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Lead Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... setup and lead responsibilities. Responsibilities: * Operate and monitor heat treat furnaces ... Experience working in a forging, furnace, or industrial environment is a plus * Ability to follow ...

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 ...

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 ...

Takes direction from Unit Manager and Lead Operator. * Communicates process information and issues ... Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a high temperature refractory lined furnace ...

Technician I / Furnace Operator

Clarksville, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Takes direction from Unit Manager and Lead Operator. * Communicates process information and issues ... Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a high temperature refractory lined furnace ...

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 ...

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 ...

Kiln/Furnace Tech I

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $20/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 ...

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 ...

Kiln/Furnace Technician I

Benton, AR · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/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 ...

Kiln/Furnace Tech I

Hillsboro, OR

$18.50 - $22.75/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

See salary details

$13

$19

$26

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
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 - S1 - 5th Shift (Onsite)

Furnace Operator - S1 - 5th Shift (Onsite)

Pratt & Whitney

Clayville, NY

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-05-11

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-NY-CLAYVILLE-2395 ~ 2395 Main St ~ MAIN

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access certain necessary systems.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. 

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems and has been revolutionizing modern flight for over 100 years. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

What You Will Do:

  • Basic hoist and rigging operations 
  • Operate powered industrial vehicles (PIVs) 
  • Assist in the removal and replacement furnace lid and coils. Cleaning the interior of the furnace chamber and “O” ring seal  
  • As directed assist in the attachment and detachment of gas, electric, and water lines to furnace lid and tank.
  • Utilizing electric hoist remove and replace furnace lid from furnace chamber.  
  • Under supervision of team lead, perform disassembly and reassembly of atomization chamber during alloy changes 
  • Operating insertion and halo gas during atomization 
  • Make minor repairs on the furnace, and other auxiliary equipment under the supervision of team lead 
  • Support the cell’s continuous improvement and all CORE and EH&S initiatives, including wearing required personal protective equipment. 
  • The position will work a schedule of Friday - Sunday (3x12) 7:00pm - 7:00am (5th shift).

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • HS diploma (or equivalent, e.g., G.E.D. in the US)

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Must have a strong attendance record

  • Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills

  • Must be able to work hours outside of the regular shift

  • Must have good mechanical aptitude

  • Must be able to wear a respirator

  • The position requires ascending, descending stairs, standing for extended periods, bending, squatting, twisting, overhead reach, and lifting up to 25 pounds. 

What We Offer

  • Medical, dental, vision benefits

  • Life, short term disability, long term disability benefits

  • Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, holidays

  • 401-K with company match

  • Other innovative benefits including deals and discounts

In addition to transforming the future of flight, we are also transforming how and where we work. We’ve introduced role types to help you understand how you will operate in our blended work environment. This role is:

  • Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance workers, as they are essential to the development of our engines.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility.

The pay range is $21.00 per hour; however, Raytheon Technologies considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.  

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Pratt & Whitney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US

Year founded

1925