Operator Furnace

About the Role

Al Tuwairqi Group is seeking a Furnace Operator to join their team in Dammam. This full-time role involves the precise execution of heat sequences and charging control for the designated furnace, ensuring proper billet handling, continuous process monitoring, and diligent equipment care. The operator will also be responsible for accurate data recording, maintaining clear communication with other operators, and strictly adhering to all safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute heat sequences and charging control, including reviewing daily charging plans and operating charging tables and roller tables to move billets while strictly following sequences and avoiding heat mixing.
• Operate the cold billet pusher to charge billets into the furnace at defined inter-billet pitches, maintaining required gaps for uniform heating.
• Visually inspect each billet for defects such as bending, cracks, or identification mismatches before charging, and report non-conforming billets.
• Record and report charging data, including filling furnace billet charging reports, documenting times for first and last billets, total billets charged per heat, and any deviations from the sequence.
• Monitor furnace temperatures from thermocouples at charging and soaking zones, reporting any abnormal readings or sensor failures immediately.
• Coordinate with the Senior Furnace Operator for charging rate adjustments due to temperature deviations, fuel issues, or mill stoppages.
• Maintain continuous communication with the Furnace Discharging Operator for sequence alignment and heat change identification, and with the Main Pulpit Operator for mill stoppages.
• Perform basic operator-level checks on charging equipment (charging table, roller table, pusher) for unusual noises, vibrations, or leaks, and report abnormalities to mechanical maintenance.
• Ensure the charging grid and surrounding area are kept clean and free from obstructions to prevent hazards.

Safety and Emergency Response

• Adhere strictly to lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) and isolation procedures before any intervention involving moving parts.
• Immediately stop charging and secure the area during mill line stoppages, furnace over-temperature, gas alarms, interlock activations, or suspected mechanical failures.
• Participate in emergency drills related to gas leaks, fires, and furnace trip scenarios.
• Support furnace shutdown activities by assisting in the safe removal of residual billets and ensuring equipment is cleared and parked safely.
• Assist in data collection for root cause analysis (*, 5-Whys, Ishikawa) related to charging-side stoppages or sequencing errors.
• Participate in toolbox talks (TBT) and refresher training on furnace operation, material identification, and safe handling.
• Provide on-the-job guidance to new operators or helpers under the supervision of the Furnace Foreman.

Qualifications and Experience

• 0-1 years of experience in a relevant operational role.
• Ability to understand and execute daily heat-wise charging sequence plans.
• Proficiency in operating charging equipment such as charging tables, roller tables, and cold billet pushers.
• Strong attention to detail for visual verification of billets and accurate data recording.
• Capability to monitor process parameters and furnace temperatures.
• Effective communication skills for coordination with various operators and supervisors.
• Commitment to strict adherence to safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Dammam, requiring active participation in a manufacturing environment focused on operational efficiency and safety.