VAR Melt Operator Level I - IV

Efficiently operate and maintain the VAR Furnace(s) and associated pre‑melt and post melt equipment to meet productivity and quality targets. Interpret and respond to the needs of the equipment. Perform skilled maintenance, set‑up and troubleshooting functions as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Follow standard manufacturing and operating procedures.
• Strong learning aptitude required; 75% of the knowledge required must be learned on the job.
• Perform pre‑operative checks prior to and during pump down cycle using pre‑pump and startup checklist.
• Set up and operate the furnace(s) as directed for melting, including preparing electrodes, welding stubs, cleaning, painting and maintaining crucibles and base plates, loading electrodes, operating the stub welder, vacuum systems, furnace controls and instrumentation, melting ingots, cooling, unloading, identifying and weighing ingots, drilling (sampling), chamfering ingots, band saw cutting stubs and electrodes.
• Interpret video monitors, gauges, meters, etc. while operating the VAR furnace(s) and stub welder.
• Maintain operating records and logs, material and maintenance needed lists.
• Perform leak‑up rate tests to determine vacuum integrity, operate leak detectors.
• Clean furnaces and crucibles during maintenance cycles and replace damaged components.
• Use various hand and power tools as directed.
• Perform maintenance required to ensure good operating condition of furnace(s) and auxiliary equipment such as electrical, electronic, vacuum, hydraulic, pneumatic and cooling systems.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Support other departments as needed per production demands.

QUALIFICATIONS

COMPETENCIES:

Attendance/Punctuality – consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Communication/Interpersonal Skills – focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; listens without interrupting; maintains a positive attitude and effectively communicates with co‑workers, outside contacts, and demonstrates strong selling skills.

Dependability – follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility; keeps commitments; commits to long hours when necessary; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Ethics and Integrity – treats people with respect; keeps commitments, inspires trust, works with integrity; upholds organizational values and confidentiality; admits mistakes, presents facts appropriately; avoids inappropriate situations.

Initiative – volunteers readily; undertakes self‑development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent actions and risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; offers help when needed.

Quality – demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; seeks improvement; applies feedback; monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity – meets productivity standards; completes work timely; strives to increase productivity; works quickly and safely.

Safety & Environmental – observes safety procedures; checks work area, uses PPE, maintains organized work area; considers safety of others; follows regulations; reports unsafe conditions.

Teamwork – balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness; gives and welcomes feedback; supports team success; builds morale and group commitments.

Language Skill – reads and interprets safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals; writes routine reports and correspondence; speaks effectively before groups.

Mathematical Skills – adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides, computes rates, ratios, percentages; interprets bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability – solves practical problems; deals with variables in limited standardization; interprets instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent is required; trade school or additional training preferred.
• Three years working experience in a relevant environment preferred.
• Mechanically inclined and possess basic math skills.
• Good at following instructions; capable of working in a group.
• Able to work any schedule, holidays and weekends.
• Can lift…