Foundry Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

Scope of Position

The Foundry Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all foundry operations, including molding, melting and furnace operations, and finishing processes, ensuring production targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. This role involves leading and developing the foundry team, managing daily production schedules, overseeing furnace charging and melting activities, monitoring metal chemistry through spectrometer analysis, coordinating finishing operations, implementing process improvements, and serving as the primary point of contact between foundry operations and upper management. The Supervisor is accountable for workforce planning, performance management, safety compliance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all foundry departments.

Machinery Operating Requirements

Fork truck, Mixer, Armour Spray System, overhead crane, jib crane, pneumatic chipping hammer, propane torch, induction and/or electric arc furnaces, ladle preheaters, spectrometer (OES), pyrometers, grinding and cutting equipment, shot blast machines, and all molding and finishing production equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Supervise, coach, and develop Molding Leadmen and molding team members
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to direct reports
• Make staffing decisions, including hiring recommendations, discipline, and terminations
• Schedule and coordinate workforce to meet production demands and manage overtime
• Lead daily production meetings and communicate priorities across shifts
• Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment focused on collaboration and accountability

Production Operations

• Plan and coordinate daily production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements
• Monitor production output, efficiency metrics, and quality standards
• Allocate resources effectively to maximize productivity and minimize downtime
• Troubleshoot complex production issues and implement corrective actions
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of production data
• Coordinate with other departments (melting, finishing, quality) to optimize workflow

Foundry Melting & Furnace Operations

• Oversee daily furnace operations, including charging, melting, and tapping of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys
• Manage charge material selection and furnace charge calculations to achieve target metal chemistry and specifications
• Operate and interpret results from optical emission spectrometer (OES) to verify metal chemistry and ensure alloy compositions meet customer and industry specifications
• Monitor and control pouring temperatures using pyrometers to ensure proper fill and metallurgical properties
• Supervise inoculation and treatment processes for ductile iron and specialty alloys
• Coordinate furnace maintenance, refractory lining repairs, and scheduled relining activities
• Maintain accurate melt logs, spectrometer records, and pour documentation for traceability and quality assurance
• Ensure safe handling and storage of charge materials, alloys, and additives

Quality & Process Control

• Establish and maintain quality standards for all molding and coring processes
• Monitor and analyze defect trends and implement preventive measures
• Oversee calibration and verification of molding sand and chemical systems
• Review and approve process parameters and molding configurations
• Lead root cause analysis investigations for quality issues
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all company safety policies and OSHA regulations
• Conduct regular safety audits and maintain a clean, organized work environment
• Investigate incidents and near-misses, implementing corrective actions
• Ensure all employees are properly trained and certified on the equipment
• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations
• Lead safety meetings and promote a strong safety culture

Technical Expertise

• Possess comprehensive knowledge of sand molding processes, melting operations, and metallurgy
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with Armour Spray System, sand systems, and chemical delivery
• Understand pattern configurations, gating systems, and feeding principles
• Monitor refractory coatings, sand strength, and setup times
• Interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies
• Demonstrate proficiency in spectrometer for chemical analysis of molten metal and finished castings
• Understand furnace operation principles, including induction heating, power management, and refractory maintenance
• Possess working knowledge of finishing processes, including grinding, blasting, heat treatment, and welding repair techniques

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate records and prepare production reports
• Coordinate maintenance activities
• Ensure proper inventory levels of consumables and supplies

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Proficiency in computer systems for production tracking and scheduling
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal)
• Physical ability to work in a foundry environment with lifting, bending, and extended standing

Preferred

• Associate degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field
• Demonstrated expertise in sand molding, core making, furnace operations, and finishing processes
• Strong understanding of foundry safety practices and regulations
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC)
• Certification in foundry operations or management
• Hands-on experience with spectrometer operation, calibration, and interpretation of chemical analysis results

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position requires working in a foundry environment with exposure to heat, noise, dust, and moving equipment. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, work on feet for extended periods, and wear all required personal protective equipment, including respirators. Adaptability to changing environmental conditions and safety requirements is essential.

Since 1929, Steeltech has been serving international and domestic markets with excellence. We offer products for use in many industries, including Heat Treat, Aerospace, Automotive, Steel Mills, and Cement and Lime. Our comprehensive range of products and materials ensures that furnace equipment and other components hold up for many years of use. Steeltech is recognized internationally for our high-quality materials and innovative solutions in the heat and corrosion resistant materials sector. We pride ourselves on our technical expertise and customer-focused approach.

Company Description

Since 1929, Steeltech has been serving international and domestic markets with excellence. We offer products for use in many industries, including Heat Treat, Aerospace, Automotive, Steel Mills, and Cement and Lime. Our comprehensive range of products and materials ensures that furnace equipment and other components hold up for many years of use. Steeltech is recognized internationally for our high-quality materials and innovative solutions in the heat and corrosion resistant materials sector. We pride ourselves on our technical expertise and customer-focused approach.