MIC - Melt Operator

Ashland Foundry & Machine Works•Myerstown, PA

About The Position

DEFINITION The Melt Operator is a skilled technician responsible for safely preparing, melting, and delivering molten metal used in the casting process. This role involves operating and maintaining melting furnaces (such as induction or arc furnaces), charging metal and alloy materials according to specified melt recipes, monitoring furnace parameters, and ensuring the molten metal meets all chemical and temperature requirements before pouring. The melt operator is also responsible for performing pre-melt inspections, documenting process data, following strict safety protocols, and coordinating with quality and production teams to ensure consistent, high-quality castings. SUPERVISION RECEIVED This position reports directly to the Melting Supervisor SUPERVISION EXERCISED This position will not have any direct reports ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION NOTE: An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Requirements

Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and senior managers, as well as employees.
Familiarity with melt recipes, alloying additions, and the effects of chemistry on casting quality.
Refractory materials, furnace linings, and ladle maintenance requirements.
Safe molten metal handling practices, including splash prevention, proper PPE, and emergency response procedures.
Ability to read and interpret melt sheets, production travelers, specifications, and furnace operating guidelines.
Understanding of quality control processes such as chemical analysis, temperature verification, and defect prevention.
Familiarity with foundry workflow and coordination between melt, shell, and pouring operations.
Ability to express ideas and communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before the employees in the organization, communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and leadership throughout the organization.
The ability to manage schedules, consider resources, and communicate these needs effectively throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

Work in a safe manner with a goal of zero harm.
Create safety awareness by actively observing, auditing, and coaching safe work behaviors and conditions.
Ensure compliance with safety and environmental rules and regulations.
Demonstrates self-management skills, including time management, planning, scheduling, organizing, and prioritizing; ability to complete assigned duties in a timely manner and meet established deadlines
Performs all necessary functions to adhere to ISO9001-2015 standards
Operate, monitor, and maintain melting furnaces according to established procedures.
Charge furnaces with metals, alloys, and additives following melt recipes and production specifications.
Perform molten metal sampling and coordinate chemical analysis with quality personnel.
Prepare ladles and pouring equipment, including preheating and inspection for lining integrity and cleanliness.
Execute safe and accurate tapping, transferring, or pouring of molten metal into molds or holding vessels.
Conduct pre-melt and post-melt inspections on equipment, tools, and refractory linings.
Follow all foundry safety procedures, including PPE usage, lockout/tagout, and molten metal handling protocols.
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free melt deck and work area.
Ensure proper execution of policies and procedures within areas of responsibility.
Must have good attendance and be reliable.
All other duties as assigned.