Furnace Operator

VIM Operator

Are you ready for a rewarding and challenging career in a startup facility in the steelmaking industry?

Join us! We are looking for the bestthose who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves to grow with our organization, personally and professionally!

About the Position:

The VIM OPERATOR performs responsibilities as outlined below and other related duties following established practices set forth in the Operating Procedures Manual and the Manufacturing Instructions Manual.

About Ellwood Quality Steels:

• Family-owned business with long-range vision.
• The world leader in the production of high quality carbon, alloy, stainless and tool steel ingot.
• Unmatched commitment to our customers.
• Emphasis on flexibility, responsiveness, and problem solving.
• Continual investment in our people, process, and equipment.
• Highly trained workforce, state-of-the-art equipment and methodology.
• A manufacturing environment where excellence is an everyday occurrence.

Our focus at Ellwood Quality Steels is to create an environment of opportunity where you can grow your career. Our culture values diverse talents and the contributions of all employees. Our commitment includes competitive compensation, support for your professional growth, and a range of employee benefits that help to protect the health and welfare of our people.

What You'll Get:

• Competitive compensation with eligibility for Profit Sharing
• 401(k) retirement plan with an excellent Employer Match
• Excellent health care, dental and vision plans
• Company-paid Life, AD&D, and disability benefits

What You'll Do:

Under general supervision performs responsibilities as outlined below and other related duties following established practices set forth in the Operating Procedures Manual and the Manufacturing Instructions Manual.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Primary responsibility for VIM melting process parameters (temperature, vacuum levels, and power settings) to maintain optimal melting conditions to meet specification and performs real-time adjustments to melt where necessary to ensure high-quality production.

2. Maintain a clean and organized work environment to support safe and efficient operations.

3. Set up and prepare the VIM furnace for melting operations, including:

• Launder building and curing & crucible refractory
• Mold Set-Up, ingot stripping, and mold cleaning.
• Crucible (melt vessel) and launder knock-out
• Charge Make-Up area
• Receiving, weighing, inspecting, and verifying material
• Working with VIM helper to complete the material charging
• Lauder preheat station and assembly
• Supporting VIM Crew Leader with redundancy in:
• Crucible Movements (to and from preheat, into furnace charge and melting positions, and cool down stations)
• Material sample taking and test
• Melt documentation

4. Follow strict safety protocols when handling high-temperature materials, vacuum systems, and electrical equipment.

5. Ensure all furnace components are clean, properly installed, and aligned for efficient operation.

6. Work closely with VIM crew leader and maintenance teams to ensure the furnace operates correctly.

7. Assist in troubleshooting equipment issues.

8. Provides redundancy in the crucible change over in the VIM. (Cooling systems, auxiliary movements.)

9. Complete Pre-Operational Inspections for cranes, VIM furnace and ancillary equipment, and mobile equipment daily, as needed.

10. Operates remote overhead cranes

11. Must have ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.

12. Abides by all policies and procedures established by the Company including plant safety regulations and work rules.

13. Must have ability and desire to work with others.

14. Meets attendance requirements.

15. Perform other duties as deemed necessary.

Job Qualifications:

Education:

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.

Experience:

• Minimum six months experience in steel manufacturing environment preferred.
• Remote crane operation experience preferred.
• Remelt department experience preferred.

Internal EQS Training (provided after hire):

• Theoretical Steelmaking Course; overall score of 80% is preferred.
• Theoretical Remelting Course; overall score of 80% is preferred.
• VIM Course (provided during training period, satisfactory completion required)

Ellwood Quality Steels Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities/Females/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.