Metal Reduction Operator

BWX Technologies, Inc.; Jonesborough (TN); On-site; USD 31,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Professional development

Inclusive culture

Mission-driven

Learning & training

Job summary

BWX Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Metal Reduction Operator for High Purity Depleted Uranium applications.

The role focuses on safe reduction, processing, and handling of specialty metals, ensuring equipment is operated correctly and materials meet specifications. You will work on-site in Jonesborough, TN, with responsibilities spanning furnace operation, quality checks, inventory tracking, and collaboration with engineering and production teams to drive continuous improvement while adhering to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in metal processing, manufacturing, furnace operations, or industrial environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn specialized reduction processes.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain/maintain a U.S. DOE clearance.

Responsibilities

• Operate metal reduction furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, band saws, drill press and chemical immersion tanks according to established procedures.
• Monitor temperature and reduction cycles to maintain optimal performance and ensure material quality.
• Perform routine inspections and quality checks on reduced metal products, documenting measurements and verifying compliance with specifications.
• Conduct equipment cleaning, basic maintenance, and minor troubleshooting to prevent downtime.
• Track material inventory, batch records, and production logs with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Identify process abnormalities or equipment malfunctions and elevate issues promptly to supervisors or maintenance teams.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines, PPE requirements, and environmental compliance protocols.
• Work collaboratively with metallurgy, engineering, and production teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with process adjustments, trials, and equipment upgrades as directed.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Good communication skills

Team player

Basic computer literacy

Ability to lift heavy materials

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade certification preferred

Job description

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At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

Position Overview:

The Metal Reduction Technician in for High Purity Depleted Uranium is responsible for supporting the safe and efficient reduction, processing, and handling of specialty metals used in manufacturing and engineering operations. This role ensures reduction equipment is operated correctly, materials meet quality specifications, and all work is performed in accordance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.

Location:

On-site in Jonesborough, TN

Your Day to Day as a Metal Reduction Operator:

• Operate metal reduction furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, band saws, drill press and chemical immersion tanks according to established procedures.
• Monitor temperature and reduction cycles to maintain optimal performance and ensure material quality.
• Perform routine inspections and quality checks on reduced metal products, documenting measurements and verifying compliance with specifications.
• Conduct equipment cleaning, basic maintenance, and minor troubleshooting to prevent downtime.
• Track material inventory, batch records, and production logs with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Identify process abnormalities or equipment malfunctions and elevate issues promptly to supervisors or maintenance teams.
• Adhere to all NOG J safety guidelines, PPE requirements, and environmental compliance protocols.
• Work collaboratively with metallurgy, engineering, and production teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with process adjustments, trials, and equipment upgrades as directed.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade certification preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in metal processing, manufacturing, furnace operations, or industrial environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn specialized reduction processes.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Basic computer literacy for logging production data and completing documentation.
• Ability to lift and handle heavy materials and work safely around industrial machinery.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) clearance.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $22.59- $35.57

The starting hourly rate for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $22.59 and $35.57 per hour. The hourly rate offered is based on local job market factors and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify the hourly rate (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation, or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or applicable department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

Nearest Major Market:

Asheville

Nearest Secondary Market:

Knoxville

Job Segment:

Equipment Operator, Recruiting, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Human Resources, Science