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Lead Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Operator

Nappanee, IN ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Furnace Operator Operate and monitor furnaces per established procedures. Build heat treat loads ... Achieve routing setup and run times and report any difficulties to shop lead. Requirements ...

Heat Treat Tech

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$21/hr

... Lead as needed. * Process paperwork with working knowledge of bolt specifications * Depending upon your interest and capability, you may be considered for training as a Furnace Operator. * Must be ...

Iron Pourer 3rd Shift

Pryor, OK ยท On-site

$1 - $29.61/hr

The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as ...

Iron Pourer

Pryor, OK ยท On-site

The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as ...

Iron Pourer

Pryor, OK ยท On-site

The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as ...

Melt Shop Operator

Midlothian, TX ยท On-site

$64K/yr

... operators as needed and may be responsible for collecting and running slag samples. Primary Duties ... steel furnace is preferred. * People/leadership skills and ability to lead by example You Have:

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Lead Furnace Operator information

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$13

$19

$26

How much do lead furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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.

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.
More about Lead Furnace Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Furnace Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, 3% Nights, and 11% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Furnace Technician 3

Furnace Technician 3

KYOCERA International, Inc.

Vancouver, WA โ€ข On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Other

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

Kyocera has a temp-to-hire Furnace Tech 3 position at our Vancouver, WA facility. Candidates selected for hire will be hired through one of Kyocera's approved staffing partners. This position may lead to a direct hire offer with Kyocera International, Inc.

Pay is $24-30 per hour
With nearly 80,000 employees globally, Kyocera is a leading manufacturer of high-tech ceramics in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical applications, and semiconductor processing. Our innovative materials are found in everything from smartphones to space shuttles!

Shift - graveyard

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
The Furnace Technician 1 will load, run, and monitor furnaces. Their responsibilities include performing minor maintenance and troubleshooting issues with furnaces. The technician will also be responsible to understand production priorities, and work to reduce bottlenecks. They will implement statistical process control methods, track product quality, and make improvements as directed. They will also be required to operate additional equipment such as powder compacting presses, sand blaster, and precision scales. must have strong troubleshooting skills and knowledge of a variety of machining processes. Has substantial understanding of the job and applies knowledge and skills to complete a wide range of tasks. Works on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues or in making recommendations. This level will effectively train others and may lead smaller projects. Be able to work with engineering on specific test, able to work independently on engineering projects that pertain to production improvements. Perform lightly maintenance on equipment

REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or equivalent required.
6-year experience as a technician

The task requires turning, bending, and twisting frequently.

Ability to read, write and comprehend verbal as well as written instructions in English.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide all units of measure including common and decimal fractions.

Ability to stand and walk 90% of workday.

Ability to train other hourly employees effectively.

Ability to use a microscope and variety of calibration tools
20/20 corrected vision - varies by division.

Ability to grab small parts or hand tools with hands.
Eligible to work in an ITAR environment.

Standing or sitting for extended periods.

Able to lift or push up to 51 pounds.

Available to work on weekends & holidays as well as additional shifts from time to time as the furnace needs to be maintained round the clock.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Load/Unload parts as per furnace loading instructions. Prepare furnace for running. Take readings on furnace and record.
  2. Recognize and troubleshoot furnace issues. Perform minor maintenance on furnaces.
  3. Understand production priorities. Identify priority issues and bring to the attention of management and implement changes as needed.
  4. Understand SPC and improvement techniques, track product quality, recognize quality issues, take corrective action, implement, and assist improvement initiatives.
  5. Be proficient using other production equipment in the area, such as powder presses, proficient with measuring tools, including micrometers, calipers, and pyrometers.
  6. Very proficient at making records and entering data as well as ability to read engineering drawings. Perform data entry in Excel and other software such as SAP.
  7. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
  8. Troubleshoot process disturbances, identifying resolution and implementing corrective and preventive measures, as required.
  9. Read/interpret CAD drawings, electrical/electronic schematics, and technical documents including but not limited to tolerances, dimensions geometric dimension & tolerancing (GD&T), and component values.
  10. Keeps work area clean and free of obstacles- maintains the quality documents including work orders, process departure reports and inventory cards.
  11. Proficient in the use of specialized hand and measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, dial indicators, Digital Multi-meters and more.
  12. Models' safety and accurate reporting.
  13. Knowledgeable of entire department process through packaging. Cross trained in most areas.

            QUALIFICATIONS
            To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
            PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
            The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
            While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; frequently required to walk; and occasionally required to sit.
            The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
            ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
            The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
            While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat; frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; and occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
            The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
            The above statements are intended to describe the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. The duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change and other duties may be assigned or removed at any time. This position may require exposure to information subject to US Export Control regulations, i.e.: the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be US persons within the meaning of US regulations.
            Kyocera International, Inc. values diversity in its workforce, and is proud to be an AAP/EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.
            If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact Kyocera International, Inc. Human Resources team directly.
            Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.


            Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
            This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.