Vacuum Braze Furnace Operator

Vacuum Braze Furnace Operator

We are seeking a reliable, quality-focused Vacuum Braze Furnace Operator to join our precision manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing, loading, operating, and unloading high-temperature vacuum braze furnaces used in the fabrication of critical metal components.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced machine operator or mechanically inclined individual looking to expand their skill set into specialized thermal processing. We provide comprehensive on-the-job trainingwhile previous vacuum furnace, brazing, or heat-treating experience is a plus, a strong work ethic and mechanical aptitude are what matter most.

Key Responsibilities

1. Furnace Operation & Process Monitoring

• Set up, program, and operate vacuum braze furnaces in strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and engineering work instructions.
• Select, verify, and run established thermal recipes and production cycles based on part specifications.
• Continuously monitor critical process variables throughout heating, soak, brazing, and cooling cyclesincluding chamber vacuum levels, ramp rates, temperature uniformity, and cycle duration.
• Identify and respond immediately to process deviations, alarms, vacuum leaks, or abnormal operating conditions.

2. Fixturing, Staging & Material Handling

• Safely handle, clean, and prepare metal components, assemblies, and specialized braze alloys/pastes prior to processing.
• Properly position, fixture, and load assemblies onto furnace hearths and racks to ensure uniform heat distribution and avoid distortion.
• Safely unload finished workloads following designated cooling cycles, staging parts for downstream operations.

3. Quality Verification & Documentation

• Perform visual and dimensional inspections on incoming parts and finished brazed assemblies for defects, braze flow, surface discoloration, or abnormalities.
• Accurately complete electronic and paper production logs, recording heat numbers, cycle times, pyrometry data, and quality checks to ensure full lot traceability.

4. Equipment Care & Safety

• Conduct routine operator-level preventive maintenance, including chamber wipe-downs, seal and O-ring inspections, fixture cleaning, and leak checks.
• Strictly follow all facility safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), high-temperature safety procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) mandates.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and 5S-compliant workstation.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 13+ years of experience in machine operation, manufacturing, assembly, metalworking, or general industrial production.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Strong mechanical curiosity with the ability to safely operate industrial machinery, hand tools, and measurement equipment.
• Attention to Detail: Proven ability to follow written technical work instructions, recipe parameters, and multi-step procedures accurately.
• Documentation Skills: Basic computer literacy for logging process data and tracking production orders.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, and provide valid identity verification.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

• Prior experience operating vacuum furnaces, atmospheric furnaces, induction braze equipment, or heat-treating systems.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or precision metal manufacturing.
• Active forklift certification or material handling experience.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk on concrete shop floors for the duration of a 12-hour shift.
• Ability to regularly lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs (parts, racks, and fixtures).
• Comfort working in an active industrial manufacturing plant with exposure to heat, machinery, and production noise (PPE provided).
• Strong visual acuity and depth perception to inspect fine brazed joints and monitor control readouts.