Heat Treatment Technicians
Heat treatment technicians operate specialized furnaces and heating equipment to strengthen and modify metal and plastic parts used in everything from car engines to smartphone components. You'll read technical schedules, precisely control temperatures and timing, and use thermal instruments and computerized controls to ensure materials meet exact specifications. The job involves teamwork with crane operators and other technicians, plus you'll train new workers on proper equipment operation. This hands-on manufacturing role combines technical skills with attention to detail in modern industrial facilities.
Did you know?
Workers must adhere to strict OSHA safety standards and undergo extensive safety training due to exposure to high temperatures, chemicals, and heavy machinery.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$47,900 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Operations Monitoring
Things to consider
Technical Certification Requirements
Many employers prefer candidates with vocational training or apprenticeship completion, and ongoing education is often necessary to keep up with advancing heat treatment technologies.
Manufacturing Industry Stability
Job prospects are closely tied to the health of American manufacturing sectors, particularly automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.
Key responsibilities
Examine parts to ensure metal shades and colors conform to specifications, using knowledge of metal heat-treating.
Stamp heat-treatment identification marks on parts, using hammers and punches.
Adjust controls to maintain temperatures and heating times, using thermal instruments and charts, dials and gauges of furnaces, and color of stock in furnaces to make setting determinations.
Remove parts from furnaces after specified times, and air dry or cool parts in water, oil brine, or other baths.
Load parts into containers and place containers on conveyors to be inserted into furnaces, or insert parts into furnaces.