ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Refractory Operator Jobs in Hammond, IN (NOW HIRING)

Carmeuse

Process Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

Establishes best practice Kiln Operating Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures, and Operating ... Perform inspections during major outages of refractory, instrumentation, and prepare shutdown ...

Carmeuse

Process Engineer

Gary, IN

Establishes best practice Kiln Operating Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures, and Operating ... Perform inspections during major outages of refractory, instrumentation, and prepare shutdown ...

Calderys

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Requires general supervision, usually operating alone using standard procedures and requesting ... HWI, a member of Calderys HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the ...

HarbisonWalker International

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Requires general supervision, usually operating alone using standard procedures and requesting ... HWI, a member of Calderys HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the ...

HWI

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Requires general supervision, usually operating alone using standard procedures and requesting ... As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits ...

HRT Solutions

Non-Craft Welder

Gary, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Requires general supervision, usually operating alone using standard procedures and requesting ... As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits ...

Calderys

Maintenance Electrical/Mechanical Hybrid

Gary, IN · On-site

$25.75 - $32/hr

Requires five plus (5+) years of experience operating and maintaining equipment such as mixers ... HWI, a member of Calderys HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the ...

HWI

Maintenance Electrical/Mechanical Hybrid

Gary, IN · On-site

$25.75 - $32/hr

Requires five plus (5+) years of experience operating and maintaining equipment such as mixers ... As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits ...

A Finkl & Sons Co

COMBUSTION TECHNICIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Develop and enforce safe operating procedures for all combustion systems. * Serve as the subject ... refractory). * Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for combustion-related downtime.

Carmeuse

Production Supervisor

Gary, IN · On-site

Communicate site operating targets and results and solicit feedback on causes for gaps relative to ... steel plants, refractory, heavy equipment fabrication, stone processing, cement plants, etc ...

Carmeuse

Production Supervisor

Gary, IN

Communicate site operating targets and results and solicit feedback on causes for gaps relative to ... steel plants, refractory, heavy equipment fabrication, stone processing, cement plants, etc ...

All JobsRefractory Operator JobsRefractory Operator Jobs in Hammond, IN

Refractory Operator information

See Hammond, IN salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do refractory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory operator in Hammond, IN is $17.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Refractory Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Operator job openings in Hammond, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,418 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Refractory Field Technician

ALLIED MINERAL PRODUCTS

Gary, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Refractory Field Technician (Gary, IN)
Allied Mineral Products is a leading manufacturer of monolithic refractories worldwide, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. We are currently seeking a Refractory Field Technician in Gary, Indiana. This role will provide field service support to the Customer under the supervision on the Account Manager/ Senior Sales Representative. Support service duties at other customers as needed.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Oversee and/or supervise refractory installations in Iron making casthouse accounts and as required in other areas of the steel plant to support the efforts of Allied's Sales representatives.
  • Assist management with maintaining all quality and refractory performance records, reports and inspections associated with refractory installations.
  • Assist in taphole clay trials and in monitoring clay consumption and performance as directed by Sales Representative or Account Managers.
  • Support installations in other steel plant trials on an as required basis.
  • For assigned accounts, follow-up regularly on competitive activity, product performance, proper use of our written procedures, etc. With these accounts, you should be recognized as a constant and consistent presence by Steel plant personnel and supervisors.
  • Ensure that all materials are correctly installed and sintered. Report all results to the appropriate account manager or Sales Representative.
  • Assist in the development of standard operating practices and procedures related to casthouse maintenance.
  • Assist management in processing special customer requests. Provide support to the sales department by handling assigned customer inquiries and performing the follow-up required, as a result of these calls.
  • Document installations through C4C 'Visits' and weekly reports, monitor and document consignment and regular inventories on a monthly basis.
  • Follow all company rules and regulations and All Customer policies related to Health and Safety.

Qualifications
  • An Associates' Degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, engineering technology, or a related discipline; or equivalent experience desired.
  • Requires good communication and human relation skills.
  • Must be willing to travel as needed throughout the direct sales and distributor territories. Successive over-night stays are required until the completion of a particular installation/start-up or until manpower relief can be provided. Travel outside the base Region could be required.
  • Must possess or obtain all required licenses and keep them current.

Benefits
  • Competitive Base Pay
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) retirement plan with 25% annual company contribution
  • 401K program
  • Annual Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off for Vacation, Sick Days, Holidays
  • Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, and Vision programs
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term, and Long-Term disability

Allied Mineral Products Holding, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

Apply