Heat Treat Operator LPCS 57

Precision Castparts; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Castparts is seeking a furnace operator to thermally process castings in air and vacuum furnaces at our Portland, OR site. You will stage parts, load, seal, and monitor cycles to maximize furnace efficiency and meet customer specs.

The role requires reading complex tech cards, following procedures, and maintaining safety and equipment in challenging conditions with occasional heavy lifting.

Qualifications

• One or more years of furnace operator experience preferred.
• Ability to read and follow complex specifications on Tech Cards and Process Control Procedures.
• Ability to lift 40–60 lbs, occasionally up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to work independently in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to work in noisy, dusty and temperature-extreme conditions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and schedule parts for heat treat processing.
• Load and seal castings; monitor dew point and temperatures.
• Operate air and vacuum furnaces to meet customer specifications.
• Inspect furnace systems and perform routine maintenance.
• Complete records, logs and production documentation.

Skills

Heat treating furnaces

Read complex specs

Independent worker

Physical strength

Safety awareness

Education

Basic metallurgy course

Job description

Mission:

To thermally process castings in air or vacuum heat treat furnaces in order to change metal microstructure to meet customer specifications.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Preparation and Scheduling:

Objective: to accurately and efficiently stage parts for heat treat processing; to schedule loads in order to produce maximum furnace load capabilities.

Typical Activities:

• Reviews documentation and tech cards to identify parts, determine temperature and load requirements, and determine test bar requirements.
• Identifies and consolidates castings with the same processing requirements.
• Inspects parts for contamination; cleans prior to loading.
• Loads and seals castings in retort or baskets by hand or with forklift; arranges loads to eliminate warping or distortion.
• Air Furnace Operations.

Objective: to operate high and low temperature air furnaces at optimal capacity, insuring compliance with customer specifications and proper furnace operating procedures.

Typical Activities:

• Inspects furnace systems to ensure proper operations.
• Loads furnace according to load charts; sets controls and monitors computerized Data Acquisition System.
• Controls argon flow to achieve proper dewpoint levels throughout the heat treat process.
• Vacuum Furnace Operations.

Objective: to operate vacuum furnaces at optimal capacity, insuring compliance with customer specifications.

Typical Activities:

• Checks pumps and elements in furnace; checks leak rate.
• Loads/unloads baskets and operates furnaces; controls and adjusts furnace temperatures; operates quench.
• Monitors all aspects of the process, including dew point, vacuum level and temperature ramp/hold time.
• Operates and monitors computerized Data Acquisition System.
• Maintains proper vacuum level and temperature ramp/hold during cycle.
• Documentation. Completes records, logs, non-conformance reports, and production reports.
• Maintenance.

Objective: to maintain heat treat equipment, complete minor repairs and assist maintenance with major equipment problems.

Typical Activities:

• Locates and repairs vacuum, argon and oil leaks.
• Troubleshoots furnace problems.
• Performs minor maintenance on furnaces and equipment.
• Performs housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean work area.
• Safety.

Objective: to take responsibility for and demonstrate safe work practices.

Typical Activities:

• Adheres to plant and department safety rules.
• Safely operates all equipment and tools.
• Identifies and reports safety problems.
• May provide training and work direction as assigned.
• Performs other tasks as directed.

Training:

• Training is provided on the job.
• PCC's Forklift Driving Safety Training must be completed.

Entry Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of air and/or vacuum heat treat furnaces is preferred, OR demonstrated ability, as shown by one or more years manufacturing furnace operator experience, to function as an expert furnace operator.
• Ability to read and follow complex specifications on Tech Cards and Process Control Procedures, perform arithmetic calculations and follow verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift and/or maneuver objects weighing forty to sixty pounds and occasionally up to one hundred pounds.
• Ability to work in difficult working conditions which may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, temperature extremes and other elements for extended periods of time.

Major Plant Differences:

• LSBO requires basic metallurgy course as a training requirement.