Vaccuum Induction Melting (VIM) Setup Operator

ELLWOOD Quality Steels; Town of New Castle (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit Sharing

401(k) retirement plan with Employer Match

Excellent health care, dental and vision plans

Company-paid Life, AD&D, and disability benefits

Job summary

ELLWOOD Quality Steels is looking for a Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) Setup Operator in New Castle, PA. This full-time position requires a minimum of a high school diploma and two years of experience in a steel manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities include operating the VIM furnace, following safety protocols, and ensuring a clean work environment. Benefits include competitive pay, a 401(k) plan, and excellent health care coverage.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years in a steel manufacturing environment.
• Remote crane operation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) furnace for melting operations.
• Set up and prepare the VIM furnace.
• Conduct basic inspections and support quality control processes.

Skills

Handling molten metal

Material handling equipment operation

Safety protocol adherence

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.

Tools

Cranes

Forklifts

Job description

Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) Setup Operator

Job Category: Steelmaking

Requisition Number: VIMSE004685

Posted: April 27, 2026  Employment Type: Full-Time  Location: EQS New Castle PA, 700 Moravia St, New Castle, PA 16101, USA

Join us! We are looking for the best—those who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves to grow with our organization, personally and professionally!

About the Position

The VIM SETUP OPERATOR provides overall support of the raw material bay (receiving, loading and inventory tracking) and other related duties following established practices set forth in the Operating Procedures Manual and the Manufacturing Instructions Manual.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with eligibility for Profit Sharing
• 401(k) retirement plan with an excellent Employer Match
• Excellent health care, dental and vision plans
• Company‑paid Life, AD&D, and disability benefits

Responsibilities

• Follow strict safety protocols, including handling molten metal, working with high‑temperature equipment, and wearing required PPE.
• Set up and prepare the Vacuum Induction Melting (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
• Staging and assembly of charge buckets and all associated documentation
• Working with VIM helper to complete the material charging

• Perform basic maintenance and cleaning of the VIM furnace (seals, view ports, TC & Sample ports).
• Assist in the operation of the VIM furnace, including loading primary charge, make‑up additions, taking chemistry samples, as directed by supervision.
• Support quality control processes by assisting in sample collection and conducting basic inspections.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to support safe operations.
• Operate material handling equipment such as cranes, hoists, launder, and forklifts to transport materials and equipment safely.
• Complete pre‑operational inspections for cranes, VIM furnace and ancillary equipment, and mobile equipment daily, as needed.
• Work independently in a fast‑paced, multitasking environment.
• Abide by all policies and procedures established by the Company including plant safety regulations and work rules.
• Be able to work with others.
• Meet attendance requirements.
• Perform other duties as deemed necessary.

Qualifications

Education: Minimum high school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.

Experience: Minimum two years in a steel manufacturing environment. Remote crane operation experience preferred.

Internal EQS Training (provided after hire):

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

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative 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.