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Refractory Operator Jobs in York, PA (NOW HIRING)

RHI Magnesita

Press Operator

York, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

The Press Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy tonnage hydraulic presses and robotic systems that support the refractory brick manufacturing process. Press Operators set up, operate ...

RHI Magnesita

Press Operator

York, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

The Press Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy tonnage hydraulic presses and robotic systems that support the refractory brick manufacturing process. Press Operators set up, operate ...

RHI Magnesita

Rotary Kiln Foreman

York, PA · On-site

... refractory inspections. * Follow work order priorities established by the Rotary Kiln Supervisor. * Provide on the job training for operators in equipment operation, troubleshooting, and safety ...

RHI Magnesita

Rotary Kiln Foreman

York, PA · On-site

... refractory inspections. * Follow work order priorities established by the Rotary Kiln Supervisor. * Provide on the job training for operators in equipment operation, troubleshooting, and safety ...

All JobsRefractory Operator JobsRefractory Operator Jobs in York, PA

Refractory Operator information

See York, PA salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do refractory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory operator in York, PA is $17.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.18 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.

What are popular job titles related to Refractory Operator jobs in York, PA?

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

What cities near York, PA are hiring for Refractory Operator jobs?

Cities near York, PA with the most Refractory Operator job openings:

Refractory Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Operator job openings in York, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,228 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Rotary Kiln Operator - Night Shift

RHI Magnesita

York, PA • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

RHI Magnesita rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Rotary Kiln Operator - Night Shift
6p-6a 3/1/3 rotating schedule
What we bring to the table:
  • We have a testing process for you to increase your pay rate as you advance your skills/experience in your department.
  • We have a $1.50/hr shift premium (hours between 3p-7a) & a $1.60/hr weekend premium.
    • Both premiums can apply in parallel (after 3p on Saturday or Sunday)
  • If you work a holiday, you will receive your 8hrs holiday pay plus 1.5x hourly rate for any hours worked. (effectively 2.5x pay)
  • OT Structure:
    • 40hrs - 48hrs: 1.5x hourly rate (time and a half)
    • 48hrs - 60hrs: 2x hourly rate (double time OT)
    • 60hrs - 68hrs: 1.5x hourly rate (time and a half)
    • Can not exceed 68 hours in a week for safety reasons.
  • $200 voucher for required steel toe boots with met guard.
  • If requested, a voucher for prescription safety glasses can be provided.
  • Company-issued uniforms are provided and professionally laundered at no cost to employees.
  • Benefits are competitively priced and start within 30 days of hire.
  • 6% company match on 401k
  • 3 weeks PTO (increases to 4 weeks on 4th anniversary)

Responsibilities
  • Train and successfully test on the Feed End, Finish End and Rotary Burner positions • Approximate time working in each position: Feed End - 50%, Finish End - 50%, Rotary Kiln Operator - 25% Feed and Finish End and 75% Burner depending on seniority.
  • Operate articulated hauler, wheeled loader, skid steer and forklift.
  • Continuously monitor, analyze, adjust, start up, and shut down rotary kiln systems as needed from computer systems in the control room. The area of responsibility begins at the discharge of the stone feed bins and ends at the feed end of the finished grain bins in the Old Sizing Plant. The area includes both rotary kilns, feed conveying systems, exhaust systems, bag houses, kiln coolers and stacks.
  • Continuously support & provide direction to rotary plant field operators as needed to coordinate plant operations.
  • Sample brick grain from the kiln at the designated times & run quality control testing on the grain to determine bulk density.
  • Analyze laboratory results & determine the appropriate process variables to change to maintain optimum quality.
  • Enter notes in the Plant Notes Program for maximum communication between shifts and management.
  • Data entry into SAP including Daily production from rotary kilns, inventory charge outs. Ability to check bin inventory with SAP inventory and adjust as needed. Environmental compliance data entry.
  • Load bulk trucks with designated product i.e. Mag, dust and brick grain.
  • Haul dust to the waste pile or load dust trucks for customers as needed.
  • Keep coal and coke bins full and stockpiles orderly and safe
  • Wearing of a respirator in specified areas. Successful fit testing & medical evaluation is a requirement of the job.
  • Wearing of Fall Protection Harness as required. Successful harness fitting and training

Qualifications
  • Promote and enforce safety rules and practices.
  • Communicate with the oncoming shift operators by informing them of any problems that occurred during the shift.
  • Keep all plant areas in a clean and safe condition.
  • Job requires: standing, lifting, walking, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling and climbing; climbing ladders or stairs up to 3 or 4 stories several times per shift ; lifting and carrying up to 75 pounds ; and wearing all personal protective equipment required to do the job (including hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, & respirator).
  • Wearing of a respirator in specified areas.
  • Driving trucks, haulers, loaders and forklifts with use of normal hand and foot controls.
  • Ability to work in a variety of working conditions including, but not limited to heat, cold, dust, noise, high elevations and confined spaces

Health, Safety, & Work Environment:
  • Work is completd both indoors and outdoors.
  • Perform all work in accordance with RHI Magnesita's Health and Safety policies.
  • Adhere to all EHS and IMS policies and job expectations as specified in the Job Descriptions of the Persons Responsible for IMS, RHI Magnesita NAM Regional Safety Rules, Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities, and Safety Rules and Responsibilities documents.

About RHI Magnesita:
RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes in a wide range of industries. Serving customers around the world, RHI Magnesita has more than 20,000 employees in 65 main production sites (including raw material sites), 12 recycling facilities and more than 70 sales offices.
RHI Magnesita's team in North America helps build refractory products that solve the most extreme manufacturing challenges. From advanced lithium-ion batteries for laptops and EVs and specialized glass on smartphones and tablets, to the steel and cement that build the world around us, our high-performance bricks and linings make it possible to melt, bend, shape, and refine these materials at extreme temperatures.
With a vertically integrated value chain, RHI Magnesita has helped forge the materials that build industries and economies for almost 200 years. Refractory products are essential to the production processes for cement, steel, aluminum, and many other industrial producers in the region.
Disclaimer:
The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties, skills and responsibilities of the job. May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

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