Forge Operator II

ELLWOOD Group; Sharon (Mercer County); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ELLWOOD Crankshaft Group (ECG) in Sharon, PA is seeking a Forge Operator II to coordinate forge heating, material handling, and die changes. You will work closely with press operators and maintenance to ensure timely, safe, and efficient production.

The role requires strong analytical skills, teamwork, and the ability to train others. The position may involve rotating shifts, 12‑hour schedules, and overtime as needed, with a focus on continuous improvement and adherence to safety and quality

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with forging or related manufacturing equipment is required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills are required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and math ability.
• Ability to transfer knowledge and train others.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and ability to layout parts.
• Demonstrated drive for continuous improvement.
• Capable of working both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate forge heating and material handling per forge schedule.
• Set up and operate ECG’s clam shell furnaces per product specs.
• Transfer bar material from furnace to press with crane automation.
• Support engineering with development, trials, and production hand-off.
• Troubleshoot equipment with maintenance, engineering and forging crew.
• Perform preventive maintenance on heating, handling and inspection equipment.
• Develop and sustain maintenance plans and best practices.
• Ensure in-process quality inspections and continuous improvement.
• Assist in die assembly and related forging support activities.
• Collaborate with forging engineers to optimize process sequences and setup information.
• Develop/validate heating recipes and conduct furnace surveys.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Math skills

Verbal and written communication

Train others

Teamwork

Problem solving

Manufacturing processes understanding

Parts layout and staging

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

At ELLWOOD Crankshaft Group (ECG), we manufacture components that power industries around the world. As a global leader in the design, forging, machining, and manufacturing of large, complex crankshafts and critical metal components, ECG combines advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship.

Our products support rail, marine, energy, oil and gas, power generation, and industrial equipment. From one-of-a-kind multiple-throw crankshafts to precision-machined components and value-added services, our work keeps freight moving, ships operating, energy flowing, and critical equipment running. At ECG, you’ll tackle complex challenges, build products few companies can make, and make a meaningful impact.

Metal with a Mission. Careers with Purpose.

Today, ECG has four facilities in PA. We are currently seeking a full-time Forge Operator II position in Sharon, PA. to support our unique multi-directional forging press work-center. This position will focus on coordination and execution of all forge heating, bar transfer and die change activity while supporting other forging functions such as die assembly, in-process inspection and flash removal. The Forge Operator II is required to have a strong understanding of ECG’s unique forging processes and, excellent analytical and organizational skills in order to coordinate timely execution of production requirements.

Duties and responsibilities of this position are dynamic and may change over time due to business needs and the candidate may be required to work rotating shifts, 12-hour schedules and overtime as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Valid Driver’s License
• Knowledge and experience with forging or other applicable manufacturing equipment
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize development projects and daily responsibilities
• Must be results oriented with a strong desire to succeed
• Solid verbal and written communication skills, strong math skills
• Must have the ability to successfully transfer knowledge and train others in best practices
• Thorough understanding of our manufacturing processes
• Understanding and ability to layout and stage parts as required
• Desire for continuous improvement – ability to find better ways of doing things
• Ability to work well with a team while also working independently

RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Daily coordination and execution of forge heating and material handling (parts and dies) activities based on the forge schedule
• Coordination and execution of safe and efficient set-up of ECG’s clam shell forging furnaces per product-specific set-up requirements.
• Coordinate with the press operator to ensure safe and repeatable transfer of bar material from the furnace to the press with crane automation within the minimum amount of time per product-specific transfer requirements.
• Provide input during engineering reviews, development and testing of new products and processes, including furnaces, tooling, and material handling devices
• Work closely with the product development engineer during all phases of the project, from trials through production hand-off
• Troubleshoot equipment issues through collaboration with ECG maintenance, engineering and forging crew personnel
• Execute periodic (daily/weekly/monthly) preventive maintenance on heating, material handling and inspection equipment.
• Collaborate with ECG Maintenance to develop and sustain preventive maintenance plans and best-practices
• Ensure forge quality control and continuous improvement by troubleshooting quality issues, developing and maintaining in-process quality inspections, and focusing on continuous improvement by identifying, eliminating and preventing obstacles to efficient product flow, quality, and efficiency
• Ensure safe and efficient die assembly into the press using ECG’s customized die rigging with crane automation
• Assist in forging support processes such as die assembly, in-process inspection, and flash removal as well as any other forging support activities. Must be able to demonstrate and maintain competency in these job functions.
• Collaborate with Forging engineers to optimize forge heating and material handling process sequences as well as setup information contained in blueprints
• Develop/Improve and validate new product recipes for heating by conducting heating trials and furnace surveys
• Review new product inquiries with Engineering to aid in developing routes and estimates with input on forge heating
• Observes all safety rules and regulations and proactively leads safety improvements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position will require occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds and frequent lifting of up to 30 pounds. This position will also require frequent sitting, standing, reaching and climbing. It will also include occasional walking, climbing, crawling and squatting. The physical demands for this job are Light-Medium.

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

High School or better in Unspecified.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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