ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ladle Furnace Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grede Holdings LLC

Melt Pourer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Must inform operator or supervisor of any unfavorable pouring conditions such as run-outs, sequence ... Must also be trained in furnace and ladle repair. * Perform any and all other job-related tasks, as ...

American Castings, LLC

Iron Pourer 3rd Shift

Pryor, OK · On-site

$1 - $29.61/hr

The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as ...

American Castings

Iron Pourer

Pryor, OK

The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as ...

American Castings, LLC

Iron Pourer

Pryor, OK · On-site

The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle repair are required as needed. This position may be classified as a lead person which will perform job duties as ...

grede

Melt Pourer

Wauwatosa, WI

Must inform operator or supervisor of any unfavorable pouring conditions such as run-outs, sequence ... Must also be trained in furnace and ladle repair. * Perform any and all other job-related tasks, as ...

Grede

Melt Pourer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

Must inform operator or supervisor of any unfavorable pouring conditions such as run-outs, sequence ... Must also be trained in furnace and ladle repair. * Perform any and all other job-related tasks, as ...

Ingersoll Rand

Furnace Tender

Sheboygan, WI · On-site

$22.89 - $24.89/hr

Maybe required to set-up die casting cell to include ladle, auto-spray, robotic and trim press ... While the job has definite hazards, caution by the operator will reduce hazards to a minimum.

Ingersoll Rand

Furnace Tender

Sheboygan, WI · On-site

$22.89 - $24.89/hr

Maybe required to set-up die casting cell to include ladle, auto-spray, robotic and trim press ... While the job has definite hazards, caution by the operator will reduce hazards to a minimum.

Gerdau

Furnace Helper - Melt Shop

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Will assist the operator of the track mobile in switching scrap into the stock house. * Will assist furnace crew, ladle crew, and casting crew as necessary, cross-training in other melt shop jobs ...

Gerdau

Furnace Helper - Melt Shop

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Will assist the operator of the track mobile in switching scrap into the stock house. * Will assist furnace crew, ladle crew, and casting crew as necessary, cross-training in other melt shop jobs ...

Vallourec North America

Melt Shop Operator

Youngstown, OH · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

... and ladle sanding. * Supporting maintenance during downtime and performing other duties as assigned. * Departments in the melt shop include: * Caster Operator * Furnace Operator * Billet Yard ...

ArcelorMittal

Caster Operator

Calvert, AL · On-site

Operate steelmaking equipment to include Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), Ladle Metallurgy Furnace (LMF), RH degasser, and continuous caster * Collaborate with furnace operator to control and maintain ...

Vallourec Star LP

Melt Shop Operator

Youngstown, OH · On-site

$24/hr

... and ladle sanding. * Supporting maintenance during downtime and performing other duties as assigned. * Departments in the melt shop include: * Caster Operator * Furnace Operator * Billet Yard ...

ArcelorMittal

Caster Operator

Calvert, AL · On-site

Operate steelmaking equipment to include Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), Ladle Metallurgy Furnace (LMF), RH degasser, and continuous caster * Collaborate with furnace operator to control and maintain ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsManufacturing JobsMetal Foundry JobsLadle Furnace Operator Jobs

Ladle Furnace Operator information

See salary details

$13

$19

$26

How much do ladle furnace operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for ladle furnace operator in the United States is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ladle furnace operator?

Ladle Furnace Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating and controlling ladle furnaces in steel manufacturing plants. They oversee the process of refining molten steel by adjusting temperature, adding alloys, and ensuring the chemical composition meets required specifications. Their role includes monitoring equipment, maintaining safety protocols, and coordinating with other team members to produce high-quality steel. Ladle Furnace Operators play a crucial part in ensuring efficient production and maintaining the desired quality of the final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ladle furnace operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ladle Furnace Operator, you need a solid understanding of metallurgical processes, furnace operation, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training in industrial manufacturing. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), temperature monitoring systems, and material handling equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring process efficiency and workplace safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial to maintaining product quality, minimizing downtime, and ensuring a safe working environment in steel production facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by ladle furnace operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Ladle Furnace Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise temperature control, ensuring the correct chemical composition of molten steel, and responding quickly to equipment malfunctions. To manage these effectively, operators need strong technical knowledge of furnace operation, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure. Collaboration with metallurgists, maintenance teams, and quality control staff is key to achieving production targets and maintaining safety. Ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols also help operators stay prepared for unexpected situations.

What is the difference between Ladle Furnace Operator vs Melting Furnace Operator?

