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Smelter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Day Bin Loader

Wartburg, TN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Help Smelter Team with various tasks, when required. * Transfer feed materials from supersacks and drums into the day bins through pneumatic conveying system. * Transfer materials from smelter ...

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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 Repair Employee

$24 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 29 rated mining


Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you'll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today! 

Where You Will Work 

Our Miami smelter and rod plant is nestled just 90 miles east of Phoenix. 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's Globe-Miamihistoric mining district offers natural beauty and a rich mining heritage. The Tri-Town of Globe, Claypool and Miami offers convenient shopping locales, including Walmart, Safeway, Fry's and other local stores. Here, our employees and their families can connect with the outdoors and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Visit Globe-Miami.com to learn more.

This position is not eligible for Freeport-McMoRan immigration work visa sponsorship. 

Description
Skilled mechanic who under supervision safely performs diagnostic, maintenance, installation and repair of equipment and process systems in a Smelter.
 
  • Assists with and performs diagnostic, replacement and repairs to include but not limited to the following systems: anode plant, mold plant, converter, acid plant and hydraulic systems
  • Performs component diagnostic, replacement and repairs to include but not limited to  plant equipment, gear boxes, pumps, fans, conveyor belts, bearings, pulleys, gas lines, piping waterlines, (conveyor) conveyor table, trough finders, return idlers, shovels and cables
  • Performs mechanical and lubrication preventative maintenance
  • May operate equipment such as: forklifts, cranes, boom trucks, loaders and small mobile equipment
  • May be required to proficiently perform welding tasks
  • Performs work area inspections and housekeeping duties
  • Perform other duties as required
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • One (1) year of experience in mechanical/maintenance crafts (including welder, boilermaker, machinist or facility maintenance/construction) or a combination of education and experience in industrial mechanical repair and maintenance
  • Ability to read blueprints
  • Ability to work in extreme temperatures
  • Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP Exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude. The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills while also passing a written assessment where required. This exam is based on skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge; as well as safety.

Preferred

  • Previous experience operating larger than 20-ton mobile crane
  • Certified in welding SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Weld) 3&4G structure plate test
  • Experience in pipe fitting and fabrication
  • Able to read an interpret fabrication drawings
  • Previous experience in chemical manufacturing and/or processing industry in a smelting environment
  • Ability to demonstrate proficiency in repair and diagnosing pumping systems including, but not limited to - Positive Displacement Pumps, Centrifugal Pumps, Pneumatic Pumps, Vertical Pumps
  • Previous hands-on experience maintaining, repairing, and replacing screw conveyors, bucket elevators, and heavy rotating equipment
  • Experience and strong understanding of installing conveyor belts (mechanical splice clips & lace, vulcanized splice)
  • Experience and strong understanding of troubleshooting, repairing and proper replacement of conveyor gearboxes and motors
  • Experience and strong understanding of troubleshooting, repairing and proper replacing bearings, seals, pulleys, troughing idlers, impact idlers, training idlers, return idlers, scrappers, belt drive systems, chain drive systems, couplings, and belt counterweight systems
  • Experience on basic lubrication and sampling
  • Experience in troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic systems
  • Experience in troubleshooting and repairing pneumatic systems
  • Experience in Laser Alignment of Pumps, Motors, gearboxes, and fans
  • Familiar with RCM technology in Vibration Analysis, Tribology, Thermography, Nondestructive testing, Laser Alignment and Fan Balancing

What We Offer You 

The estimated pay range for this role is currently$24.00 - $32.00/hour. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role. 

  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits 
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance 
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match 
  • Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave 
  • Tuition assistance 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle 
  • Internal progression opportunities 
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package! 

What We Require 

  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam. 
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing. 
  • Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing 

 Equal Opportunity Employer 

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com. 


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