Heat Treat Operator I

PDS Tech

Job Title: Heat Treat Operator / Thermal Processing Trainee

Location: Carson, CA 90745

Position Type: Contract Only

Shift: 2nd Shift | Monday – Friday | 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM (9.5-Hour Shifts with Built-in Overtime)

Pay Rate: Up to $22.00 / hour

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated, safety-minded Heat Treat Operator / Thermal Processing Trainee to join our manufacturing facility in Carson, CA. This entry-level contract position offers comprehensive training in heat treating specialized aerospace and industrial metals (aluminum, titanium, nickel-based alloys, stainless, and alloy steels).

Working under the guidance of experienced operators, you will learn to batch loads, operate industrial furnaces, set thermocouples, and perform hardness testing. Prior experience with furnaces, fasteners, or shaker systems is a major plus, but candidates eager to learn a valuable skilled trade are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Furnace Operations & Loading: Place workpieces into industrial heating furnaces, set thermocouples, load/unload pallets, and ensure optimal heat distribution across parts batches.

• Process Monitoring: Learn to operate, adjust, and perform routine maintenance on furnace controllers, process survey equipment, and accuracy/uniformity monitors.

• Quality & Hardness Testing: Perform hardness testing using calibrated measuring tools and equipment, interpreting ratings against company specifications.

• Material Handling & Logistics: Operate a forklift to move raw materials, parts, and loaded pallets safely across the production floor.

• Workstation Safety: Maintain an organized, clean work area while adhering to company SOPs, quality specifications, and OSHA safety standards.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.

• Experience: Entry-level position with training provided; 1 to 3 years of relative manufacturing, industrial, or foundry experience preferred.

• Technical & Math Skills: Basic computer literacy; ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpret basic production graphs or specs.

• Equipment Certification: Certified (or ability to pass assessment) to operate forklifts per OSHA standards.

• Preferred Experience: Prior hands-on experience with heat-treat furnaces, industrial fasteners, or shaker systems is a major plus.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Labor-Intensive Environment: Requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and manual material handling for extended periods.

• High-Heat Conditions: Operates in hot plant environments exceeding 100°F (additional hydration and rest breaks are built into the shift schedule).

• Lifting Requirements: Regularly lift up to 30 lbs; frequently lift up to 50 lbs; occasionally move up to 100 lbs with assistance.

Dress Code & PPE Requirements

• Required Footwear: Steel-toe work boots or shoes are mandatory.

• Attire: Casual, clean industrial wear (clothing must be free of rips, tears, or holes).

• Safety & Hazard Restrictions: No jewelry, facial piercings, false eyelashes, or artificial nails are permitted on shift for safety compliance.

Pre-Employment Screenings

• Onsite Interview & Forklift Assessment

• Client-Initiated Physical Assessment

• Background Check (SSN, Education, 2 Employers, 7-year National/Federal/State/County Criminal, OFAC, MVR if applicable)

• 5-Panel Drug Screen (No THC)

Pay Details: $22.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.