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Smelter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smelter Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Smelter Operator Permanent About Heraeus Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical innovations? Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group ...

Smelter Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Smelter Operator Permanent About Heraeus Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical innovations? Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group ...

Smelter Operator I - Converting

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations. Arizona ...

Smelter Operator I - Converting

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona ...

Overview Element Resources is currently recruiting for Smelter Operators at our facility in Muncie, Indiana! Starting Pay Rate over $23.58 per hour! One of Muncie's long-standing companies is hiring!

Smelter Operator I - Converting

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona ...

The Role Crucible Zinc is looking for Smelter Operators to assist with the operation and monitoring of processes and equipment related to the specific job responsibilities in the department where you ...

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations. Arizona ...

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations.Arizona ...

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Smelter information

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How much do smelter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for smelter in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical shift patterns and work conditions for a Smelter?

Smelters commonly work in industrial environments with shift patterns that may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays to keep production running continuously. The work is often physically demanding and usually takes place in high-temperature areas, requiring the use of personal protective equipment for safety. You'll typically be part of a team collaborating closely with furnace operators, maintenance personnel, and quality inspectors. If you value hands-on work in an active setting and appreciate structured routines, this role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities to advance into supervisory or specialized technical roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Smelter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Smelter, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, materials handling, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training in metalworking. Familiarity with furnaces, casting equipment, and safety monitoring systems is critical, and some positions may require certifications in industrial safety or hazardous materials handling. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help smelters excel in a demanding industrial environment. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality metal production processes essential to manufacturing and construction industries.

What does a Smelter do?

A Smelter operates furnaces and equipment to extract metal from ore or other materials. They monitor temperature, adjust chemical mixtures, and ensure the proper melting and refining of metals like iron, copper, or aluminum. Smelters also follow strict safety protocols to handle molten materials and hazardous chemicals. The job requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of metallurgy and industrial processes.

More about Smelter jobs
What cities are hiring for Smelter jobs? Cities with the most Smelter job openings:
What states have the most Smelter jobs? States with the most job openings for Smelter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Smelter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Smelter Operator

Smelter Operator

Heraeus Medical LLC

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Smelter Operator
Permanent
About Heraeus
Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical innovations? Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our customers to always being one step ahead.
About Heraeus Precious Metals
With more than 350 years of experience in precious metals processing, Heraeus Precious Metals is the world's leading provider of innovative products and services, such as precious metals trading and recycling. Our products are used in a wide range of industries, for example to reduce climate killers such as nitrous oxide and methane and in the form of pharmaceutical ingredients for the treatment of cancer.
Our innovative strength is driven by our 3,000 employees in more than 15 countries, who work passionately with our partners to develop pioneering and sustainable solutions.
We are aware of our responsibility towards people and the environment and have set ourselves ambitious CO₂ targets. Sustainability is at the heart of all our business activities.
Heraeus, the German based technology group is a leading international family-owned company formed in 1851. We create high-quality solutions for our customers by combining material expertise with technological know-how. Our ideas are focused on themes such as environment, energy, health, mobility, and industrial applications. In 2015 Heraeus generated revenues without precious metals of €1.9 bn and a total revenue of €12.9 bn. in more than 100 subsidiaries in 38 countries we offer our worldwide 12,500 employees the freedom to develop and promote their own ideas. We call it: Open Space. For Open Minds.®
The primary responsibility of this position is to control the smelter and allied equipment to heat material and drive off impurities.
Your Role and Responsibilities:
  • Read, understand, and follow established procedures to conduct work safely, effectively and in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • Identify and prepare appropriate equipment.
  • Prepare the materials to be loaded into the smelter.
  • Transfer materials from smelter utilizing proper tools and equipment.
  • Participate in oxidation of alloy and related refining techniques under elevated temperatures.
  • Record production or process data and maintain logs, as required.
  • Regulate supplies of fuel, air, oxygen, and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
  • Observe and record key process indicators such as air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.
  • Maintain material accountability during preparation and production by utilization of scales or other measuring equipment in compliance with standard procedures.
  • Conduct analytical tests and sampling to confirm material composition.
  • Organize the materials into drums to be closed, sealed, and weighed prior to shipment according to customer and company specifications.
  • Assist with other duties and special projects, as assigned.
  • Responsibility to ensure that overall employee population are aware and adhere to Code of Conduct Guidelines.

What is required for this role:
  • High School Diploma
  • 1 to 3 years experience in basic chemical operations or related experience required. This is not an entry-level position.
  • Basic math skills
  • Computer-literate
  • Basic data entry skills
  • Visual and mechanical inspection skills

Curious? Apply now!
We look forward to receiving your documents by reference code 58246 via our online application portal - even if you don't meet all the requirements, but have good reasons why you are still the right fit for this role!
Any further questions?
Our Recruiting Team, Heraeus Precious Metals, is happy to assist you by email: ((cust_RecTeam)). Or visit us at jobs.heraeus.com.