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Smelter Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heraeus Medical LLC

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 ...

Heraeus

Smelter Operator

Knoxville, TN

$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 ...

Crucible Zinc

Smelter Operator

Clarksville, TN

$21.94 - $23.78/hr

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 ...

Element Resources

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN · On-site

$23.58/hr

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!

Freeport McMoRan

Smelter Operator I - Converting

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

May modify and create smelter operations standard operating procedures (SOP's) * Perform area housekeeping * Perform other duties as required Qualifications Minimum Qualifications * Six (6) months of ...

Freeport McMoRan

Smelter Operator I - Converting

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

May modify and create smelter operations standard operating procedures (SOP's) * Perform area housekeeping * Perform other duties as required Qualifications Minimum Qualifications * Six (6) months of ...

LKQ Corporation

Smelter Operator/Technician

Huntington, IN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Join the LKQ Family! We're looking for motivated individuals to join our team at LKQ Corporation. With opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment, LKQ is the ...

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

Smelter Repair Employee

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is ... Previous experience operating larger than 20-ton mobile crane * Certified in welding SMAW (Shielded ...

Freeport McMoRan

Smelter Repair Employee

Claypool, AZ

$24 - $32/hr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is ... Previous experience operating larger than 20-ton mobile crane * Certified in welding SMAW (Shielded ...

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Smelter Operator information

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$14

$19

$26

How much do smelter operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for smelter operator in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Smelter Operator vs Furnace Operator?

AspectSmelter OperatorFurnace Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certifications in metallurgyHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certifications in industrial operations
Work EnvironmentIndustrial smelting facilities, metal production plantsManufacturing plants, metal or chemical processing facilities
Employer & IndustryMining, metal refining, mineral processingManufacturing, metal fabrication, chemical industries

The main difference between a Smelter Operator and a Furnace Operator lies in their specific work environments and focus. Smelter Operators primarily work in metal refining facilities overseeing smelting processes, while Furnace Operators work in various manufacturing settings managing different types of industrial furnaces. Both roles require safety training and similar certifications, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Smelter Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Smelter Operator, you need a solid understanding of metallurgical processes, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems, furnace operation, and monitoring tools is essential for daily tasks. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators maintain safety and production efficiency. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe operations, minimizing downtime, and achieving production targets in hazardous industrial environments.

What job pays 400,000 a year without a degree?

A Smelter Operator typically does not earn $400,000 annually without specialized experience and certifications. High-paying roles in industries like oil and gas, executive positions, or certain sales roles may reach that level, but they often require extensive experience, skills, or licensing rather than formal degrees. Most jobs paying this amount are in management, executive leadership, or highly specialized technical fields.

What are some common challenges faced by Smelter Operators and how can they be addressed?

Smelter Operators often face challenges such as maintaining consistent process temperatures, handling the physical demands of the role, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols in a high-risk environment. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is essential to quickly identify and resolve operational issues. Operators can address these challenges by staying current with safety training, using proper protective equipment, and actively participating in regular equipment maintenance. Developing strong teamwork skills and a keen attention to detail can also contribute to a smoother workflow and a safer workplace.

What are Smelter Operators?

Smelter Operators are skilled workers responsible for controlling and monitoring furnaces and other equipment used to melt and refine metals from their ores. They ensure the smelting process runs safely and efficiently, adjust temperature and chemical levels, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Smelter Operators also keep detailed records of production data and follow strict safety protocols to protect themselves and the environment from hazardous materials.
More about Smelter Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Smelter Operator jobs? Cities with the most Smelter Operator job openings:
What states have the most Smelter Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Smelter Operator jobs include:
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Smelter Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Smelter Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Contract, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 15% Physical, and 85% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Smelter Operator

Smelter Operator

Heraeus Medical LLC

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 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.

Apply