Operate and maintain furnaces.  Interpret and respond to the needs of the equipment.  Perform skilled maintenance, set-up and troubleshooting functions as required.

Essential Functions:

• Understand the basic “high vacuum” and furnace technologies
• Perform pre-operative checks prior to and during pump down cycle.  Use pre-pump and startup checklist
• Set up and operate the furnace as directed for melting to include (where applicable to specific furnace):
• Loading and unloading particulate material and/or electrodes
• Cooling, unloading, identifying and weighing ingots
• Take samples
• Operate furnace / Melt Chair
• Understand basic chemistry specifications and interpret furnace-casting conditions
• Maintain operating records and logs
• Interpret video monitors, gauges, meters, etc. while operating the furnace
• Clean out furnaces and crucibles during maintenance cycles and replace damaged components.  Change molds, hearths, shields, and feed devices
• Operate leak detectors and determine vacuum integrity.
• Maintain the furnace - perform preventative maintenance such as change filters, replace or change parts, change oil, check fluids.
• Perform mechanical skill functions such as flame cut, arc weld, silver solder, and soft solder
• Correctly uses material handling equipment such as forklifts and cranes
• Use various hand and power tools as directed including but not limited to: wrench, drills, grinders, saws
• Support other departments as needed per production demands.
• Must be able to wear a respirator.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent is required; Trade school or additional training preferred
• 3 years working experience in a relevant environment preferred
• Must be mechanically inclined and possess basic math skills
• Must be able to work any schedule, holidays and weekends
• Forklift, crane-operating experience highly preferred
• Must be able to wear a respirator
• Ability to work in confined spaces