Furnace Operator

We are looking for a Furnace Operator for our Plymouth, Michigan facility.

About the role

In this role you will meet or exceed safety, quality, and production goals. Safely prepare, melt, and atomize metal powder following job instructions. This includes loading the furnace with raw materials, purging down with inert gas, powering up, taking temperatures, inspecting, and pouring the molten metal from a coreless induction furnace. Support activities associated with the position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory furnace lining, maintenance of accurate production records, delivery of atomized products to the screening area, and cleaning the furnace and atomization system between alloys.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor induction melting equipment used in the gas atomization of nickel- and cobalt-based alloys. Responsibilities include furnace loading, purging the system with inert gas, powering up equipment, and pouring molten metal from a hydraulically positioned induction furnace.
• Prepare, inspect, and maintain refractory furnace linings, maintaining continuous awareness of lining conditions to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Measure, weigh, and combine raw materials in accordance with detailed work instructions.
• Clean the furnace and atomization tank between alloy runs to maintain product integrity and prevent cross-contamination.
• Perform routine maintenance and support activities, including replacement of power leads, disassembly of the atomization tank, and installation of gas delivery systems.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area in accordance with safety and quality standards.
• Follow process parameters outlined in the job traveler and accurately document all heats poured, including start and stop times, gas pressures, temperatures, and melt characteristics.
• Identify in-process atomized material, transfer finished product to the screening area, and submit samples to the Quality Control laboratory per job traveler instructions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or vocational technical training; experience may substitute.
• Basic mechanical knowledge.
• Foundry experience preferred.
• Basic math skills (decimals, fractions, percentages, weighted averages, etc.).
• Strong customer focus - internal and external.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to safely operate cranes, forklift and/or powered industrial vehicles preferred.
• Ability to work a 12-hour shift.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, bending, and repetitive movement.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb multiple flights of stairs throughout the shift.
• Comfortability working in an occasionally hot environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company-sponsored HSA contributions, and no cumbersome waiting periods.
• Excellent dental and vision coverage.
• Employee Assistance, Financial, and Wellness programs.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with significant company match and financial planning and education options.
• Tuition reimbursement and internal education resources.
• Generous paid time off to support physical and mental wellbeing.
• 10 observed company holidays and 2 floaters to occasionally extend weekends or time off.
• 100% company-paid life insurance and disability insurance.
• Employee Referral Bonus program.

About Us

Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment, and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors, and tooling. Headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with around 10,000 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2025.