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Refractory Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Furnace Operator We are looking for a Furnace Operator for our Troy, MI facility. In this role you ... Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ...

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Furnace Operator We are looking for a Furnace Operator for our Troy, MI facility. In this role you ... Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ...

Oerlikon Surface Solutions

Furnace Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$20/hr

We are looking for a Furnace Operator (6pm - 6am rotational shift) for our Plymouth, MI facility ... Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ...

Oerlikon Surface Solutions

Furnace Operator

Plymouth, MI

$16.25 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Furnace Operator (6pm - 6am rotational shift) for our Plymouth, MI facility ... Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ...

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Furnace Operator We are looking for a Furnace Operator (6pm - 6am rotational shift) for our ... Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ...

Oerlikon Surface Solutions

Furnace Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Furnace Operator (6pm 6am rotational shift) for our Plymouth, MI facility. In ... Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ...

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Furnace Operator We are looking for a Furnace Operator for our Plymouth, Michigan facility. In this ... Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ...

Norsk Hydro

Automation Engineer (20830)

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

... operating costs. * Support commissioning, upgrades, and new technology implementation for furnaces ... Improve refractory life, reduce metal losses, and enhance productivity through technical solutions.

Amrize

Reliability Technician

Alpena, MI · On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

Working knowledge of rotary kiln alignment, refractory inspections, and shell scanning preferred ... Experience operating forklifts and man lifts, is a plus. * While performing the duties of this job ...

Amrize

Reliability Technician

Alpena, MI · On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

Working knowledge of rotary kiln alignment, refractory inspections, and shell scanning preferred ... Experience operating forklifts and man lifts, is a plus. * While performing the duties of this job ...

All JobsRefractory Operator JobsRefractory Operator Jobs in Michigan

Refractory Operator information

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 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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Refractory Operator jobs in Michigan?

For Refractory Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Refractory Operator jobs in Michigan are:

Refractory Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Furnace Operator

Oerlikon

Troy, MI • On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor induction melting equipment used for gas atomization of nickel and cobalt based alloys.

  • Prepare, maintain, and inspect the refractory furnace lining, and perform routine maintenance activities.

  • Measure, weigh, and combine raw materials according to specific instructions, and maintain accurate production records.

Job description

Furnace Operator
We are looking for a Furnace Operator for our Troy, MI facility. In this role you will safely prepare, melt, and atomize metal powder following job instructions. This will include loading the furnace with raw materials, purging down with inert gas, power-up, taking temperatures, inspecting, and pouring the molten metal from a hydraulically positioned induction furnace. Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory furnace lining, maintenance of accurate production records, delivery of atomized product to the screening area, and cleaning the furnace and atomization system between alloys.
We offer:
Aside from a dynamic global culture and leading market position, we are proud to offer our employees development opportunities, competitive salary and a robust benefit program ALL available on first day of employment!
The perks and benefits of working at Oerlikon include the following:
  • Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company sponsored HSA contributions and without cumbersome waiting periods to keep you going strong.
  • Excellent Dental and Vision coverage.
  • Employee Assistance, Financial and Wellness programs to help improve all aspects of your life journey.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with significant company match and financial planning and education options to help you achieve your retirement goals
  • Tuition reimbursement and internal education resources to satisfy your love of learning so you can continue to grow with us!
  • Generous paid time off to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
  • 12 paid company holidays to occasionally extend your weekends or time off.
  • 100% company paid life insurance and disability insurance
  • Employee Referral Bonus program because why not to bring your friends to work every day!

Your Responsibilities:
  • Meet or exceed all safety, environmental, and health goals for department
  • Meet or exceed quality goals and productivity targets for production orders
  • Contribute to continual improvement activities
  • Operation and monitoring of induction melting equipment used for the gas atomization of nickel and cobalt based alloys.
  • Responsible for preparation and maintenance of refractory furnace lining while maintaining a constant awareness of the condition of the refractory lining
  • Measure, weigh, and combine raw materials based on specific instructions
  • Clean the furnace and atomization tank between alloys
  • Perform routine maintenance and support activities (e.g. replacement of power leads, disassembly of atomization tank, installation of gas delivery system)
  • Utilize process parameters specified in the job traveler
  • Ensure accurate records are maintained of heats poured noting characteristics such as start and stop time, gas pressures, temperatures, and melt characteristics
  • Performs other duties as required.

Your Profile:
  • Basic math skills, organization ability, and mechanical knowledge
  • Ability to perform physical tasks, i.e. lifting, bending, standing, etc.
  • Ability to safely operate cranes and powered industrial vehicles preferred
  • Proficient in Mathematics (Decimals, Fractions, Percentages, Weighted Averages)
  • Strong customer focus - internal and external.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to 12- hour shifts

Why Oerlikon:
Team Spirit is one of our core values. Collaborating across borders, languages and cultures is key to us delivering results. Supporting our people's growth and development is a top priority. We believe in the creative power of a team that draws strength from welcoming a broad expanse of knowledge, experience and perspectives.
#joinoerlikonus#joinourteam
Are you curious? Then release your passion to succeed and APPLY to discover how you can help us build a better world and realize how you can make a personal difference by joining our global team! Our commitment is your success!
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors and tooling. Head-quartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with around 10,000 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2025.
We offer a wide variety of job profiles in a dynamic, supportive environment where people are empowered to grow and reach their full potential - guided by our core values of integrity, team spirit, excellence and innovation.
Follow Oerlikon:
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www.oerlikon.com
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