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Refractory Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

... operating flexibility. How will you make a difference? As a refractory technician, you will be responsible for the preparation, installation, and finishing of refractory linings used in our ...

... operating flexibility. How will you make a difference? As a refractory technician, you will be responsible for the preparation, installation, and finishing of refractory linings used in our ...

... operating flexibility. How will you make a difference? As a refractory technician, you will be responsible for the preparation, installation, and finishing of refractory linings used in our ...

Melt Operator

Erie, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Repair refractory in ABB furnace, Ajax furnace, 2-ton ladle and 6-ton ladles. Add carbon and copper ... E.D. Must pass a Lift Truck Operator safety training course and maintain a current license. ABOUT ...

Melt Operator

Erie, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Repair refractory in ABB furnace, Ajax furnace, 2-ton ladle and 6-ton ladles. Add carbon and copper ... E.D. Must pass a Lift Truck Operator safety training course and maintain a current license. ABOUT ...

Heat Treat Operator I

Sharon, PA

$15.50 - $20/hr

Experience working with refractory materials and furnace rebuilding. RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE ... operators in all aspects of systems operation and maintenance * Observes all safety rules and ...

The melters will collaborate with other operators, maintenance, and management to determine root ... Tears down and relines refractory components in furnace and tundish assemblies as necessary.

Heat Treat Operator I

Sharon, PA

$15.50 - $20/hr

Experience working with refractory materials and furnace rebuilding. RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE ... operators in all aspects of systems operation and maintenance * Observes all safety rules and ...

Heat Treat Operator I

Sharon, PA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Experience working with refractory materials and furnace rebuilding. RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE ... operators in all aspects of systems operation and maintenance * Observes all safety rules and ...

Furnace Operator

New Castle, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

The VIM OPERATOR performs responsibilities as outlined below and other related duties following ... refractory o Mold Set-Up, ingot stripping, and mold cleaning. o Crucible (melt vessel) and launder ...

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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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Refractory Operator jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Refractory Operator job openings:

Refractory Technician

Wabtec

Charleroi, PA • On-site

$35.24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Who will you be working with?

Bloom Engineering, a Wabtec Company improves the environmental sustainability of industrial heating applications, particularly focused on the aluminum and steel industries. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA since 1934, Bloom serves its global customers from subsidiaries in the Germany, India, and China.

Bloom Engineering's knowledge and experience in furnace and heating applications provides meaningful competitive advantage to our customers by reducing CO2 and NOX, conversion to sustainable fuel sources, increasing production capacity, improving temperature uniformity, reducing fuel consumption, and enhancing operating flexibility. 

How will you make a difference?

As a refractory technician, you will be responsible for the preparation, installation, and finishing of refractory linings used in our combustion burners. This includes preparing molds, mixing and pouring refractory material, assembling and disassembling forms, and ensuring high quality work that meets the specific demands of the product application. This is a Monday-Friday, 1st shift position. The pay rate is $35.24/hour.

What do we want to know about you?

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience with refractory, concrete, etc.
  • Ability to read blueprints.
  • Attention to detail with the ability to accurately follow instructions.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude, including experience with power mixes, vibrating equipment, and oven curing processes.
  • Ability to work well in a unionized team environment.

What will your typical day look like?

  • Reads and interprets charts and/or engineering drawings to select and assemble a variety of molds, forms, plugs, and pins.
  • Performs duties required to assemble molds and forms, including pouring and stripping the molds.
  • Cleans forms, molds, and parts.
  • Oils or greases molds, forms and plugs.  Wraps pins, plugs and cores, oiling and greasing as needed.
  • Uses power mixers to mix castable materials with water to the required consistency.
  • Hand-mix refractory material for component application.
  • Fills assembled molds and forms with refractory material, ensuring the refractory linings are durable and able to withstand high temperature.
  • Apply coating to lined burners, baffles, and other components.
  • Uses vibrating equipment to eliminate voids.
  • Finishes off material.
  • Selects appropriate oven curing program to ensure integrity and longevity of the material.
  • Disassembles molds, removing forms, plugs, pins and wedges.
  • Clean lined pieces.
  • Perform detailed finishing work on refractory linings, removing any rough or irregular areas to ensure smooth, high-quality surfaces.
  • Clean and maintain tools, molds, filter press and equipment used in the refractory process.
  • Maintains work area in safe, clean and orderly condition.
  • Marks reports as required.
  • Timely and accurately logs time spent on each job.
  • Completes fork truck log when utilizing the fork truck.
Additional Information

More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
 

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We're building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.


We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we've got you.