How to become a metal production process controller

Official title: Metal production process controller

Also called: Continuous casting machine operator, Metal converting furnace operator, Metal refining furnace operator, Ore smelting furnace operator

Metal production process controller operates and monitors multi-function process control machinery and equipment to control the processing of metal converting and refining furnaces, metal-rolling mills, metal heat-treating or metal-extrusion plant.

Main tasks

• Coordinating and monitoring the operation of a particular aspect of metal processing production through control panels, computer terminals or other control systems, usually from a central control room
• Operating multi-function central process control machinery to grind, separate, filter, melt, roast, treat, refine or otherwise process metals
• Observing computer printouts, video monitors and gauges to verify specified processing conditions and to make necessary adjustments
• Coordinating and supervising production crew such as machine and process operators, assistants and helpers
• Starting up and shutting down the production system in cases of emergency or as required by schedule
• Providing and organising training for members of production crews
• Maintaining shift logs of production and other data and preparing production and other reports

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Related jobs

• Power generating plant operator
• Stationary engine operator
• Compressor operator
• Pumping station operator
• Water treatment machine operator (waterworks)
• Refrigeration system operator

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Questions people ask

Will AI change the work of a metal production process controller?

Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

• International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026

Updated 4 October 2026