Temper Operator

Job Title

Temper Operator

Purpose

Set up, operate, and tend furnaces and associated tools to press temper parts flat and achieve the desired hardness (Rockwell HRC). Load and unload parts while programming, monitoring, and running all furnace operations. Ensure workpieces meet quality and specification requirements.

Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred

• Less than a High School Diploma acceptable with relevant experience

Skills

Basic Skills

• Active learning and listening to understand and apply instructions

• Critical thinking for problem-solving

• Monitoring performance of self and equipment

• Effective verbal communication

Social Skills

• Coordination with team members and supervisors

• Instructing and assisting others as needed

Technical Skills

• Equipment maintenance (routine oiling, notifying maintenance)

• Tool and equipment selection

• Operation and control of furnaces and tempering equipment

• Operation monitoring (gauges, dials, thermocouples)

• Quality control analysis of parts and processes

Work Context

Physical Demands & Body Positioning

• Standing, walking, bending, twisting

• Repetitive hand and arm motions

• Handling and moving workpieces up to 50 lbs (more with assistance)

Environmental Conditions

• Manufacturing environment with normal noise levels

• Exposure to hazardous equipment and minor cuts

• Indoor, not environmentally controlled

Pace & Scheduling

• Pace determined by skill and experience

• Start/stop guided by machine charts and workflow

Work Attire

• Safety shoes with steel toe & metatarsal guards, gloves, safety glasses

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Read and interpret work orders, specifications, and technical drawings

• Load workpieces into tempering machines and furnaces

• Set up, operate, and tend furnaces according to recipes, materials, and Rockwell specifications

• Monitor and adjust furnace temperatures, soak times, and actions

• Test and verify hardness (Rockwell HRC) on sample parts, reporting deviations immediately

• Ensure platen condition and hydraulic function; report issues to supervisor

• Communicate daily schedules and special instructions across shifts

• Record job start, finish, tension, and side run-out in CAM software (ShopTrak/Syteline)

• Sign off complete or partial work orders and maintain proper workflow

• Inspect finished workpieces for defects and conformance to specifications

• Maintain a clean, organized work area and clean machines after use

Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes

• Operate furnaces and related equipment

• Use hand tools and precision measuring instruments

Handling & Moving Objects

• Load and unload materials into machinery

• Move or fit heavy objects (up to 50 lbs independently)

Inspecting Equipment, Materials, or Products

• Examine products for conformance to specifications

• Conduct safety inspections of equipment and work area

Documenting & Recording Information

• Enter job orders in CAM software

• Record measurements, process parameters, and deviations

Monitoring & Decision-Making

• Monitor production machinery and equipment operation

• Identify and report problems or quality issues

Tools and Technology

• Furnaces and press temper equipment

• Precision measuring instruments (micrometers, indicators)

• Hand tools

• CAM software (ShopTrak/Syteline)

Job Hazards

• Exposure to hazardous equipment

• Minor cuts and burns from handling hot metal or machinery