Batch & Furnace Operator - Spotswood

Visy; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Visy is seeking a skilled Batch & Furnace Operator to keep the Spotswood furnace running and supply forming lines with molten glass. You will monitor and adjust processes, respond to alarms, and ensure high-quality output across batch and furnace areas.

The role requires experience in glass manufacturing or heavy industry, a solid grasp of PLC/SCADA systems, and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure. A Certificate in Process Manufacturing or higher is preferred, with forklift/FEL tickets

Qualifications

• Experience in glass manufacturing or heavy industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of process control systems including PLCs and SCADA.
• Ability to troubleshoot under pressure and work independently.
• Certificate in Process Manufacturing or higher preferred.
• Forklift licence and FEL ticket are a bonus.
• Good communication and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Monitor melting furnace and ancillary systems; track temperature and pressure.
• Operate process controls via PLC and SCADA to ensure quality and throughput.
• Respond to alarms; troubleshoot and perform furnace emergency procedures.
• Conduct quality checks on raw materials and finished product.
• Maintain accurate records of operations and maintenance needs.
• Uphold safety, housekeeping and team collaboration.

Skills

Process control awareness

PLC systems

SCADA familiarity

Quality checks

Detail orientation

Education

Certificate in Process Manufacturing/Process Operations

Tools

PLC systems

SCADA

Job description

Reporting to the Batch & Furnace Manager, you'll keep our Spotswood furnace running and supply our forming lines with quality molten glass. Working across the batch house and furnace, you'll read the process, respond to alarms and make the control adjustments that keep glass quality and output on target.

This is a permanent full-time role.

The key responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Monitor the melting furnace and its ancillary systems, using inspections and instrumentation to track combustion, temperature and pressure across the melting and refining areas
• Operate process controls through PLC and SCADA systems to produce molten glass of the right quality and quantity for forming
• Respond to plant and production system alarms, troubleshoot issues and carry out furnace emergency procedures when required
• Conduct quality checks on raw materials used in the batch
• Perform glass quality checks, including cord analysis, stone identification, density, and seed and blister counts
• Identify and report equipment maintenance needs
• Keep accurate written and computerised operational records
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping and contribute to a safe working environment for yourself and the team

What you'll bring:

• Experience in glass manufacturing or a heavy industrial environment, ideally in furnace operations or a process technician role
• A strong understanding of process control systems, including PLCs and SCADA
• The ability to troubleshoot problems, stay calm under pressure and work independently
• A Certificate in Process Manufacturing, Process Operations or higher is preferred
• A forklift licence and front-end loader (FEL) ticket are a plus
• Strong communication skills and a good eye for detail
• The ability to work in a challenging environment – hot, dusty and loud!

Hours of work: [CONFIRM roster pattern]

What you'll love when you join us:

• Learn & Grow: Build specialist knowledge in glass melting and furnace operations.
• Sustainability: Contribute to sustainability initiatives that make a difference.
• Supportive Environment: Be part of a team that values safety, respect, and collaboration.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for further training and career advancement within the company.

About Visy
Visy is powering the circular economy, closing the loop between packaging, remanufacturing and recycling. Over 75 years, we've grown to 7,000 employees and 150 global operations - predominantly in Australia and New Zealand.
Visy Glass has a wealth of experience in crafting pure, sustainable and iconic glass packaging for many of the world's best-known food and beverage brands. We are proud to provide high quality glass packaging for beer, wine, spirits, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and we're dedicated to exceeding our customers' expectations and fuelling consumers' desire for glass.

You will be required to meet Visy's employment criteria which will include a criminal history check and pre-employment medical (including drug & alcohol testing)

Visy is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.

Please note that only applications with the right to live and work in Australia will be considered for this position.