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Smelter Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alcoa Corporation

Smelter General Mechanic

Newburgh, IN · On-site

Operator cranes and other power-driven equipment * Revise, update, and work from blueprints, sketches, charts, and manuals * Order parts and materials * Record failure analysis/root causes. * Conduct ...

Alcoa

Smelter General Mechanic

Newburgh, IN · On-site

$22.50 - $29.50/hr

Operator cranes and other power-driven equipment * Revise, update, and work from blueprints, sketches, charts, and manuals * Order parts and materials * Record failure analysis/root causes. * Conduct ...

Alcoa

Entry Level Production

Massena, NY · On-site

$26.87/hr

Most of new production operators kick-start their journey in the Smelter "Potroom", although we may have other production positions available. What You'll Do : While the exact duties may vary based ...

Rio Tinto

Haul Truck Operator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

As a Haul Truck Operator, you'll play a critical role in the day-to-day movement of material across ... concentrator, smelter, and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United ...

Freeport McMoRan

Chief Boiler Engineer

Claypool, AZ

$120K - $167K/yr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is ... Develop and implement training programs for boiler operators and maintenance personnel. This ...

Freeport McMoRan

Chief Boiler Engineer

Claypool, AZ

$120K - $167K/yr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is ... Develop and implement training programs for boiler operators and maintenance personnel. This ...

Howmet Aerospace

Maintenance Technician

Barberton, OH

$36.23/hr

Our modern aluminum smelter will require trained and skilled operators. Position Summary : This position is for a role in the maintenance department at Howmet Aerospace's Barberton Aluminum Remelt ...

Howmet

Maintenance Technician (Cast House)

Barberton, OH

$36.23 - $43.83/hr

Our modern aluminum smelter will require trained and skilled operators. Position Summary : This position is for a role in the maintenance department at Howmet Aerospace's Barberton Aluminum Remelt ...

Freeport McMoRan

Chief Boiler Engineer

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$120K - $167K/yr

The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company's Arizona copper mines and is ... Develop and implement training programs for boiler operators and maintenance personnel. This ...

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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
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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 General Mechanic

Smelter General Mechanic

Alcoa Corporation

Newburgh, IN • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Alcoa rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Shape Your World
At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.
At Alcoa, you're an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. This is an opportunity for you to bring your wealth of experience to the team and help shape the future of sustainability with world-changing innovations and low-carbon technologies. You have the power to shape things to make them better.
Purpose: To design, fabricate, install, repair, revise, modify, and maintain machines, equipment, structures, and facilities.
Materials used, processed, and handled:
Machine parts, metal stock, pins, tubing, fittings, mechanical hardware, compressed gases, oil, grease, paint, acids, fiber optics, specialty metals.
Tools and Equipment used:
Hand tools, measuring devices; power tools such as drill presses, saws, abrasive cutoff wheel, grinders and shears; pipe fitting equipment; welding and burning equipment; hoists, overhead and mobile cranes, trucks; forging hammer, mechanical and hydraulic presses, forming equipment, ironworker, scaffolding, computer, laser, vibration analysis equipment, ultrasonic tester, transit and electronic optical alignment equipment, dynamic/electronic balancing equipment.
Duties and working procedure:
  • Design, fabricate, install, clean, inspect, maintain, repair, revise, modify, and lubricate machines, equipment, structures, and facilities.
  • Diagnose trouble, dismantle, repair, reassemble and test all types of mechanical equipment
  • Install and repair piping systems and associated fixtures, including insulation
  • Perform layout, cutting, certified welding and brazing work with various types of metal stock.
  • Assemble EMS molds
  • Perform heating, forging, working, grinding, and tempering operations
  • Do necessary painting in conjunction with repair work.
  • Operator cranes and other power-driven equipment
  • Revise, update, and work from blueprints, sketches, charts, and manuals
  • Order parts and materials
  • Record failure analysis/root causes.
  • Conduct and record tests such as ultrasonic inspection, vibration analysis, lubrication analysis and laser alignment.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5 years of mechanical maintenance experience in the following areas: welding, millwright, pipe fitting, plumbing, mechanical print reading, hydraulics, blacksmith work, sheet metal
  • Hiring process will include hands-on testing, involving welding/cutting, hydraulics, parts identification, and machine alignment

What's on Offer
  • Competitive compensation packages, including pay-for-performance variable pay as well as recognition and rewards programs
  • Flexible spending accounts and generous employer contribution to the HSA
  • 401(k), employer match up to 6%, additional employer retirement income contribution (no vesting period), and a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
  • Alcoa has been chosen as one of America's Greatest Workplaces 2023 by Newsweek

About the Location
Alcoa "Warrick" based in Newburgh, Indiana just outside of Evansville, IN has been present in the lives of many families in our community for over 60 years. We've grown and we've matured together. Now we are looking for our next generation of Alcoans to bring us into the future. You can be one of them! Join us and get ready to experience endless opportunities!
We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress. Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person's gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.
If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.
This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!
Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.

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About Alcoa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Alcoa is a global industry leader in the production of bauxite, alumina and aluminum, a position enhanced by a portfolio of value-added cast products and select energy assets. Since developing the aluminum industry more than 135 years ago, Alcoa has built a legacy of breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888

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