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Vacuum Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Heat Treat Furnace Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining heat ... g., vacuum furnaces, atmosphere furnaces, salt baths). · Load and unload parts into the furnace ...

Description The Heat Treat Furnace Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and ... g., vacuum furnaces, atmosphere furnaces, salt baths). • Load and unload parts into the furnace ...

Furnace Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Furnace Operator Indianapolis, IN, United States req26990 3rd shift (10:00pm - 06:30am) Sunday ... and high-vacuum equipment, ensuring safe and efficient operation in compliance with company ...

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Vacuum Furnace Operator information

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$13

$19

$26

How much do vacuum furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for vacuum 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 Vacuum Furnace Operator vs Heat Treating Technician?

AspectVacuum Furnace OperatorHeat Treating Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, possibly certifications in furnace operationHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in heat treatment processes
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, working with vacuum furnaces and metal componentsHeat treatment shops, working with various furnaces and metal parts
Industry UsageMetal manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesMetal processing, aerospace, industrial manufacturing
Job FocusOperating vacuum furnaces to heat treat metalsOverseeing heat treatment processes and quality control

The Vacuum Furnace Operator primarily focuses on operating vacuum furnaces to heat treat metals, ensuring proper process parameters. In contrast, the Heat Treating Technician oversees the entire heat treatment process, including quality control and process adjustments. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

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

To thrive as a Vacuum Furnace Operator, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, heat treatment processes, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with vacuum furnace controls, temperature monitoring systems, and safety protocols is crucial, and certifications in industrial safety or equipment operation can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure precise heat treatment, maintain equipment integrity, and uphold workplace safety standards.

What does a Vacuum Furnace Operator do?

A Vacuum Furnace Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring vacuum furnace equipment used to heat-treat metals and other materials in a controlled atmosphere. They set up the furnace according to specific instructions, load and unload materials, monitor temperature and pressure gauges, and ensure the process meets quality standards. Operators also perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and keep detailed records of each production run. Their work is essential in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, where precise heat treatment is required to achieve desired material properties.

What are some common challenges faced by a Vacuum Furnace Operator and how can they be addressed?

Vacuum Furnace Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise temperature controls, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring the uniformity of heat treatment processes. Successfully addressing these issues requires a strong attention to detail, a solid understanding of furnace controls, and the ability to follow strict safety protocols. Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment, as well as ongoing training, can help operators stay ahead of potential problems and improve overall efficiency and product quality.
More about Vacuum Furnace Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Vacuum Furnace Operator jobs? The most popular types of Vacuum Furnace Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Vacuum Furnace Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Vacuum Furnace Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Vacuum Furnace Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Heat Treat Furnace Operator

Heat Treat Furnace Operator

Ring Precision

Jamestown, NY • On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

The Heat Treat Furnace Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining heat treating equipment used to alter the physical and mechanical properties of metal parts and materials. This role ensures that parts are treated according to specified heat treatment processes, maintaining quality, safety, production standards and straightening of metal components after the heat-treating process. This individual is responsible for operating and monitoring induction heat-treating equipment to perform post-hardening processes such as tempering or stress relieving on metal components.

Key Responsibilities

· Uphold the company values, vision, and mission.

· Uphold the quality policy.

· Follows safety requirements.

· Follow policies and procedures

· Operate and monitor heat treatment furnaces, ovens, and related equipment (e.g., vacuum furnaces, atmosphere furnaces, salt baths).

· Load and unload parts into the furnace using appropriate tools and lifting devices.

· Set furnace controls to specified temperatures, times, and cycles according to work orders or blueprints.

· Monitor and record temperature charts and time cycles to ensure proper heat treatment processes.

· Perform hardness testing or other inspections to verify treatment results meet specifications.

· Identify and report any deviations from standard process or potential equipment issues.

· Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of heat treat equipment.

· Follow company safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

· Work closely with quality assurance and production teams to ensure parts meet customer and regulatory standards.

· Maintain accurate documentation and records for treated batches.

· Comply with ISO, or other industry standards as required.

· Maintain orderly storage of fixtures, products, and material handling equipment

· Start, operate, and shut down furnaces and other equipment

· Must be familiar with the operation, adjustment, and routine maintenance of all furnace controllers

· Work with the computer to analyze the furnace charting program data being generated by each furnace

· Enter and track data MS Excel spreadsheets, able to read and interpret production paperwork to understand each job's printed work instructions

· Complete all required paperwork including, but not limited to, furnace maps, furnace charts, work orders and travelers, maintaining all required traceability standards

Education:

· High school diploma or GED

Work Environment:

· Manufacturing floor environments

· Exposure to high temperatures, loud noises and heavy machinery.

· Use of PPE including gloves, face shields, aprons and safety glasses required.

· Required standing, bending, and lifting of up to 50lbs for extended periods.

Expected Hours of Work

· Full-Time Hourly position.

· Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends.

· Overtime as needed.

Travel:

Up to 0%