AspectLadle Furnace OperatorMelting Furnace Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in furnace operationHigh school diploma, certifications in furnace operation
Work EnvironmentSteel mills, foundries, metal processing plantsFoundries, metal casting facilities, steel plants
Job ResponsibilitiesPouring molten metal from ladle, maintaining temperature, ensuring safetyMelting raw materials, maintaining furnace temperature, pouring molten metal

The Ladle Furnace Operator and Melting Furnace Operator roles share similar credentials and work environments, often within steel mills and foundries. While both handle molten metal, the Ladle Furnace Operator primarily manages the ladle for pouring and temperature control, whereas the Melting Furnace Operator focuses on melting raw materials and operating the furnace itself. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Ladle Furnace Operator jobs?

For Ladle Furnace Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ladle Furnace Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Machine Operator - Melt Deck/Refractory (2nd Shift)

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Hendrickson USA, LLC
Trucking • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Hendrickson USA, LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate overhead crane to move raw materials and transfer iron to the furnace

  • Perform temperature checks, monitor and add alloys, and pour molten iron

  • Perform routine preventive maintenance, repair, and rebuild furnace and refractory components

Hendrickson rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Refractory and Melt Deck production associates complete a variety of operations tasks that promote the efficient melting and mixing of iron in the Spin Line department. This role requires employees to take on added technical/mechanical responsibility. They are required to learn mechanical and metalogical skills to ensure the mix of pour is ideal for the entire process.
Essential Functions:
  • Operate overhead crane to move raw material from raw material yard to charge cars for melting process and transfer iron to holding furnace
  • Weigh material
  • Monitor and add alloys as needed
  • Perform temperature checks on the electric melt furnace
  • Slag furnace removing impurities from 2650 - 2800 degree molten iron
  • Charge and operate the furnace to melt the materials for the full melt cycle
  • Enter and retrieve data from the computer
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance
  • Pour molten iron from furnace to transfer ladle
  • Sintering and cold starts
  • Maintain a clean work environment in accordance with the 5S guidelines
  • Operate industrial powered equipment
  • Perform all other duties as assigned
  • Knock out, pour, and rebuild the following:
  • Runner Box, I- Ladles, and Slag Poles
  • Complete the weekly PMs on melt furnace, which includes:
  • Knocking out slag from the furnace wall
  • Inspecting furnace lining
  • Repair furnace lining
  • Set furnace up for the next operating day and load travel car
  • Melt Trough, repair and or rebuild
  • Rebuild melt furnace
  • Remove condo
  • Cut trench in old lining
  • Set furnace to push out old liner
  • Push out old liner
  • Clean and inspect furnace wall
  • Repair furnace wall, grouting back areas of concern
  • Prepare furnace for relining
  • Set forms and prepare for materials to reline furnace
  • Use proper procedures for adding of materials for relining furnace
  • Perform relining and set up furnace for starting of centering cycle.
  • Vessel dismantling and rebuilding
  • Disassemble vessel
  • Knock out old materials and clean
  • Prepare vessel for reassemble
  • Pore lining and reassemble and set vessel up for test
  • Set vessel on heat to dry
  • Bull ladles knock out and repour
  • Be able to repair 50-ton furnace and #1 and #2 trough on the spin line
  • Install and repair all refractory work related to operations, including furnaces, iron ladles, troughs, runner boxes, slag paddles, intermediate ladles, installing nozzles, etc. Example: chip out the old lining from a furnace and install new lining
  • Inspect equipment to detect faulty performance and conditions, to avoid breakdown
  • Document information daily related to refractory work
  • Backup Melt Crane Operator / Transfer Ladle Operator / Melt Furnace Operator
  • Operate industrial-powered equipment
  • Crosstrain other employees as required
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required Ability to obtain certification to drive industrial powered equipment (example: Fork Truck)

Physical Demands:
  • Moderate to heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs with assistance)
  • Ability to go up and down stairs multiple times per day
  • Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking
  • Lift supplies/equipment
  • Pushes/pulls or moves/ lifts heavy equipment/supplies, with assist depending on weight
  • Manual dexterity and mobility
  • Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
  • Far Acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more
  • Near Acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less
  • Depth Perception: ability to judge distance and space relationships
  • Field of Vision: ability to see peripherally
  • Accommodation: ability to adjust vision to bring objects into focus

Environmental Conditions Extreme heat exposure when working around slagging furnace. Temperature Changes: Variations in temperature from hot to cold depending on weather.
Hendrickson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

What Hendrickson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply