1

Smelting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Customer Service Support

Elgin, IL · On-site

$50K - $77K/hr

Company Description Korea Zinc is the world's leading non-ferrous metal smelting company, processing over 1.2 million tons of 18 different metals annually, including zinc, lead, silver, indium, and ...

About the Role The Potroom Operator (PCO) is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the routine functions of electrolytic pots in the aluminum smelting process. This includes changing anodes ...

Smelter Operator II

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Description Highly skilled worker who under general supervision safely performs duties related to the smelting of metals from ore in various areas of the plant Completes duties within assigned area ...

Experience in a primary metals, smelting, or continuous process industrial environment. * Understanding of short circuit, arc flash, load flow, and relay coordination studies. Familiarity with NFPA ...

WI · On-site

Our operation includes a rotary kiln, smelting furnace, crushing facilities and supporting infrastructure. Reliability, asset integrity and maintenance excellence are critical to our success and ...

Research Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Pyrometallurgical research: calcination, vacuum/steam distillation, carbothermic/metallothermic reduction, smelting, refining. * High-temperature electrochemistry: molten-salt/molten-oxide ...

... and smelting operation in a cost-effective manner. The incumbent must be proactive in utilizing the coaching concept toward a self-directed workforce with emphasis on employee involvement and ...

Experience in a primary metals, smelting, or continuous process industrial environment. * Understanding of short circuit, arc flash, load flow, and relay coordination studies. Familiarity with NFPA ...

Manufacturing Laborer

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Performs non-smelting operations including but not limited to; demagnetizing, saw cutting, drying, polishing, shearing, grinding, sieving, packing and assisting in weighing. * Transport raw materials ...

... smelting, dry cleaning, wood treating, truck roll overs, pipeline releases, and spills, among others. Releases from these types of sites are ranked based on potential risks to public health and the ...

Showing results 41-60

Smelting information

See salary details

$12

$25

$36

How much do smelting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for smelting in the United States is $25.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a smelting job?

A smelting job involves extracting metal from its ore by heating and melting it at high temperatures. Smelters operate furnaces, monitor temperatures, and control chemical reactions to ensure the production of pure metal. They also handle raw materials, maintain equipment, and follow safety procedures to prevent hazards. This job is crucial in industries like mining, manufacturing, and metal refining.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a smelting position?

To thrive in a smelting role, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, safety procedures, and furnace operation, typically supported by a high school diploma or a vocational certificate in metalworking or a related field. Familiarity with industrial furnaces, temperature control systems, and safety monitoring equipment is essential, and OSHA or other safety certifications are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help set candidates apart in this field. These skills and qualities ensure safe and efficient metal processing, minimize workplace hazards, and contribute to a productive team environment.

What typical challenges might I face working in a smelting position?

Working in a smelting position often involves managing intense heat, adhering to strict safety protocols, and responding swiftly to equipment malfunctions or process irregularities. You may be required to work in environments with high temperatures and heavy machinery, which can present physical and mental challenges. Teamwork is crucial, as smelting operations are often collaborative and require clear communication to maintain safety and productivity. Staying up to date with ongoing safety training and adapting to new technologies in automation and process control will help you succeed and advance within the industry.

How to become a smelting?

To become a smelting worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant training in metalworking or industrial processes. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with safety protocols and operating smelting equipment is essential. Some positions may require certifications in hazardous materials handling or industrial safety.

What are the most commonly searched types of Smelting jobs?

The most popular types of Smelting jobs are:

What states have the most Smelting jobs?

States with the most job openings for Smelting jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Smelting jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Smelting jobs are:

Infographic showing various Smelting job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,764 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Smelter Operator I - SRB Crusher

Claypool, AZ • On-site

Freeport McMoRan
Mining of Natural Resources • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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-Miami historic 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.

Description
Skilled worker who under supervision safely performs duties related to the smelting of metals from ore in various areas of the plant.
 
  • Completes duties within assigned area or areas that could include the utility area, the Isa, the electric furnace, the convertors, the anode plant and the acid plant
  • Responsibilities within the Isa smelting vessel area include:
    • Operating tapping machines and belting systems
    • Working on and around an industrial boiler
  • Responsibilities within the electric furnace area include:
    • Operating tapping machines
    • Operating a slag hauler (cress)
    • Cleaning launders which are used for molten metal transfers
    • Working around ventilation equipment which includes fans and scrubbers
    • Working with electrode-hydraulic systems
    • Performing housekeeping and minor maintenance activities such as troubleshooting equipment for smelter maintenance mechanics
  • Responsibilities within the convertor area include:
    • Running belt systems
    • Handling silica flux and reverts
    • Operating a rotary furnace convertor
  • Responsibilities within the anode plant include:
    • Working on water systems, casting systems, hydraulic systems, and refining processes
  • Responsibilities within the acid plant include:
    • Assisting with, and performing the starting and stopping of valves and pumps
    • Opening and closing valves
    • Acid stream sample retrieval
    • Analyzing samples for acid strength
    • Processing and analyzing samples in onsite lab
  • Responsibilities within the utility area include:
    • Unloading railcars that contain copper concentrate
    • Unloading bulk bags with various recycled materials such as foundry sands, precious metal scraps, and sludge that contains copper or precious metals
    • Managing truck unloading of copper concentrate, revert material, and silica
    • Transferring materials via belt systems that are distributed to different areas within the smelter
  • May assist with maintenance activities such as changing valves and piping
  • May operate skid-steer loaders, front-end loaders, 35 ton haul trucks, 75 ton overhead cranes, track excavators, forklifts, graders, water trucks, and vacuum trucks
  • May mentor and train fellow employees
  • 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 experience with material handling equipment
  • Possess good communication skills
  • 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

  • High School diploma or GED
 

Criteria/Conditions

  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English
  • Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards
  • Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment
  • Work is performed in a mine or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms and work in confined spaces
  • Occasionally may be required to lift up to fifty (50) pounds during the course of the work day
  • Will be required to work rotating shifts in a 24/7/365 operation
  • Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as per applicable State Laws

What We Offer You 

The estimated pay range for this role is currently $23.00 - $31.00/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 using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.  

 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. 


What Freeport-McMoRan employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom