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Foundry Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting foundry machinery and equipment. * Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. * Effective communication skills, both verbal and ...

Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting foundry machinery and equipment. * Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. * Effective communication skills, both verbal and ...

Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting foundry machinery and equipment. * Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. * Effective communication skills, both verbal and ...

Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting foundry machinery and equipment. * Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. * Effective communication skills, both verbal and ...

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Foundry Operator information

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$27

How much do foundry operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for foundry operator in the United States is $19.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Foundry Operators?

Foundry operators are skilled workers responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in metal casting processes. They prepare molds, handle molten metal, and monitor machinery to ensure the safe and efficient production of metal parts. Foundry operators must follow safety protocols, inspect finished products for quality, and perform routine maintenance on foundry equipment. Their role is essential in industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing, where metal components are produced.

What is the difference between Foundry Operator vs Metal Casting Technician?

AspectFoundry OperatorMetal Casting Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in safety or equipment operationHigh school diploma; technical training or certifications in casting processes
Work EnvironmentFactories or foundries with heavy machinery and molten metalsManufacturing plants focusing on metal casting and finishing
Industry UsageCommonly employed in metal foundries and manufacturingOften used interchangeably but may focus more on casting process specifics
Job FocusOperating equipment, ensuring safety, and maintaining production flowPreparing molds, pouring metals, and inspecting castings

While both roles involve working with metal casting processes, a Foundry Operator primarily manages equipment and safety in foundries, whereas a Metal Casting Technician focuses more on the technical aspects of mold preparation and casting quality. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Foundry Operators and how can they be addressed?

Foundry Operators often encounter challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, managing heavy machinery, and maintaining strict safety standards. One way to address these challenges is by adhering closely to safety protocols and using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Regular training on equipment handling and emergency procedures also helps minimize risks. Additionally, effective communication with team members ensures smooth workflow and quick response to any operational issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundry Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundry Operator, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, furnace operation, casting processes, and typically a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and material handling systems is essential, and some roles may require forklift certification or OSHA training. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help operators maintain quality standards and coordinate effectively on the production floor. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality metal casting operations in a demanding industrial environment.
More about Foundry Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Foundry Operator jobs? Cities with the most Foundry Operator job openings:
What states have the most Foundry Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Foundry Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Foundry Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Foundry Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Foundry Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,487 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Foundry Manager

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

Operations

Leads foundry operations to safely produce cast products that meet quality, delivery, and cost targets through effective people leadership and process control. Essential Functions:

• Manage day-to-day foundry production to meet schedule, safety, quality, and throughput targets.

• Lead supervisors/leads and coordinate staffing, training, and performance management.

• Drive process discipline across melting, molding, pouring, shakeout, and finishing operations.

• Partner with Engineering and Quality on defect reduction, process capability, and corrective actions.

• Maintain equipment readiness with Maintenance; prioritize downtime issues and preventative maintenance.

• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, PPE, and hazard reporting; lead safety meetings and investigations.

• Monitor production KPIs and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Control labor and material costs; manage scrap, rework, and yield improvement programs.

• Ensure accurate production reporting, traceability, and standard work documentation.

• Coordinate with Planning/Shipping to align output to customer delivery commitments.

Additional Skills by Level

Level I: Stabilize safety and production routines; improve visibility of daily KPIs and shift handoffs.

Level II: Improve capability and yield through structured CI, training, and equipment reliability programs.

Level III: Lead major process upgrades, capacity expansion, or multi-shift transformation with enterprise impact.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Education, Experience, or Formal Training:

• 5+ years manufacturing leadership experience; foundry/metal casting experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of safety practices, production scheduling, and continuous improvement methods.

• Ability to lead teams in a high-heat, industrial environment with strong communication and discipline.

Working Environment:

Hot, noisy foundry environment with dust/fumes and heavy equipment; PPE required frequent walking and standing; extended hours may be needed.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing/walking; ability to wear PPE/respiratory protection as required.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and work around industrial equipment and elevated temperatures.

KPIs:

• Safety incident rate (TRIR) and near-miss reporting

• Production attainment vs. schedule

• Scrap and rework rate

• Yield / melt-to-ship efficiency

• Downtime hours and top causes

• Overtime hours as % of labor

• First Pass Yield (FPY) on foundry operations

• On-time handoff to downstream machining/finishing

• Training compliance for operators

• 5S/audit score for foundry areas

SMART Goals:

• Reduce recordable incidents by 25% within 12 months by increasing near-miss reporting and closing actions within 14 days.

• Achieve ≥95% production attainment weekly within 120 days through daily tier meetings and constraint management.

• Reduce scrap/rework by 15% within 9 months by eliminating top-3 defect drivers via RCA and process controls.

• Improve yield by 5% within 6 months by optimizing charge materials and controlling key process parameters.

• Cut unplanned downtime by 10% within 2 quarters by implementing PM schedules and downtime Pareto reviews.

• Reduce overtime by 8% within 6 months through staffing plans and improved schedule adherence.

• Increase FPY by 8 points within 2 quarters through standardized work and operator training refreshers.

• Deliver 95% on-time handoff to machining for 2 consecutive quarters via WIP controls and communication routines.

• Achieve 100% required training completion within 60 days for all foundry operators using a training matrix.

• Raise foundry 5S/audit score to ≥85% within 90 days by weekly audits and owner assignments.