Post job

What does a furnace operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a furnace operator do

A furnace operator records time and production data, adjusts thermostats, and observes a pyrometer to maintain the temperature between specified limits. The operators set furnace control to regulate the temperature and heating time. They measure the temperature of the products to determine the necessity for adjusting furnace temperature using thermal instruments and charts. Their duties include the removal of materials from the furnace using signals overhead crane operator and transfer it to the next station and open furnace doors. This process will allow them to admit slabs, sheet, plate, and coil to lower ingots and uncover soaking pits into them.

On this page

Furnace operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real furnace operator resumes:

  • Lead and coordinate team in all aspects of operation in an aluminum blast furnace.
  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Operate ABB robotic cell by loading parts on fixtures to be weld together.
  • Maintain safety measures and PPE.
  • Complete minor touch ups with MIG welders.
  • Spray arc welding utilizing gas shield MIG.
  • Operate bridge see and Kuka robot from baca
  • Execute daily operations of ISO's customer requirements forms.
  • Perform all functions of the job using proper PPE.
  • use math skills to determine next amount to be add.
  • Stencile pipe marking it with correct documentation of each ISO.
  • Set up and maintain machinery and CNC's using precision tools and micrometers.
  • Lead in furnace room that are responsible for carrying molten aluminum to machines.
  • Thread or feed items or products through or around machine rollers and dryers.
  • Operate forklift to pick up pallets from the warehouse and transfer to conveyor belt.

Furnace operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Furnace Operators are proficient in Math, Basic Math, and Cranes. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Physical strength.

We break down the percentage of Furnace Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Math, 9%

    Produced and maintained accurate documentation for production reports using math and computer skills.

  • Basic Math, 9%

    Followed production instructions and utilized a computer and calculator to aid in basic math calculations.

  • Cranes, 9%

    Operated overhead crane and other heavy machinery.

  • Preventative Maintenance, 9%

    Hired on immediately upon completion of Temp Probationary time* Operate and maintain Heat Treating equipment* Perform Preventative Maintenance and Continuous Improvement tasks

  • Safety Procedures, 5%

    Follow guidelines and safety procedures.

  • Brazing, 5%

    Monitored Hydrogen/nitrogen mix during the brazing process.

Common skills that a furnace operator uses to do their job include "math," "basic math," and "cranes." You can find details on the most important furnace operator responsibilities below.

Computer skills. One of the key soft skills for a furnace operator to have is computer skills. You can see how this relates to what furnace operators do because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Additionally, a furnace operator resume shows how furnace operators use computer skills: "input information into computer and also utilize overhead cranes and forklifts to move bars and plate. "

Physical strength. This is an important skill for furnace operators to perform their duties. For an example of how furnace operator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to secure and tighten heavy fixtures into place." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a furnace operator: "developed friendships with co-workers skills used mental sharpness math skills using different tools physical strength ability to do different things".

Mechanical skills. A big part of what furnace operators do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to furnace operator responsibilities because "these workers must be comfortable with machines and have a good understanding of how all the parts work." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical furnace operator tasks: "work with agriculture mechanical equipment including auger systems, grain scales, and forklifts on a daily basis. "

See the full list of furnace operator skills

The three companies that hire the most furnace operators are:

Choose from 10+ customizable furnace operator resume templates

Build a professional furnace operator resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your furnace operator resume.
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume
Furnace Operator Resume

Compare different furnace operators

Furnace operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator

A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.

The annual salary of machine operator/forklift operators is $3,520 lower than the average salary of furnace operators.Even though furnace operators and machine operator/forklift operators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require preventative maintenance, safety procedures, and quality checks in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between furnace operators and machine operator/forklift operator. For instance, furnace operator responsibilities require skills such as "math," "basic math," "cranes," and "brazing." Whereas a machine operator/forklift operator is skilled in "safety standards," "drive forklift," "load trucks," and "electric pallet jack." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Machine operator/forklift operators really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $36,711. Comparatively, furnace operators tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $40,376.The education levels that machine operator/forklift operators earn slightly differ from furnace operators. In particular, machine operator/forklift operators are 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a furnace operator. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Furnace operator vs. Assistant operator

The duties of an assistant operator depend on one's industry of employment or the kind of machine that they are operating. Typically, their tasks may revolve around coordinating with operators and other staff, handling and managing documents, understanding blueprints, and adhering to the directives of operators and supervisors. Furthermore, as an assistant operator, it is essential to perform support tasks, such as preparing tools and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of machines and maintain a safe work environment.

On average, assistant operators earn a $1,635 higher salary than furnace operators a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both furnace operators and assistant operators have skills such as "preventative maintenance," "safety procedures," and "quality checks. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that furnace operator responsibilities requires skills like "math," "basic math," "cranes," and "brazing." But an assistant operator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "ladders," "cash control," and "safety committee."

Assistant operators earn a higher average salary than furnace operators. But assistant operators earn the highest pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $43,976. Additionally, furnace operators earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $40,376 annually.assistant operators earn similar levels of education than furnace operators in general. They're 3.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Furnace operator vs. Assembly operator

In a manufacturing setting, an assembly operator is in charge of assembling materials using hands or tools. Their responsibilities include following assembly guidelines, packing items in containers and boxes, operating tools and equipment, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also perform regular maintenance checks on machines and equipment to maintain a safe and efficient work environment. Furthermore, it is essential to observe an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating for a structured and smooth workflow.

An average assembly operator eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of furnace operators. The difference in salaries amounts to assembly operators earning a $4,044 lower average salary than furnace operators.Using the responsibilities included on furnace operators and assembly operators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "math," "basic math," and "safety procedures.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from furnace operator resumes include skills like "cranes," "preventative maintenance," "heat treating furnaces," and "furnace temperatures," whereas an assembly operator is more likely to list skills in "hand tools," "assembly line," "assembly operations," and "continuous improvement. "

Assembly operators earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $34,880. Furnace operators earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $40,376.assembly operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to furnace operators. Specifically, they're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Furnace operator vs. Technical machine operator

Technical machine operators typically earn lower pay than furnace operators. On average, technical machine operators earn a $2,160 lower salary per year.According to resumes from furnace operators and technical machine operators, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "math," "basic math," and "preventative maintenance. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between furnace operators and technical machine operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a furnace operator might have more use for skills like "cranes," "brazing," "heat treating furnaces," and "troubleshoot." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of technical machine operators require skills like "safety regulations," "continuous improvement," "gmp," and "trouble shoot. "

Technical machine operators enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $35,834. For comparison, furnace operators earn the highest salary in the technology industry.technical machine operators reach similar levels of education compared to furnace operators, in general. The difference is that they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of furnace operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse production and manufacturing jobs