Forge Operator II

Ellwood; Sharon (Mercer County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ELLWOOD Crankshaft Group (ECG) in Sharon, PA, is seeking a Forge Operator II to coordinate forge heating, material handling, and dies setup on our multi-directional forging line.

You will work with press operators, maintenance, and engineering to ensure safe, efficient production, while training others and supporting continuous improvement in our manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Experience with forging or similar manufacturing equipment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to train others and work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Daily coordination and execution of forge heating and material handling activities based on the forge schedule.
• Coordinate safe and efficient setup of clam shell forging furnaces per set-up requirements.
• Coordinate transfer of bar material from furnace to press with crane automation.
• Provide input during engineering reviews and development of new products and processes.
• Work with the product development engineer from trials through production hand-off.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues with maintenance, engineering and forging crew.
• Perform preventive maintenance on heating, material handling and inspection equipment.
• Develop preventive maintenance plans with ECG Maintenance.
• Ensure forge quality control and continuous improvement by addressing quality issues.
• Assist in die assembly and in-process inspection; support other forging activities.
• Collaborate with Forging engineers to optimize sequences and setup information in blueprints.
• Develop and validate new product heating recipes; conduct heating trials.
• Review new product inquiries with Engineering for routes and estimates.
• Observe safety rules and proactively lead safety improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Math skills

Problem solving

Results oriented

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Verbal comms

Written comms

Continuous improvement

Train others

Safety awareness

Forging knowledge

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

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
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs
• 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.