Heat Treat Operator

W3Global; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k)

Short-term disability

Paid Time Off

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a Heat Treat Operator to support 2nd and 3rd shifts in Worcester, MA. The role involves loading/unloading furnaces, monitoring cycles, quenching, and basic inspections to ensure parts meet specifications.

Applicants should have a High School Diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and experience with blueprints, inspection tools (calipers/micrometers), and ISO procedures. Union-friendly shop with safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic mathematics skills and the ability to read blueprints and specifications.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed operating and quality procedures.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload furnaces and monitor heating cycles.
• Respond to equipment alarms and perform quenching operations.
• Read blueprints and setup sheets to guide processing.
• Inspect parts for defects using calipers and micrometers.
• Follow ISO procedures and maintain process and inspection records.
• Operate heat-treatment equipment and related processes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Blueprint interpretation

Reading and following specifications

Quality procedures adherence

Teamwork

English communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauge pins

Optical comparators

Hardness testing

PLC/CNC equipment

Syteline ERP

Job description

Position Summary

The Heat Treat Operator - 2nd & 3rd Shift

The operator loads and unloads furnaces, positions parts on racks, monitors heating cycles, responds to equipment alarms, performs quenching operations, and conducts basic inspections. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to follow established process specifications and quality procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Heat Treatment Operations

• Set and regulate furnace and equipment temperature controls.
• Load parts into batch furnaces according to established procedures.
• Position parts on racks and prepare components for processing.
• Monitor heating cycles to ensure parts reach the required temperature and cycle time.
• Monitor equipment throughout the heating process and respond appropriately to alarms.
• Identify and correct basic alarm conditions when authorized and qualified to do so.
• Remove parts from furnaces at the appropriate time.
• Perform quenching operations using:
• Oil
• Water
• Brine
• Other approved quenching media
• Operate specialized heat-treatment equipment as required, including induction heating equipment where applicable.

Equipment Operation

Experience with some or all of the following equipment is preferred:

• Batch furnaces
• Temper ovens
• Wash units
• Endothermic gas generators
• Evaporators
• Hardness testing equipment
• Induction heating furnaces
• PLC/CNC-controlled equipment

Quality & Inspection

• Visually inspect parts for foreign material, defects, or abnormalities.
• Read and interpret engineering blueprints, setup sheets, prints, and specifications.
• Perform basic dimensional and quality inspections.
• Use inspection equipment such as:
• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Gauge pins
• Optical comparators
• Hardness testers
• Identify and report errors or discrepancies involving routing procedures, drawings, specifications, materials, or processes.
• Follow established quality and ISO procedures.

Process & Documentation

• Follow established operating procedures and work instructions.
• Maintain accurate process and inspection records.
• Follow temperature, time, material, and processing specifications.
• Communicate equipment or process abnormalities to the appropriate supervisor or group leader.
• Use Microsoft Excel and other computer systems as required.
• Work with ERP systems such as Syteline where applicable.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Follow all company safety procedures and applicable workplace requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Handle parts and materials safely.
• Follow proper procedures for furnaces, heated materials, chemicals, quenching fluids, and other process hazards.
• Use required PPE and follow established operating procedures.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work effectively with operators, maintenance personnel, quality staff, supervisors, and other production employees.
• Follow direction from group leaders and supervisors.
• Communicate process issues, equipment problems, and quality concerns promptly.
• Adapt work practices to changing production requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a metalworking or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed operating and quality procedures.
• Basic mathematics skills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, setup sheets, and technical specifications.
• Ability to perform basic dimensional inspection.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English; ESL candidates may be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Heat-treatment operations
• Metal finishing
• Chain manufacturing
• Metal stamping
• Furnace operation
• Tempering
• Quenching
• Hardness testing
• PLC-controlled machinery
• CNC-controlled machinery
• Industrial production equipment
• Gaging and inspection
• Quality and ISO procedures
• Microsoft Excel
• Syteline ERP or similar manufacturing ERP systems

Technical Skills

• Heat-treatment process fundamentals
• Furnace temperature and cycle control
• Quenching processes
• Metalworking processes
• Blueprint and specification interpretation
• Basic dimensional inspection
• Calipers and micrometers
• Gauge pins
• Optical comparators
• Hardness testing
• Basic PLC/CNC equipment operation
• Basic computer skills
• Manufacturing quality procedures

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Approximately 80% of the workday may be spent standing, walking, lifting, pushing, or pulling.
• Ability to work around hot equipment and industrial manufacturing processes.
• Requires adequate close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to follow required PPE and safety procedures.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Short-term disability
• Paid Time Off