2

Entry Level Precious Metal Refining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smelter Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our ... Participate in oxidation of alloy and related refining techniques under elevated temperatures.

Platinum Group Metal Services (PGMS) is a leading refiner and recycler of precious group metals. The growing demand for low carbon and responsibly sourced products is creating growth opportunities in ...

Be Seen First

Laboratory Chemist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Company Description Refining Precious Metals and Foundry creating brass/copper alloys

Platinum Group Metal Services (PGMS) is a leading refiner and recycler of precious group metals. The growing demand for low carbon and responsibly sourced products is creating growth opportunities in ...

Day Bin Loader

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our ... Participate in oxidation of alloy and related refining techniques under elevated temperatures ...

Day Bin Loader

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our ... Participate in oxidation of alloy and related refining techniques under elevated temperatures ...

Day Bin Loader

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our ... Participate in oxidation of alloy and related refining techniques under elevated temperatures ...

Melt Operator

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our ... The primary responsibility of this position is to melt and refine materials in a safe manner ...

Melt Operator

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our ... The primary responsibility of this position is to melt and refine materials in a safe manner ...

Founded in 1905, we are a precious metals refiner and manufacturer of copper alloys. Purpose: The in-house Security Officer assures a safe and secure manufacturing and operational environment. Duties ...

Security Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Founded in 1905, we are a precious metals refiner and manufacturer of copper alloys. Purpose: The in-house Security Officer assures a safe and secure manufacturing and operational environment. Duties ...

Be Seen First

Security Guard

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

Founded in 1905, we are a precious metals refiner and manufacturer of copper alloys. **Purpose:**The in-house Security Officer assures a safe and secure manufacturing and operational environment.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Precious Metal Refining information

See salary details

$13

$24

$33

How much do entry level precious metal refining jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level precious metal refining in the United States is $24.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an entry-level precious metal refining position?

In an entry-level precious metal refining role, your day often starts with receiving and logging raw materials before preparing them for processing. You’ll be responsible for tasks like weighing materials, operating basic refining equipment under supervision, and maintaining accurate records. Collaboration with senior technicians and strict adherence to safety procedures are crucial, as you’ll work in environments where handling chemicals and valuable materials requires focus and care. Over time, you may gain opportunities to learn more advanced refining techniques and move into roles with greater responsibility.

What is the difference between Entry Level Precious Metal Refining vs Entry Level Jewelry Manufacturing?

AspectEntry Level Precious Metal RefiningEntry Level Jewelry Manufacturing
CertificationsBasic knowledge of refining processes, safety trainingBasic jewelry assembly, safety protocols
Work EnvironmentRefining labs, industrial settingsJewelry workshops, manufacturing floors
Industry UsageUsed in refining precious metals like gold, silver, platinumUsed in creating jewelry pieces from raw materials

Entry Level Precious Metal Refining focuses on extracting and purifying metals in industrial settings, requiring knowledge of refining techniques. Entry Level Jewelry Manufacturing involves assembling and finishing jewelry pieces, often in workshop environments. Both roles share safety training but differ in technical skills and industry focus.

What are entry level precious metal refining jobs?

Entry level precious metal refining jobs involve assisting in the process of extracting and purifying precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium from raw materials or recycled products. Employees typically handle basic tasks like sorting materials, operating machinery under supervision, maintaining safety standards, and recording data. These roles are designed for individuals new to the industry and usually require on-the-job training, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety practices. Advancement opportunities are available as workers gain experience and develop technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Precious Metal Refining Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Precious Metal Refining Technician, you need a basic understanding of chemistry, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and possibly OSHA certification are commonly required. Strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to follow precise instructions help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe handling of valuable materials, adherence to strict purity standards, and efficient workflow in refining operations.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Precious Metal Refining jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Precious Metal Refining job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Precious Metal Refining jobs? The most popular types of Precious Metal Refining jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Precious Metal Refining jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Precious Metal Refining jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Precious Metal Refining job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Locum Tenens, 16% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 68% Contract, 2% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,324 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Smelter Operator

Smelter Operator

Heraeus Medical LLC

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Smelter Operator
Permanent
About Heraeus
Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical innovations? Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our customers to always being one step ahead.
About Heraeus Precious Metals
With more than 350 years of experience in precious metals processing, Heraeus Precious Metals is the world's leading provider of innovative products and services, such as precious metals trading and recycling. Our products are used in a wide range of industries, for example to reduce climate killers such as nitrous oxide and methane and in the form of pharmaceutical ingredients for the treatment of cancer.
Our innovative strength is driven by our 3,000 employees in more than 15 countries, who work passionately with our partners to develop pioneering and sustainable solutions.
We are aware of our responsibility towards people and the environment and have set ourselves ambitious CO₂ targets. Sustainability is at the heart of all our business activities.
Heraeus, the German based technology group is a leading international family-owned company formed in 1851. We create high-quality solutions for our customers by combining material expertise with technological know-how. Our ideas are focused on themes such as environment, energy, health, mobility, and industrial applications. In 2015 Heraeus generated revenues without precious metals of €1.9 bn and a total revenue of €12.9 bn. in more than 100 subsidiaries in 38 countries we offer our worldwide 12,500 employees the freedom to develop and promote their own ideas. We call it: Open Space. For Open Minds.®
The primary responsibility of this position is to control the smelter and allied equipment to heat material and drive off impurities.
Your Role and Responsibilities:
  • Read, understand, and follow established procedures to conduct work safely, effectively and in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • Identify and prepare appropriate equipment.
  • Prepare the materials to be loaded into the smelter.
  • Transfer materials from smelter utilizing proper tools and equipment.
  • Participate in oxidation of alloy and related refining techniques under elevated temperatures.
  • Record production or process data and maintain logs, as required.
  • Regulate supplies of fuel, air, oxygen, and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
  • Observe and record key process indicators such as air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.
  • Maintain material accountability during preparation and production by utilization of scales or other measuring equipment in compliance with standard procedures.
  • Conduct analytical tests and sampling to confirm material composition.
  • Organize the materials into drums to be closed, sealed, and weighed prior to shipment according to customer and company specifications.
  • Assist with other duties and special projects, as assigned.
  • Responsibility to ensure that overall employee population are aware and adhere to Code of Conduct Guidelines.

What is required for this role:
  • High School Diploma
  • 1 to 3 years experience in basic chemical operations or related experience required. This is not an entry-level position.
  • Basic math skills
  • Computer-literate
  • Basic data entry skills
  • Visual and mechanical inspection skills

Curious? Apply now!
We look forward to receiving your documents by reference code 58246 via our online application portal - even if you don't meet all the requirements, but have good reasons why you are still the right fit for this role!
Any further questions?
Our Recruiting Team, Heraeus Precious Metals, is happy to assist you by email: ((cust_RecTeam)). Or visit us at jobs.heraeus.com.