Furnace Operator M-Th 6a-4p

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. • Owatonna, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The primary function of the Furnace Operator is to process the glass in the heat treating furnace in a manner in which will provide heat-treated products in accordance with established production schedules and quality standards. The Furnace Operator will also advise management and engineering of any preventive and repair maintenance needs of the furnace and/or furnace equipment.

Requirements

• Ability to read and understand work instructions (English).
• Mathematical skills as related to measurements.
• Familiar with operating power tools.
• Ability to take supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as a team member.
• Must be able to safely perform essential job responsibilities.
• Regular full-time attendance.
• Promotes Viracon in a positive manner and obeys all policies.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent GED preferred but not required.
• Employee must have been in the Furnace Operator 1 position for 1 year.
• Successful operation of a different furnace type.
• Successfully complete Furnace Operator modules 1-4.
• Must complete Furnace Operator assessment.

Responsibilities

• Set up the furnace controls for proper cycle time by glass size, type, thickness and color according to established operating procedures.
• Varies cycle time and quench pressure as necessary to adjust for variations in operating conditions to obtain acceptable products.
• Stays close to the furnace controls.
• Directs unloading of the glass from the furnace in the event of power outage.
• Keeps track of breakage and loss and monitors furnace yield. Works with the Line Lead, Supervisor and Quality Assurance to minimize line loss.
• Maintains an awareness of the line and intercompany quality standards and how to apply them.
• Works closely with Quality Assurance, unloader/packers and recorder to monitor adherence to standards.
• Performs various quality checks, following the final inspection criteria document. Ref. 9.7-494
• Maintains and updates records of operating conditions, quality problems, and furnace maintenance.
• Monitors the furnace and all related equipment for irregularities and notifies appropriate personnel in the event of unusual conditions.
• Watches the performance of the furnace and furnace related equipment in an effort to detect impending malfunctions or maintenance needs. Informs proper personnel of equipment needs and helps troubleshoot problems.
• Create new set-ups for the furnace in the development of new products and searches for ways to improve existing set-ups.
• Performs duties in accordance with the Business Process Documentation.
• Participates in Viracon’s Continuous Improvement efforts by understanding his/her team’s performance and actively implementing and supporting process improvements.
• Maintains a neat and orderly work area throughout the workday.
• Maintains an effective working relationship with all department employees.
• Performs duties in a safe manner, using all approved safety equipment as instructed.
• May perform reasonably similar or related duties in other production areas as necessary to meet production schedules or to balance the workload.
• Inspects intercompany rejects and quality returns. Takes steps to pinpoint and correct problems to prevent reoccurrence.
• Accepts responsibility for quality of finished product as related to roll distortion, end sag, bow and warp, roller marks, correctness of process, and any other conditions controllable through furnace operation.
• Cooperates fully with the quality control department.
• Trains new furnace operators and provides update information to all other operators as conditions or available technology change.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
• Incentive Plans
• 401(k) with employer contribution and match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Training and Career Progression

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED