ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Refractory Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vallourec - North America

Hot Metal Crane Operator

Youngstown, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safely operating ladle and charging cranes during all operations * Identifying and reporting crane ... Supporting refractory, EAF, LMF, and casting operations as needed * Performing additional duties as ...

ELMET TECHNOLOGIES LLC

Manufacturing Rolling Operator

Euclid, OH · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Euclid facility specializes in producing precision refractory metal products that require ... This role is responsible for operating rolling mill equipment to produce high-quality refractory ...

Vallourec North America

Hot Metal Crane Operator

Youngstown, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safely operating ladle and charging cranes during all operations * Identifying and reporting crane ... Supporting refractory, EAF, LMF, and casting operations as needed * Performing additional duties as ...

ELMET TECHNOLOGIES LLC

Manufacturing Rolling Operator

Euclid, OH · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Euclid facility specializes in producing precision refractory metal products that require ... This role is responsible for operating rolling mill equipment to produce high-quality refractory ...

H.C. Starck Solutions

Manufacturing Rolling Operator

Euclid, OH · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Euclid facility specializes in producing precision refractory metal products that require ... This role is responsible for operating rolling mill equipment to produce high-quality refractory ...

JW Hicks

Be Seen First

Refractory Technical Field Service Representative

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Encourage/teach customers to follow proper standard operating procedures and safety features ... creating specialized refractory solutions for the primary metals industry. We are a Northern ...

New

Materion

Refractory Installation Specialist

Elmore, OH · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Keeps lead operator and/or supervisor informed of needed supplies, repairs, or service. * Reports operating irregularities/malfunctions which are beyond the control of the operator to resolve.

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator (6p-6.30a)

Troy, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Furnace Operator (6p-6.30a) We are looking for a Furnace Operator for our Troy, MI facility. In ... 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

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

New

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Furnace Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Calderys

Manufacturing Production Technician

Niagara Falls, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

... of refractory products, the set up and operation of equipment and machinery to support the production processes, and operating transport machinery to deliver materials to presses on the production ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsRefractory Operator Jobs

Refractory Operator information

See salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do refractory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Refractory Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Refractory Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Refractory Operator job openings:

What states have the most Refractory Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Refractory Operator jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Refractory Operator jobs are:

Refractory Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Hot Metal Crane Operator

Vallourec - North America

Youngstown, OH • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Your Day-to-Day Impact
You'll play a vital role in our Melt Shop Operations Team by:
  • Transporting empty ladles from the ladle preheater to the ladle car
  • Inspecting ladles for missing brick prior to use
  • Moving full ladles of liquid steel between ladle car, LMF, and caster
  • Inspecting ladles post-LMF for hot spots
  • Charging scrap safely and accurately into the EAF
  • Removing and replacing electrodes at the EAF and LMF
  • Safely operating ladle and charging cranes during all operations
  • Identifying and reporting crane operational issues
  • Supporting refractory, EAF, LMF, and casting operations as needed
  • Performing additional duties as assigned to support production
What You Bring
We're looking for candidates who are safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and ready to work in a high-impact environment:
  • Ability to qualify for overhead crane operation (including physical and testing requirements)
  • Strong knowledge of OSHA and company safety standards for crane operation
  • Ability to recognize equipment issues and escalate appropriately
  • Willingness to operate both ladle and charging cranes
  • Working knowledge of Melt Shop operations (Refractory, EAF, LMF, Casting)
  • Mathematical skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide using whole numbers, fractions, decimals)
  • Strong problem-solving and reasoning skills in high-pressure situations
  • Mechanical comprehension and equipment awareness
  • Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of manufacturing or heavy industrial experience
  • Prior hot metal crane experience
What You'll Gain
  • Get paid for what you know-and earn more as you learn more
  • Opportunities to work with advanced Melt Shop equipment
  • A culture that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement
  • Real growth potential in a stable, essential industry
  • Overtime opportunities
And Benefits that Include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k): Company match 3% with no vesting period
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Holidays (10 days + 1 floating holiday)
  • Paid Vacation Time
  • Discretionary Performance-Based Bonus Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply