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Refractory Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Refractory Operator Do you have a working knowledge of manufacturing tools and procedures? Are you detail-oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize? Do you like trouble shooting and ...

Refractory Operator

Durant, OK · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and ...

Refractory Operator

Martinsburg, WV · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and ...

Refractory Operator

Queen Creek, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and ...

Refractory Operator

Durant, OK

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Whether you will spend your day brainstorming in an office cubicle, operating a crane, running manufacturing equipment or troubleshooting technical obstacles, at CMC, you'll get the training and ...

Operator Refractory

Calvert, AL

$21 - $25.50/hr

Refractory specific experience preferred * Burning & Welding experience preferred TRAITS TO BE ... Coordinate and work with mill personnel in maintaining mill production, while operating all ...

Operator Refractory

Calvert, AL · On-site

$21 - $25.50/hr

Refractory specific experience preferred * Burning & Welding experience preferred TRAITS TO BE ... Coordinate and work with mill personnel in maintaining mill production, while operating all ...

Develop, administer, and improve operating standards, procedures, job aids, and training materials ... Refractory systems * Melt Shop operations * Steelmaking processes (preferred) * Strong analytical ...

Develop, administer, and improve operating standards, procedures, job aids, and training materials ... Refractory systems * Melt Shop operations * Steelmaking processes (preferred) * Strong analytical ...

... refractory and notify appropriate management of issues or concerns • Maintain a clean, organized and stocked work area • Utilize established documentation systems (logs, emails, paperwork, etc ...

Refractory Technician

Monroe, MI · On-site

$30 - $37/hr

Experience operating excavators, tear-out machines, or similar heavy equipment. * Mechanical ... Experience in refractory, steel, foundry, construction, demolition, or industrial maintenance ...

Refractory Technician

Monroe, MI · On-site

$30 - $37/hr

Experience operating excavators, tear-out machines, or similar heavy equipment. * Mechanical ... Experience in refractory, steel, foundry, construction, demolition, or industrial maintenance ...

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Refractory Operator information

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How much do refractory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Refractory Operator vs Furnace Operator?

AspectRefractory OperatorFurnace Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certifications in refractory installationHigh school diploma, safety training, often certifications in furnace operation
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants handling refractory materials, high-temperature areasIndustrial furnaces, metal or chemical manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageConstruction, steel, cement, glass industriesMetallurgy, chemical processing, manufacturing

Refractory Operators focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing refractory materials to withstand high temperatures, often working in construction or manufacturing environments. Furnace Operators primarily operate and monitor industrial furnaces in manufacturing settings. While both roles require safety training and similar certifications, their specific tasks and work environments differ, with Refractory Operators specializing in refractory materials and Furnace Operators managing furnace operations.

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

To thrive as a Refractory Operator, you need a solid understanding of materials handling, furnace operations, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with industrial equipment, temperature control systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality refractory processes in demanding industrial environments.

What is a refractory operator?

Refractory Operators are skilled workers responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing refractory materials—heat-resistant materials used to line furnaces, kilns, reactors, and other high-temperature processing equipment. Their duties include preparing surfaces, mixing and applying refractory materials, and inspecting linings for wear and damage. They play a crucial role in industries such as steel, glass, cement, and petrochemicals, where equipment must withstand extreme temperatures. Safety awareness and attention to detail are essential in this role because incorrect installation can lead to equipment failure or workplace hazards.

What are the typical challenges faced by a refractory operator during furnace maintenance, and how are they addressed?

Refractory Operators often face challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, handling heavy and abrasive materials, and ensuring the proper installation and repair of refractory linings. These tasks require strict adherence to safety protocols, careful attention to detail, and frequent collaboration with maintenance and engineering teams. Operators address these challenges by using specialized protective equipment, following established procedures, and participating in regular safety and technical training to maintain efficiency and minimize downtime.
More about Refractory Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Refractory Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Refractory Operator job openings:

What states have the most Refractory Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Refractory Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Refractory Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Refractory Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Refractory Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Refractory Operator

Gerdau

Petersburg, VA

$24.60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Gerdau rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

423rd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Refractory Operator

Do you have a working knowledge of manufacturing tools and procedures? Are you detail-oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize? Do you like trouble shooting and solving problems? Join us as we build the future and the Gerdau We Are Creating.

Potential Earnings of $78000 / year which includes production bonus and biweekly hourly pay ( $21.16 hr after 90 days goes to $24.60 hr) 

 We Have:

  • A strong global presence with mills that transform millions of metric tons of raw material to produce steel beams, flat-rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire used by the auto industry, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.    
  • A culture that welcomes diversity, encourages innovation and creates products that serve humanity.  
  • An environment that values teamwork, safety, and sustainability. 
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and the belief that we can create a better future for our employees and our global community by investing in people, processes, and technology. 

 We Offer:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans - Eligible upon 1st day of hire 
  • Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account) 
  • 100% Matching 401K up to 6% 
  • Life/Accidental Life Insurance 
  • Paid Parental Leave 
  • Bonuses 
  • Health Advocate Services 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program 
  • Career Path System and Training 
  • An empowering and open culture with the opportunity to grow and create 

 Your Qualifications:

  • Must pass entrance exam. 
  • 1-3 years industrial/manufacturing experience. Brick Mason experience a plus.
  • Ability to work Monday - Friday, 4am to 1pm with some overtime and could involve occasional weekend work. 
  • General math skills, advanced problem solving, analytical skills, use charts, schedules, computer and touch screens in addition to follow instructions.
  • Ability to use adjustable controls in regulating the continuous process through interpretation of measuring instruments and gauges.
  • Ability and willingness to work as part of a self-directed team with limited supervision.
  • People leadership skills and ability to lead by example

Your Purpose:

Plan, lay out, and perform all operations necessary to lay brick and refractory in order to build, rebuild, and re-line ladles, electric-arc furnaces, roofs, tundishes, and other steel-making vessels. 

Your Work:

  • Complete a range of duties that are highly repetitive and routine in nature in order to properly and effectively lay refractory brick to build, rebuild, re-line, or patch electric-arc furnaces, ladles, tundishes, and other steel-making vessels.
  • Operate pendant crane as needed to move refractory material to and from storage area.
  • Cut brick to size using pneumatic tools to ram material, walls, tundishes, and other areas as required.
  • Remove burned or damaged brick and clean surface of vessel using sledgehammer, pry bar, brick hammer, and/or pneumatic chipping gun.
  • Spread or spray refractories over exposed bricks to protect bricks against deterioration by heat using a trowel or gunning machine.
  • Perform refractory work at the Furnace.
  • Assemble and disassemble ladle slide gate and/or tundish slide gate for maintenance inspection.
  • Perform minor burning with torch, lance, and welding as needed.
  • Support trialing of new refractory products.
  • Operate mobile equipment to lift and transport materials including loaders, cranes, man-lifts, brick-lift, and forklifts.
  • Ensure daily preventative maintenance is performed on vehicles and mobile equipment, which may include fueling, cleaning, and checking/adding fluids as needed.
  • Follow all PPE requirements and safety rules and guidelines for all tasks being performed.
  • Assist in training of coworkers as needed.
  • Maintain communication with coworkers through two-way radio and hand signals.
  • Maintain work areas and equipment in clean and orderly condition.
  • Assist maintenance personnel as needed.

#LI-CM1

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. 

 

If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com


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