About this role
Job title: High Temperature Laboratory Furnace Specialist
About the Role Join Materials Research Furnaces, LLC to support operation and application of a high-temperature laboratory furnace capable of 3000 °C in inert gas. This role focuses on enabling small-batch material research and process development using a graphite-insulated hot zone, with vacuum operation options to extend component life. You will work with HMI interfaces, RTC-based temperature control, and pyrometer switching to support applications such as sintering, carbonizing, ceramic firing, degassing, and heat treating.
What You'll Do
- Operate and monitor a 3000°C-class laboratory furnace (inert gas) and vacuum operation up to 2200°C, ensuring safety and equipment integrity.
- Configure and use the HMI control system and data acquisition for process control.
- Manage temperature control using a retracting thermocouple (RTC) and pyrometer switching at preset setpoints.
- Support processing applications including sintering, thermal processing, carbonizing, ceramic firing, degassing, and heat treating.
- Maintain furnace components, graphite insulation pack, and shields to maximize element lifetime and performance.
- Assist with set-up for top-loading operation, hinged cover access, and any optional tungsten hot zone configurations.
What We're Looking For
- Experience with high-temperature furnaces or laboratory heat-treatment equipment.
- Knowledge of inert gas and vacuum operation, as well as temperature control with RTD/thermocouples and pyrometers.
- Familiarity with HMI/data-acquisition interfaces and safe lab practices.
- Interest in materials processing applications such as sintering, degassing, carbonizing, ceramic firing, and heat treating.
- Safety-conscious with the ability to work in a focused lab environment.
Nice to Have
- Experience with graphite-insulated zones or optional tungsten hot zones.
- Prior work involving retracting thermocouple control and automatic switching to pyrometer.