Furnace Operator Trainee

Howmet Aerospace in Branford, CT is currently hiring highly motivated and energetic candidates to join their team. Howmet Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries worldwide. The Branford facility is focused on producing jet engine components that are essential for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications. With over 50 years of experience in the Branford facility, we are proud to contribute to the development of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines, and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, please visit www.howmet.com.

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Job Summary

We are currently looking for a candidate to fill the role of furnace operator for 2nd shift openings. The responsibilities of this position will involve loading and unloading various blades, vanes, and other OEM parts into and out of furnaces in the Low-Temperature Furnace Department. Additionally, the duties will include setting up and monitoring furnace controls, smutting, and water-washing parts.  All training necessary to successfully perform these jobs will be provided in-house by Howmet. 

Essential Functions

Monitor, modify, and execute furnace programs using the provided instructions. Prepare source materials (powders) and activators in pans per standard work instructions to achieve desired results.

Job Responsibilities

• Review work instructions, stored electronically and written in English, for each job assignment to ensure compliance with product requirements.
• Load parts in an orderly manner ensuring walls of containers are clear, and that parts are submerged properly into powder and placed so they do not touch one another.
• Inspect parts to ensure they are properly masked and are uniform before submitting to the process.
• Depending upon the process, workers may be required to remove masking solids from parts after the process is completed. This process is called “Smutting” and involves the employee working at a manual blast cabinet to place each part into the cabinet and rotate while a fine grit is used to blast off the remaining masking material.
• Prepare and complete paperwork covering areas of responsibility (Loading Diagrams), ensure sample/test piece is properly placed within containers, and verify accuracy of documentation submitted (check the part number, quantity, and order number against material received).
• Move filled boats to properly sized shoe box using designated rolling tables and lift devices.  Attach thermocouples to each level as needed.
• As processes are completed, the operator will remove and inspect parts and place them back into the cartons they were originally received.
• Fill out all related paperwork, i.e., routers and/or internal records following PMS and Activity Instructions.
• Properly enter Cycle Ramp Rates, Soak Times, and Cycle Times per Process Sheets. Monitor temperature level until the proper temperature is reached.  Fully understand all operations of furnaces to ensure minimal deviation from the process and correct process is run.
• As work is completed, complete all related paperwork i.e., routers, daily log sheets, etc., following standard operating procedures.
• Ability to use proper and safe containerization methods for all hazardous waste.
• Keep the work area clean and organized.
• Adhere to all company safety rules and practices and wear protective equipment as directed.
• Perform other job duties as needed or directed by management.

Job Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.
• This position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 Years of manufacturing experience highly desired.
• Experience running manufacturing equipment, advanced math skills, and leadership qualities preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

Must be able to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence or documentation. 

Good math skills with the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out deta