Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kiln Worker
💰 $18 - $25 per hour
ManufacturingProductionSkilled LaborIndustrialCeramics
🎯 Role Definition
As a Kiln Worker, you are the cornerstone of our production process, overseeing the critical transformation of raw materials into finished goods through controlled heat treatment. You will manage the entire firing cycle, from carefully loading the kiln to precisely monitoring temperatures and atmospheric conditions, ensuring every product meets our rigorous quality standards. Your expertise and attention to detail directly impact product integrity, operational efficiency, and overall plant safety.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Production Assistant
- General Laborer
- Material Handler
Advancement To:
- Lead Kiln Operator
- Kiln Supervisor
- Quality Control Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Maintenance Technician
- Machine Operator
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Precisely operate and control industrial kilns and furnaces according to established firing schedules and product specifications.
- Systematically load and unload kilns with raw materials or products, ensuring proper placement, stacking, and spacing to optimize heat distribution and prevent damage.
- Diligently monitor kiln operations, including temperature, pressure, draft, and firing cycles, using digital control panels, gauges, and computer monitoring systems.
- Make necessary adjustments to firing parameters, such as gas flow, air dampers, and temperature set-points, to maintain optimal conditions throughout the cycle.
- Conduct rigorous in-process and final quality inspections on fired products to identify and report defects like cracks, warping, chips, or discoloration.
- Maintain accurate and detailed production logs, recording firing times, temperatures, cycle data, kiln settings, and any operational deviations for quality assurance.
- Perform routine preventative maintenance on kiln equipment, including cleaning burners, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting door seals and refractory linings.
- Utilize material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and overhead cranes, to safely transport kiln cars, carts, and materials.
- Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Troubleshoot and diagnose minor operational issues with kilns and related equipment, escalating complex mechanical or electrical problems to the maintenance department.
- Prepare and place pyrometric cones or other temperature indicators within the kiln to visually verify heatwork and firing accuracy.
- Collaborate with the quality control team to analyze product non-conformance and assist in implementing corrective actions to improve processes.
- Manage the staging and organization of green (unfired) and fired ware in the kiln department to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
- Monitor and maintain the inventory of kiln furniture, such as shelves, posts, and setters, inspecting for damage and ensuring availability for production needs.
- Operate and read measurement tools like calipers, gauges, and rulers to verify product dimensions pre- and post-firing.
- Ensure the work area around the kilns is kept clean, organized, and free of hazards to maintain a safe and efficient operating environment.
- Communicate effectively with shift supervisors and other team members regarding kiln status, production progress, and any potential issues.
- Assist in the development and refinement of firing profiles and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new products or process improvements.
- Read and interpret work orders, production schedules, and technical specifications to determine the correct processing requirements for each batch.
- Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives and team meetings aimed at enhancing safety, quality, and productivity within the department.
- Document and report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns immediately to the appropriate supervisor or maintenance personnel.
- Assist in sorting, grinding, and finishing fired products as needed to prepare them for the next stage of production or for final shipment.
Secondary Functions
- Assist with inventory management of raw materials and kiln supplies.
- Contribute to root cause analysis for production defects or process inefficiencies.
- Collaborate with the maintenance team to schedule and support major kiln repairs or rebuilds.
- Participate in training new operators on safety procedures and standard operating protocols.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Industrial Kiln/Furnace Operation
- Temperature & Atmosphere Control Systems
- Quality Control & Visual Inspection
- Forklift & Pallet Jack Operation
- Basic Mechanical Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Reading Technical Schematics & Work Orders
- Data Logging & Production Reporting
- Understanding of Firing Curves/Schedules
- Safe Material Handling Practices
- Knowledge of Refractory Materials
- Use of Pyrometric Devices (Cones/Rings)
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
Soft Skills
- High Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving Aptitude
- Strong Work Ethic & Dependability
- Time Management & Prioritization
- Effective Communication Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Physical Stamina and Strength
- Safety-Conscious Mindset
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education:
- Vocational or Technical Certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Ceramics, or a related field.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Industrial Maintenance
- Ceramics
- Materials Science
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.
Preferred: 2+ years of hands-on experience directly operating industrial kilns, furnaces, or ovens in a production setting.