AspectLead Furnace OperatorFurnace Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, possibly additional certificationsOSHA safety training, basic certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises furnace operations, oversees safety and efficiencyOperates furnaces directly, follows established procedures
ResponsibilitiesLeads team, monitors equipment, ensures safety complianceMaintains and operates furnaces, performs routine checks

The Lead Furnace Operator generally has more supervisory duties and oversees furnace operations, while the Furnace Operator focuses on direct operation and maintenance of furnaces. Both roles require safety training and industry-specific knowledge, but the lead position involves additional leadership responsibilities.

More about Lead Furnace Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Furnace Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Furnace Operator jobs are:
Lead Furnace Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Furnace Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 85% Physical, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Furnace Operator

Furnace Operator

PQ

Joliet, IL • On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Company Description
PQ is a leading global provider of silicates, silicas and derivative products. PQ's products are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and many customer products, from decorative paints to green cement, from clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer.
Ideal candidates resonate with PQ's Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, People, Customer Focus and Safety. Successful employees embrace and model these values in their behaviors and actions.
Job Description
This position reports to the Unit Manager, in the absence of the Unit Manager it takes direction from a Manager. This is a rotating shift job, with rotation taking place currently once per week.
The Furnace Operator will be responsible for overall operations of the Furnace; which also include the glass dissolution batch vessels, filtration equipment, and auxiliary equipment and tanks associated with the Furnace and Dissolver area.
The process consists of the following:
  1. Feeding and controlling the Furnace at the proper temperature and desired production rate.
  2. Filling of dissolution vessels with sodium silicate "glass" from the Furnace via a slat conveyor, glass feed hopper, and rotating glass feeder.
  3. Batch dissolution of "glass" with hot water, steam, and a recirculation pump.
  4. Transfer of batch dissolution vessels to surge tanks.
  5. Transfer of silicate to storage tanks.
  6. Overall operation of the filter.
  7. Transfer of powdered silicates within the plant from storage bin to storage bin.
  8. Bulk loading of silicate products, both liquids and powders; bulk unloading of silicate plant raw materials; acting as a spotter of railcars and/or the operator of the trackmobile in a safe manner. Responsible for all paperwork associated with loading and unloading bulk shipments.

In addition, the Furnace Operator shall:
  1. Take samples, perform control tests and make changes, in the operation, as necessary to maintain product quality and production rates.
  2. The operator will obtain samples, as required by the Quality Control Laboratory, mark them properly, and deliver the samples to the lab.
  3. By frequent and thorough inspections of equipment, the operator will make sure it is operating properly; which includes oiling and lubing of equipment.
  4. The operator will perform minor repairs and adjustments as the need for them arises, and report promptly to the Unit Manager or Lead Person, any need for major repairs.
  5. The operator will give the Maintenance Department full cooperation whenever production equipment is broken down, and is to assist the Maintenance Department in every way possible, which includes writing work orders.
  6. The operator will be responsible for keeping their work area clean, orderly, and safe at all times. In addition, the operator will keep the safety of oneself and the safety of all those in the area uppermost in mind and will observe the proper safety procedures and wear the proper protective equipment.
  7. Cooperate with the relieving shift in passing on pertinent information for the successful performance of all operations, and ensure that all required tests and logs are properly obtained and recorded, along with any changes in operating conditions, repair, and adjustments.
  8. Monitor and maintain unattended plant operations as needed and assigned (i.e. utilities and effluent operation).

When no designated furnace work or dissolving work is scheduled, the Furnace Operator will be assigned to other work if such is available.
Lead shift operator activities:
Safety, Health and Environmental:
  • Conduct Safety Contacts with other employees if necessary.
  • Administer first aid and arrange for appropriate external emergency care as required.
  • Implement Plant Emergency procedures.
  • Conduct or assist in conducting accident investigations.
  • Complete work permits and authorize work requiring such.
  • Ensure all safety, health, environmental and housekeeping standards are understood and followed.

Operational:
  • Ensure all plant processes, systems and auxiliary equipment are operating to standard, including start-ups, shutdowns, and on-going operations.
  • Conduct call-outs for maintenance personnel, operations personnel, or laboratory personnel to ensure required coverage.
  • Collect data and complete various production logs, reports, or records (electronic, paper, or otherwise) as assigned.
  • Conduct or direct inspections (equipment, work areas, etc), inventories, and/or audits as required.
  • Direct work force (internal or external) as required.
  • Train or assist with training of new or existing employees.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 1+ years experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment (chemical, glass, furnace, utilities, bulk handling, filtration, or similar) preferred.
  • Prior experience operating or monitoring process equipment such as furnaces, dissolvers/tanks, pumps, conveyors, filters, steam/hot water systems, and bulk load-out systems strongly preferred.
  • Ability to:
    • Read and follow SOPs, work instructions, and operating parameters
    • Perform basic process calculations and recordkeeping (rates, levels, temperatures, pressures, flow, etc.)
    • Recognize abnormal operating conditions and take corrective action within operator scope

Additional Information
EHS Responsibilities
  • Communicates, promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
  • Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
  • Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization, rules and procedures
  • Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner

PQ is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. Click on the link to read Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov). For more information, please review the link Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal / U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov).
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About PQ

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Valley Forge, PA, US

Year founded

1831

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