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Lead Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ArcelorMittal

Operator Furnace ACL

Calvert, AL · On-site

$19 - $23.50/hr

Taking a lead role in developing our culture along with our processes and procedures throughout ... Operating and monitoring an annealing furnace to ensure proper temperatures and process parameters ...

ArcelorMittal

Operator Furnace ACL

Calvert, AL

$19 - $23.50/hr

Taking a lead role in developing our culture along with our processes and procedures throughout ... Operating and monitoring an annealing furnace to ensure proper temperatures and process parameters ...

CoorsTek

Kiln/Furnace Technician I

Golden, CO

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

... lead, supervisor or engineer in the event of issues or concerns regarding kiln and/or furnace equipment or product condition Manually pushes or pulls heavy kiln cars in and out of kilns as needed ...

CoorsTek, Inc.

Kiln/Furnace Technician I

Golden, CO · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

... lead, supervisor or engineer in the event of issues or concerns regarding kiln and/or furnace equipment or product condition • Manually pushes or pulls heavy kiln cars in and out of kilns as needed ...

CoorsTek, Inc.

Kiln/Furnace Technician I - Graveyard

Golden, CO · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Notifies lead, supervisor or engineer in the event of issues or concerns regarding kiln and/or furnace equipment or product condition * Manually pushes or pulls heavy kiln cars in and out of kilns as ...

CoorsTek

Kiln/Furnace Technician I - Graveyard

Golden, CO · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Notifies lead, supervisor or engineer in the event of issues or concerns regarding kiln and/or furnace equipment or product condition * Manually pushes or pulls heavy kiln cars in and out of kilns as ...

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Lead Furnace Operator information

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How much do lead furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 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 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.

How much do blast furnace operators make?

Blast furnace operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require specialized skills, safety training, and the ability to operate and monitor complex equipment in a manufacturing environment.

What is the highest paying operator job?

Lead furnace operators and other senior industrial equipment operators tend to have the highest salaries among operator roles, often earning over $70,000 annually. Advanced skills, certifications, and experience in managing complex systems or large facilities typically contribute to higher pay in these positions.

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.

How much do furnace operators make in the US?

Furnace operators in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in industrial settings can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and benefits.

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 does a lead machine operator do?

A lead furnace operator oversees the operation of industrial furnaces, ensuring safety, efficiency, and proper functioning. They monitor temperature controls, adjust equipment settings, and coordinate with team members to maintain production standards, often requiring certifications and adherence to safety protocols.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Chemical Processing - Furnace Operator 3rd shift

Chemical Processing - Furnace Operator 3rd shift

chromalloy

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Chromalloy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 419 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Furnace Operator job function includes but is not limited to building furnace loads, load furnaces, operate furnaces, general maintenance, records collection and retention, and assist area lead with all area related tasks.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Weighs or measures specified amounts of ingredients or materials for processing, using devices such as scales and calipers.
  • Needs the skill to determine causes of operating errors and decides what to do about it.
  • Presses and adjusts controls in order to activate, set, and regulate equipment according to specifications.
  • Monitors equipment operations, gauges, and panel lights in order to detect deviations from standards.
  • Needs the skill to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reads and interprets work orders and instructions in order to determine work assignments, process specifications, and production schedules.
  • Record gauges readings, test results, and shift production in log books.
  • Confers with supervisors or other equipment operators in order to report equipment malfunctions or to resolve productions problems.
  • Examines or tests samples of processed substances, or collect samples for laboratory testing, in order to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Cleans, lubricates, and adjusts equipment, using scrapers, solvents, air hoses, and oil and hand tools.
  • Stops equipment and clears blockages or jams, using fingers, wire, or hand tools.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE: 

  • Must have high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • needs the ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.
  • ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
  • needs the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics can be obtained from the Human Resources Department.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities or essential functions of the job.

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