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Refractory Operator Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Production Team Member

Blackwell, OK · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

Such as operating one or more presses simultaneously, following written instructions, keeping count ... Relines ladle with refractory clay. * Dries and bakes new lining by using a blowtorch. * Relines ...

Production Team Member

Blackwell, OK · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

Such as operating one or more presses simultaneously, following written instructions, keeping count ... Relines ladle with refractory clay. * Dries and bakes new lining by using a blowtorch. * Relines ...

Iron Pourer 3rd Shift

Pryor, OK · On-site

$1 - $29.61/hr

... of refractory. Assist with closing and clamping mold. Able to tap a ladle, at the right amount, and kind of metal. The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle ...

... of refractory. Assist with closing and clamping mold. Able to tap a ladle, at the right amount, and kind of metal. The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle ...

... of refractory. Assist with closing and clamping mold. Able to tap a ladle, at the right amount, and kind of metal. The ability to perform the duties of crane operator, furnace operator or ladle ...

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 Oklahoma?

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

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

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

What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Refractory Operator jobs?

Cities in Oklahoma with the most Refractory Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Refractory Operator job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Production Team Member

PARRISH ENTERPRISES LTD

Blackwell, OK • On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build, repair, and assemble wax patterns and tree structures following written instructions.

  • Operate and maintain equipment such as wax presses, furnaces, and grinders, ensuring quality and safety standards.

  • Assist with ladle rebuilding, pouring metal, and transferring molds, supporting melt operations and maintaining work area safety.


Job description

Production team members may fill one of several positions in a lost wax manufacturing facility, including but not limited to, Wax Pattern Treer, Wax Press Operator, Melter, Ladle Helper or Grinder.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
WAX PATTERN TREER:
  • Perform all steps required to build tree structures. Such as repair wax patterns and assembles them following written instructions, keeping count of parts, and filling out reports.
  • Inspects and trims wax patterns to insure quality parts and handling parts and trees in a careful and controlled manner to prevent flaws or changes in the pattern dimensions.
  • Handles daily routine maintenance

WAX PRESS OPERATOR:
  • Performs all steps required to inject wax patterns. Such as operating one or more presses simultaneously, following written instructions, keeping count of parts , and filling out reports.
  • The wax press operator selects the correct die from storage and sets up the wax press for the die.
  • Places die in proper position, starts the press, disassembles the die (often with tools), loosens pattern from die and inspects it for defects.
  • Handles parts in a careful and controlled manner to prevent flaws or changes in the pattern dimensions.
  • Handle daily routine maintenance on presses.
  • Maintain good housekeeping procedures in work area.

MELTER:
  • Weighting specified amounts of metal and charging metal into furnace by hand.
  • Regulate flow of water and electricity to control furnace temperature.
  • Slagging molten metal and reading metal temperatures.
  • Pouring metal into ladle sometimes using a hoist.
  • Reading and recording melt operations.
  • Be able to identify casting flaws such as miss-run, hot tears, scaling, etc. and determine procedures required to correct the defect.
  • Keeping metals separated into various categories and determine correctness of alloys.
  • Directs melt crew during pouring.
  • Responsible for the melt crew safety.
  • Handles daily routine maintenance on equipment.
  • Maintains high standards in housekeeping and safety.

LADLE HELPER
  • Helps with rebuilding of the ladles which may include the following:
  • Chips slag from interior lining of ladle using hand held pneumatic air chisel.
  • Mixes sand, clay, and water to form refractory clay mud.
  • Patches lining where cracked or worn by covering lining with refractory clay and tamping it in place.
  • Chips out entire lining when beyond repair.
  • Relines ladle with refractory clay.
  • Dries and bakes new lining by using a blowtorch.
  • Relines and shapes pouring spouts of ladles with fire clay.
  • Relines ladles with refractory brick.
  • Makes stoppers for stopper type ladle.
  • Brushes graphite facing in lining.
  • Assist the ladle personnel in making sure that all adds put into the ladle are weighted and available for use.
  • Assist the ladle personnel in moving the ladle to the melt deck.
  • Assist to transfer poured molds to cooling area.
  • Follows the direction of the melter during a pour.
  • Maintains high standards in housekeeping and safety.

GRINDER:
  • Positions workpiece manually.
  • Inspects work.
  • Grinds and/or buffs parts on pedestal grinder or belt grinder or angle grinder.
  • Removes sharp edges or burrs.
  • Grinds out casting defects.
  • Grinds, off excess weld, splatter, and rust to improve appearance of workpiece.
  • Keeps parts separated and segregated from other orders.
  • Handles casting in a careful manner to prevent nicks and surface flaws.
  • Handles daily routine maintenance on machines.
  • Maintains good housekeeping procedures in work area.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
There are no certificates, licenses, or registrations required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision to read measuring instruments and depth perception to judge distances.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme heat, vibration, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud from machinery.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
No prior experience or training necessary.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.