Steel Heat‑Treat Furnace Operator (Induction/Flame Hardening)

Job Description

Job Description

Could this be your next move at Amsted Rail?

Location: Petersburg, VA — Brenco Bearing & Amsted Seals Divisions

Compensation: Start at $18/hour with a planned increase after your first 90 days of qualification.

We’re a 100% employee-owned, global rail solutions leader. Be part of a team that hardens and tempers the steel components that keep freight rolling safely—while you build ownership through annual stock awards.

• Operate, set up, and tend heat‑treating equipment: furnaces, induction and flame‑hardening machines, soaking pits, and vacuum systems.
• Dial in temperatures and process controls matched to material and recipe.
• Load/unload parts and track line status to ensure accuracy against settings.
• Read blueprints; understand sequences and final dimensions.
• Verify quality with visual checks, gauges, SPC data entry, and hardness testing.
• Complete tool and equipment setups; safely set up presses with hand/power tools.
• Swap, clean, and maintain tooling to sustain throughput and quality.
• Perform preventive maintenance on heat‑treat gear and fork trucks.
• Document production and quality records with precision.
• Segregate/tag nonconforming parts per standards; monitor scrap containers.
• Troubleshoot product/equipment issues with the Control Room Operator, Specialists, or Maintenance.
• Work independently to produce repeat and first‑run parts within spec.
• Champion 6S and housekeeping every shift.

• Comfort standing and moving throughout a 12‑hour shift.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull 10–50 lbs.
• Willingness to wear employer‑provided PPE.
• Mechanical aptitude; prior manufacturing experience preferred.

• 3‑2‑2‑3 schedule
• Hours: 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.

• Employee Ownership: Annual stock awards equal to 10% of compensation
• 401(k) Match: Up to 4% dollar‑for‑dollar
• Benefits after 30 days: Medical, dental, vision, HSA with company contributions, life, disability, and pet insurance
• Compensation: Competitive hourly rate plus annual bonus eligibility potential
• Growth: On‑the‑job training, pay‑for‑skill, and clear advancement paths
• Time off: PTO starting at 3 weeks and 11 paid holidays
• Extras: Tuition reimbursement, referral bonuses, and employee discount programs

Amsted Rail’s commitment to Affirmative Action:

Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To review our EEO Policies or to request assistance please go to and select EEO Compliance/Statements. To learn more about us, please visit us online at

• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug & background screening

If you value precision, safety, and teamwork—and want ownership in what you build—we’d love to hear from you.