Cupola Controller

Company Description

The Cupola Controller is responsible for the operation and monitoring of the cupola furnace ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality iron production while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. The Cupola Controller will actively monitor furnace operations, perform quality checks, and coordinate with operators and supervisors to resolve issues promptly.

Job Description

Cupola Controller
Location: Tyler, TX
Pay: $29.75/hour to $33.67/hour depending on experience
Position 1 Schedule: 1st Shift (3:00 AM - 3:00 PM); Monday–Friday
Position 2 Schedule: 2nd Shift (3:00 PM - 3:00 AM); Monday–Friday

What You’ll Do

Operational Control

• Monitor and regulate cupola furnace parameters, including temperature, wind rate, and slag flow, ensuring optimal conditions for production.
• Oversee the execution of start-up and shutdown procedures, including tapping, ramming, and bottom-dropping processes.
• Perform periodic inspections of tuyeres, water systems, and furnace components to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving operational issues, including freeze-ups, power failures, and slag-related blockages.

Quality Assurance

• Perform and verify chemistry adjustments, including carbon and silicon additions, to meet iron specifications.
• Collect and analyze iron samples at 30-minute intervals to ensure consistency and quality.
• Maintain detailed records of chemistry analyses, temperature readings, and production parameters.
• Ensure proper clearance and water flow for uniform trough operation.

Coordination and Communication

• Collaborate with Cupola Operators and Supervisors to prioritize and execute production activities.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule inspections, repairs, and equipment upgrades.
• Act as a point of escalation for operational issues when the Cupola Supervisor is unavailable.
• Provide guidance to operators during emergency situations, ensuring timely resolution.

Environmental Compliance

• Continuously monitor cupola operations for compliance with environmental regulations, including emissions and waste disposal.
• Promptly alert the supervisor of any deviations, potential violations, or equipment malfunctions that could impact environmental standards.
• Assist in maintaining proper documentation and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate production logs, including chemistry adjustments, operational data, and quality control records.
• Recommend improvements to melting processes, aiming to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Participate in training sessions to stay updated on safety regulations and operational best practices.

Other Duties

• Demonstrate a dedication to safety by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering and working in the plant.
• Keep work area clean, safe, and orderly.
• Complete other duties as assigned by Cupola Supervisor or Melt Manager.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience operating a Cupola furnace or similar equipment in a heavy industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of cupola operations, including chemistry adjustments, slag management, and troubleshooting.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a hot, noisy, and dusty environment.
• Strong communication and coordination skills to work effectively with operators, supervisors, and maintenance teams.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting operational data and chemistry analyses.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and always follow safety rules/procedures.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a company with over 100 years of stability and industry leadership as a proud member of the McWane family.
• Work in a culture that prioritizes safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through The McWane Way principles.
• Join a supportive team that values trust, teamwork, and open communication.
• Enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Contribute to meaningful work that supports critical infrastructure and community development.
• Experience long-term employment with a company committed to its people and their success. 

Additional Information

Based on the founding principles of McWane in 1920, it is expected that all team members will know and exhibit the eight principles of The McWane Way: Safety, Environment, Leadership, Accountability, Excellence, Trust, Teamwork, and Communication as well as the values and behaviors supporting these principles.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.