Operator Furnace

About the Role

Al Tuwairqi Group is seeking a Furnace Operator to join their team in Dammam. This full-time role involves executing heat sequences and managing charging control for designated furnaces, ensuring billets are charged correctly and safely. The Operator will also monitor process temperatures, record charging data, and coordinate with other operators and departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute heat sequences and charging control, including reviewing daily charging plans and operating charging equipment to move billets according to sequence.
• Operate the cold billet pusher to charge billets into the furnace at defined inter-billet pitches, maintaining required gaps for uniform heating.
• Visually inspect billets for defects (bending, cracks, identification mismatch) before charging and report non-conforming billets.
• Record and report charging data, including filling furnace billet charging reports, noting arrival times of first and last billets, and recording total billets charged per heat.
• Document and communicate any deviations from the charging sequence to production and billet handling.
• Monitor furnace temperatures from thermocouples in charging and soaking zones, reporting any abnormal readings or sensor failures immediately.
• Coordinate with the Senior Furnace Operator for adjustments to charging rates due to temperature deviations, fuel issues, or mill stoppages.
• Maintain continuous communication with the Furnace Discharging Operator for sequence alignment and heat change identification.
• Communicate with the Main Pulpit Operator for mill stoppages and with the Billet Handling Office for any billet shortages or imbalances.
• Inform the Senior Furnace Operator or Shift-in-Charge of any abnormal mechanical, electrical, or gas supply issues affecting charging.
• Perform basic operator-level checks on charging equipment (*, charging table, roller table, pusher) and report abnormalities to mechanical maintenance.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the charging grid and surrounding areas to prevent obstructions and hazards.
• Adhere strictly to lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) and isolation procedures before any intervention involving moving parts.
• Stop charging immediately and secure the area in cases of mill line stoppage, furnace over-temperature, gas alarms, uncontrolled billet movement, or suspected mechanical failure.
• Participate in emergency drills and support furnace shutdown activities, including safe removal of residual billets.
• Assist in data collection for root cause analysis related to charging-side stoppages, billet sequencing errors, or yield losses.
• Participate in toolbox talks and refresher trainings related to furnace operation, material identification, LOTO, and safe handling.
• Provide on-the-job guidance to new operators or helpers in the charging area under supervision.

Qualifications and Experience

• 0-1 year of relevant experience.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Dammam, requiring active participation in operational duties within a manufacturing setting.