Foundry Technician

As a foundry technician, you will assist students in understanding and applying techniques needed to complete coursework and projects. Above all, you’ll maintain a safe, compliant, and fully operational environment across the foundry, metal shop, ceramic shell room, and patina areas.

To support the physical resources department, you will:

• Maintain the safety, functionality, and cleanliness of equipment and spaces and anticipate and enforce all shop policies, procedures, and safety measures
• Advise students on issues, instruct them on the proper operation of equipment and file set up, maintain inventories, update the POS terminal, and assist faculty with class demonstrations and equipment setup
• Implement daily assignments, ensure tasks are completed promptly, and assist the shop manager with basic staff training and onboarding
• Meet with and report to the shop manager daily to discuss any safety or equipment concerns, attend all shop meetings and safety trainings, and proactively identify potential safety issues
• Assist with loading, unloading, and processing delivered materials and equipment; provide required data to the shop manager; and develop solutions to improve shop functionality and efficiency

As a technician, you must effectively:

• Ensure a clean, safe, and functional shop environment; perform routine relining, patching, and maintenance of furnaces, crucibles, and ladles; and perform routine maintenance on the induction cooling system and burnout oven
• Oversee and schedule all professional maintenance and safety inspections, perform thorough equipment and space cleanings, and complete all quarterly equipment inspection reports
• Oversee all investment processes, including mixing, monitoring, and maintenance of the ceramic shell slurry
• Notify the Woodruff Arts Center and collaborate with their staff on pour dates and the induction system’s cooling tower loop
• Participate in all class and public pours and coordinate ordering, moving, and storing all materials

Additionally, you will:

• Ensure implementation and compliance with all established safety policies and procedures; purchase, maintain, and enforce all high-heat and dust-related PPE; and manage all Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Schedule the removal of all hazardous materials and waste, demonstrate the safe and proper operation of the shop equipment, and provide minor first aid
• Process jobs to identify and provide issue solutions
• Participate as needed in university special projects and events, work across all shop spaces, and provide backup support during periods of high demand

Candidates will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong customer service, critical thinking, time management, and prioritization skills
• Knowledge of safety protocols and a commitment to promoting a safe working environment
• Familiarity with SDS management, hazardous waste handling, and gas line and manifold safety

Minimum qualifications:    

• High school diploma
• Experience with industrial foundry equipment, processes, and techniques, including refractory maintenance, furnace and crucible inspection, high-heat PPE standards, and local exhaust ventilation systems
• Ability to lift and move heavy materials and equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to work comfortably in high-heat, dusty, and noisy physically demanding environments in full personal protective equipment
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and perform strenuous physical tasks for extended periods during pour days and maintenance operations

Preferred qualifications:    

• Bachelor’s or associate degree
• Basic computer skills, including Adobe and Microsoft software and 3D modeling and graphics programs
• Knowledge of metalworking equipment
• Prior experience in a production foundry and with an induction furnace
• Knowledge of large-scale casting and associated production materials, equipment, and safety protocols

Work hours: The university work week is Sunday through Saturday. Most offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To accommodate business needs, employees may be assigned to other workdays and/or hours, including weekends and evenings.   

ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.