Summary: We are seeking a motivated and skilled Lead Furnace Technician with extensive experience in furnace operations, combustion principles, and glass manufacturing. This key role ensures the smooth, safe operation of glass melting furnaces, hot shop equipment, and related processes in a manufacturing environment. The Lead Furnace Technician will oversee furnace maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting while also serving as the final escalation point for all furnace-related issues.
This position will also coordinate project work involving management, engineers, vendors, and other stakeholders, making it essential for the candidate to have strong leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, the Lead Furnace Technician will be responsible for training new furnace operators (“Watchmen” or Junior Furnace Techs) and ensuring they are prepared to handle routine tasks and emergencies.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as the final escalation point for furnace-related issues, including responding to after-hours calls and conducting service visits as needed.
- Act as a project liaison, coordinating between management, engineers, vendors, and other stakeholders for furnace maintenance and developmental projects.
- Oversee the maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and upgrades of glass melting furnaces, kilns, and combustion systems.
- Train and onboard new furnace operators, ensuring they understand furnace operations, troubleshooting, and safety protocols.
- Monitor furnace temperatures and glass quality, making necessary adjustments and escalating concerns as needed.
- Manage glass batching processes, including documenting batch schedules and maintaining quality control.
- Organize and manage the inventory and storage of chemicals, refractory materials, and related tools.
- Ensure adherence to safety standards in line with OSHA/NFPA guidelines and promote safe working practices across the facility.
- Provide technical support to production staff and trainers, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- Assist with general facilities maintenance and perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in glass manufacturing or furnace operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
- Extensive knowledge of glass melting processes, furnace components, and combustion systems.
- Strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to work on both modern and legacy equipment.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to learn new skills and adapt to evolving needs.
- Familiarity with basic computer software, including spreadsheets for data tracking and reporting.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with electrical systems, kiln controls, and combustion equipment.
- Welding, metal fabrication, and/or woodworking experience.
- Forklift operation certification or experience.
Compensation:
- $40,000 – $60,000, based on experience
- Relocation assistance available upon request
- Benefits: Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, 80% Employer-paid medical, Employee-paid dental and vision, Company matched 401k, provided but optional
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a hands-on, technical role within the glass manufacturing industry and is looking to lead a critical operational function within the team.
Blenko Glass Company, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.