Foundry Supervisor

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

Finishing Processes

Oversee casting finishing operations, including shakeout, shot blasting, grinding, and cut-off processes

Ensure castings meet dimensional tolerances and surface finish requirements per customer specifications

Monitor heat treatment processes and verify mechanical properties meet applicable standards

Coordinate visual and dimensional inspection of finished castings and manage rework as needed

Ensure proper use and maintenance of finishing equipment including grinders, welders, and blast equipment

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

Manage department budget and control costs

Maintain accurate records and prepare production reports

Coordinate maintenance activities and equipment upgrades

Participate in capital project planning and implementation

Ensure proper inventory levels of consumables and supplies

Qualifications

Required

High school diploma or GED

Minimum 5 years of experience in foundry operations, including molding and melting

Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience

Demonstrated expertise in sand molding, core making, furnace operations, and finishing processes

Strong understanding of foundry safety practices and regulations

Proficiency in computer systems for production tracking and scheduling

Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal)

Ability to work flexible hours, including mandatory overtime and on-call availability

Physical ability to work in a foundry environment with lifting, bending, and extended standing

Preferred

Associate degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field

Bilingual in English and Spanish

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.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.

Full-time