Steel Hardening & Annealing Furnace Operator

Own the heat. Shape the outcome.

What if your attention to detail could turn steel into high-performance components for rail? At Amsted Rail Petersburg, you’ll run a variety of thermal processes—tempering, hardening, and annealing—using furnaces, induction and flame-hardening systems, soaking pits, and vacuum equipment. You’ll be part of a tight-knit team that coordinates each move to keep production flowing smoothly.

Your mission

Deliver consistent, specification-accurate parts by setting up equipment, controlling temperature profiles, and validating results throughout the process.

How you’ll succeed

• Configure furnace temperature controls matched to material and process plans.
• Load and unload heat-treat work; manage sequencing and throughput.
• Track furnace and line performance against operational settings.
• Read blueprints; understand sequences and final dimensional requirements.
• Conduct quality checks using visuals, gauges, SPC methods, and hardness testing.
• Complete tooling and equipment set-ups; use hand and power tools for press set-up.
• Swap, clean, and maintain tooling to protect quality and productivity.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on heat-treat assets and fork trucks.
• Document production and quality data; tag and segregate nonconforming parts.
• Troubleshoot noncompliance and equipment issues with the Control Room Operator, Specialists, or Maintenance.
• Operate independently to produce repeat and first-run parts accurately within specifications.
• Uphold daily 6S and housekeeping, including scrap container monitoring.
• Contribute to additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug & background screening
• Lift, push, and pull 10–50 lbs; stand and move regularly throughout the shift.
• Wear employer-provided PPE and follow safety, ergonomics, and environmental standards.
• Mechanical aptitude; prior industrial background is a plus.

Growth, rewards, and balance

• Employee Ownership: annual stock awards equal to 10% of compensation.
• 401(k) Match: up to 4% dollar-for-dollar.
• Benefits after 30 days: medical, dental, vision, HSA with company contributions, life and disability coverage, plus pet insurance.
• Competitive hourly pay with annual bonus eligibility.
• On-the-job training, pay-for-skill, and advancement opportunities.
• PTO starting at 3 weeks, 11 paid holidays, and a 3-2-2-3 schedule (7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.).
• Tuition reimbursement, referral bonuses, and employee discount programs.

Why you’ll love working here

We invest in people. You’ll get hands-on training, supportive teammates, and the tools to grow a meaningful career in metallurgical processing.

Amsted Rail’s commitment to Affirmative Action:

Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To review our EEO Policies or to request assistance please go to www.amstedrail.com/careers/ and select EEO Compliance/Statements. To learn more about us, please visit us online at www.amstedrail.com.