Furnace Operator

Ellwood Quality Steels Company; New Castle (PA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) retirement plan

Health, dental, and vision plans

Company-paid life and disability benefits

Job summary

Ellwood Quality Steels Company in New Castle, Pennsylvania is seeking a VIM Operator responsible for managing VIM melting process parameters, ensuring a clean work environment, and adhering to all safety protocols. Candidates must possess a minimum of a high school diploma and preferably have experience in a steel manufacturing environment.

The position offers competitive compensation, a 401(k) retirement plan, excellent health plans, and various company-paid benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six months experience in a steel manufacturing environment preferred.
• Remote crane operation experience preferred.
• Remelt department experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage VIM melting process parameters for quality production.
• Set up VIM furnace and prepare for operations.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Perform pre-operational inspections for equipment.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Attention to safety protocols

Experience in steel manufacturing

Ability to operate remote overhead cranes

Education

High school diploma or equivalent GED

Job description

About the Position

The VIM Operator performs responsibilities as outlined below and other related duties following established practices set forth in the Operating Procedures Manual and the Manufacturing Instructions Manual.

About Ellwood Quality Steels

• Family‑owned business with long‑range vision.
• The world leader in the production of high quality carbon, alloy, stainless and tool steel ingot.
• Unmatched commitment to our customers.
• Emphasis on flexibility, responsiveness, and problem solving.
• Continual investment in our people, process, and equipment.
• Highly trained workforce, state‑of‑the‑art equipment and methodology.
• A manufacturing environment where excellence is an everyday occurrence.

What You’ll Get

• Competitive compensation with eligibility for profit sharing.
• 401(k) retirement plan with an excellent employer match.
• Excellent health, dental and vision plans.
• Company‑paid life, AD&D, and disability benefits.

Job Responsibilities

1. Primary responsibility for VIM melting process parameters (temperature, vacuum levels, and power settings) to maintain optimal melting conditions to meet specification and perform real‑time adjustments to melt where necessary to ensure high‑quality production.
2. Maintain a clean and organized work environment to support safe and efficient operations.
3. Set up and prepare the VIM furnace for melting operations, including
   • Launder building and curing & crucible refractory
   • Mold set‑up, ingot stripping, and mold cleaning.
   • Crucible (melt vessel) and launder knock‑out
   • Charge make‑up area
   • Receiving, weighing, inspecting, and verifying material
   • Working with VIM helper to complete the material charging
   • Lauder preheat station and assembly
   • Supporting VIM crew leader with redundancy in crucible movements (to and from preheat, into furnace charge and melting positions, and cool‑down stations)
   • Material sample taking and test
   • Melt documentation
4. Follow strict safety protocols when handling high‑temperature materials, vacuum systems, and electrical equipment.
5. Ensure all furnace components are clean, properly installed, and aligned for efficient operation.
6. Work closely with VIM crew leader and maintenance teams to ensure the furnace operates correctly.
7. Assist in troubleshooting equipment issues.
8. Provide redundancy in the crucible change‑over in the VIM (cooling systems, auxiliary movements).
9. Complete pre‑operational inspections for cranes, VIM furnace and ancillary equipment, and mobile equipment daily, as needed.
10. Operate remote overhead cranes.
11. Must have ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, multitasking environment.
12. Abide by all policies and procedures established by the company including plant safety regulations and work rules.
13. Must have ability and desire to work with others.
14. Meet attendance requirements.
15. Perform other duties as deemed necessary.

Job Qualifications

Education

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent GED.

Experience

• Minimum six months experience in steel manufacturing environment preferred.
• Remote crane operation experience preferred.
• Remelt department experience preferred.

Internal EQS Training (provided after hire)

• Theoretical Steelmaking Course; overall score of 80% is preferred.
• Theoretical Remelting Course; overall score of 80% is preferred.
• VIM Course (provided during training period, satisfactory completion required).

Ellwood Quality Steels Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer. Minorities, Females, Individuals with Disabilities, Protected Veterans.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.