Furnace Technician

About the role

IKO Industries Ltd. is a manufacturer of roofing and building materials, and IKO Glass Fiber Inc. in Chester, SC is looking for a Furnace Technician. The position is full time and sits in the Production department. The role involves monitoring and controlling the furnace and forehearth to keep the glass-forming process efficient and in control.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain batch storage, delivery, weighing and mixing, and work with QC and raw material carriers to approve unloading of raw materials into silos.
• Evaluate batch plant control system data and adjust it so the process runs efficiently and stays in control.
• Monitor and control glass formation in the furnace and forehearth, adjusting variables such as natural gas firing, electric boost power, pressure, temperature, flow rates, oxygen, bubblers, glass level and batch line.
• Inspect furnaces and forehearths at the required frequency and act on issues found.
• Assist in furnace changes, upsets, start-ups, shutdowns, repairs and rebuilds, and guide maintenance personnel in batch and furnace repairs.
• Perform minor repairs and process adjustments as needed.
• Maintain good housekeeping in the batch house, furnace levels, furnace sump, forehearth and control room.

Required profile

• Prior furnace operations experience.
• Three or more years of manufacturing experience.
• Ability to work in a high-temperature environment and to lift up to 50 lbs regularly; occasional lifting of materials up to 10 lbs.
• Willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule covering days and nights, frequently.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders and work from heights, and to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb, reach and grasp regularly.

Required skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to give simple, accurate instructions.

What we offer

• Competitive salary.
• Health and benefit plan.
• Matched retirement savings program.
• The chance to join a growing organization focused on diversity and inclusion.