A furnace engineer oversees the functions and repairs of industrial furnaces, ensuring safety and efficiency. They monitor operating conditions, carry out repairs, and plan rebuilds. A degree in engineering is usually required, and travel may be necessary.
A furnace engineer oversees the functions, repair and productivity of an industrial furnace, commonly used in manufacturing facilities. Many industries use kilns, such as coal and glass production, to generate a final retail product. The oven must be regulated to ensure the general safety of the employees and the efficiency of the company.
Furnace operating conditions are monitored directly by the furnace engineer. Internal furnace temperatures must remain within a safe zone as determined by the furnace engineer. The kiln operator and engineer work together to maintain a constant temperature, generating the best product efficiency.
An operator can notify the furnace engineer if repairs are needed. The engineer decides whether the furnace can run until a scheduled shutdown period or whether the repair is severe enough to warrant an immediate shutdown. Because unscheduled shutdowns can reduce business profits, an engineer must be able to balance business needs with safety regulations.
Repairs are also carried out by the furnace engineer. Extra repair technicians may be hired to assist or replace the engineer’s repair work, depending on company policy and the pace of business. The engineer may have multiple furnaces that require attention, requiring the work of many technicians to spread repairs out fairly and in a timely manner.
Working with high temperatures involves using probes and sensors to report any fluctuations in heat. The engineer must have good attention to detail to calibrate sensitive sensor circuits. The operator and oven engineer can work together to calibrate an oven or a group of ovens to ensure that each set produces the same quality of product.
The constant heat in industrial furnaces requires periodic rebuilds throughout the life of the assembly. The furnace engineer plans design and price estimates for the most efficient and robust rebuild possible. During rebuilding, the engineer will oversee progress and resolve any issues that arise. Reconstruction workers typically report directly to the engineer for any questions and necessary guidance.
A furnace engineer may be required to travel. Many companies have multiple facilities in different cities or countries that need consistent furnace monitoring for a cohesive production line. An engineer with the ability to speak different languages is an asset for many international companies.
Most furnace engineers are required to have a four-year degree in engineering. Some companies promote from within by training a furnace operator to become an engineer. Extremely complicated furnace operations may require a graduate-level engineering degree.
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