Shell Production Operator 3rd shift

Job Summary

The Shell Operator is responsible for dewaxing ceramic foundry molds and operating burnout furnaces in accordance with established engineering instructions, safety requirements, and General Standard Practices. This role supports the safe and efficient preparation of molds for downstream foundry operations while maintaining quality, safety, and documentation standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the position. Other duties may be assigned with supervisor approval.

• Remove molds from the final dry tunnel and load them into the cut‑off cabinet.
• Use hand‑held, air‑powered tools to remove mold bleeders and prepare molds for the dewaxing process.
• Load molds into the steam autoclave and initiate the appropriate autoclave cycle to remove wax from molds.
• Unload dewaxed molds from the autoclave and transport them via carts to the burnout furnace area.
• Load molds into burnout furnaces and operate furnaces according to prescribed cycles and instructions.
• After burnout, transport molds to the weigh station and accurately record mold weights.
• Complete all required production, safety, and quality documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure it is in good working condition.
• Consistently wear all required PPE and comply with company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S and safety standards.
• Promptly report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or quality issues to supervision.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• One to three months of related manufacturing, foundry, or industrial experience preferred; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills and Abilities

Language Skills

• Ability to read and understand simple written instructions, safety procedures, and work documents.
• Ability to write and speak simple sentences and effectively communicate basic information.
• Ability to recognize similarities and differences between words and numeric sequences.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to record weights, counts, and process data accurately.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to apply common‑sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram‑based instructions.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to routine process variations and safety concerns.

Additional Skills and Abilities (Added)

• Ability to follow detailed process instructions and standard work procedures.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to work in high‑temperature industrial environments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain positive working relationships.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to operate industrial tools and equipment safely.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks in a production environment.
• Forklift operation experience is helpful; willingness to obtain certification as required.
• Dependable attendance and ability to work scheduled shifts, including overtime when required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to stand for extended periods.
• Frequently required to walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to handle tools and materials.
• Occasionally required to sit, talk, and hear.
• Must regularly lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and fumes or airborne particles.
• Occasional work near moving mechanical parts.
• Required to wear a bump cap while working in final dry areas.
• Exposure to elevated temperatures during furnace loading and unloading.
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high.
• Hearing protection is required in accordance with company safety procedures.