Ladle Maker

Wall Colmonoy Limited; Los Lunas (NM); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Wall Colmonoy Limited is seeking a Ladle Maker 1 to support its foundry operations in the Maintenance department. The role focuses on rebuilding, repairing, and maintaining ladles, removing old refractory, and installing new refractory materials following SOPs and safety rules to support the melting schedule and production needs.

Requires masonry and refractory installation experience and the ability to operate heavy tools such as jackhammers and grinders; forklift proficiency is preferred.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing, foundry, or related experience preferred.
• Demonstrated masonry skills and refractory installation knowledge.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs and manufacturer guidelines.
• Knowledge of safety requirements and procedures.
• Able to work with production priorities and melting schedule.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to document repairs and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Break out old refractory and prepare ladles for new installation.
• Install new refractory using established masonry techniques.
• Repair and rebuild ladles to meet production needs.
• Follow SOPs, work instructions, and safety requirements.
• Work with melting schedule to ensure ladles are available when needed.
• Inspect ladles for wear or damage during rebuilding and repair.
• Perform root-cause analysis as required.
• Safely operate tools and equipment for ladle work.
• Maintain repair records and production data.
• Communicate safety or equipment concerns to supervisor.

Skills

Masonry skills

Tool operation

SOPs knowledge

Safety procedures

Production scheduling

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Forklift

Jackhammers

Grinders

Pneumatic tools

Electric tools

Job description

Ladle Maker 1

Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Plant and Department: Maintenance

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor

Purpose

The Ladle Maker 1 is responsible for rebuilding, repairing, and maintaining ladles used in foundry operations to support the melting schedule and production requirements. The position removes existing refractory material, prepares ladles for rebuilding, and installs new refractory material using appropriate masonry techniques and in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety requirements, and production needs. The Ladle Maker 1 performs essential job functions with minimal supervision following appropriate training.

Primary Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Break out and remove old refractory material from ladles and prepare ladles for installation of new refractory.
• Install new refractory material using appropriate masonry techniques and established procedures.
• Repair and rebuild ladles to maintain production requirements.
• Follow applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, manufacturer guidelines, specifications, and safety requirements.
• Work with the melting schedule to ensure ladles are prepared and available to meet production needs.
• Inspect ladles during the rebuilding and repair process and identify wear, damage, deterioration, or other conditions requiring attention.
• Work with Production and Maintenance to identify root causes and correct problems associated with premature ladle failure.
• Perform and document root-cause analysis as required.
• Safely operate jackhammers, grinders, chisels, threaders, pneumatic and electric mixers, pumps, vibrators, and other hand and power tools required for ladle work.
• Prepare and maintain required paperwork, repair records, production data, and other documentation related to ladle rebuilding and repair.
• Monitor reorder levels of materials and supplies required for ladle work and communicate replenishment needs.
• Safely operate forklifts, hoists, pallet jacks, wheel dollies, and other approved material-handling equipment to move and position ladles and materials.
• Analyze and adjust to unanticipated work situations and determine appropriate solutions within established procedures.
• Communicate equipment, ladle, material, production, or safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor or lead.
• Share job knowledge and established work practices with other employees as requested.
• Maintain safe working conditions and properly use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Follow all company safety policies, quality procedures, productivity requirements, and inventory reporting procedures.
• Perform other related duties as directed by the Maintenance Supervisor or lead person.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform various duties as assigned by the department supervisor or lead person.
• Maintain machines, equipment, hand tools, and work areas for cleanliness, organization, and efficient operation.
• Perform minor maintenance activities as assigned, including painting, oiling, welding, and similar tasks, when qualified and authorized.
• Attend meetings and participate in committees or training as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing, foundry, industrial, refractory, masonry, maintenance, or related experience preferred.
• Demonstrated masonry skills and knowledge of refractory installation techniques.
• Ability to safely operate jackhammers, grinders, chisels, threaders, and related hand and power tools.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, specifications, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Knowledge of and ability to consistently follow applicable safety requirements and procedures.
• Ability to work according to production priorities and the melting schedule.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting/problem-solving skills.
• Ability to accurately complete required production, repair, and maintenance documentation.
• Ability to perform assigned work with minimal supervision following appropriate training.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift following required company training and authorization.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Equipment Used

Pneumatic and electric mixers, pumps, vibrators, wheel dollies, hand pallet jacks, forklifts, scales, vacuums, jackhammers, grinders, chisels, threaders, hand and power tools, hoists, heaters, and other equipment required for ladle construction, rebuilding, repair, and maintenance.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds from floor to chest level.
• Must be able to push, pull, maneuver, and position ladles weighing approximately 145 pounds, utilizing appropriate material-handling equipment and safe work practices when necessary.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly bend, stoop, kneel, reach, grasp, push, and pull while performing assigned duties.
• Must be able to safely operate the tools and equipment necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to wear all required PPE.

Working Hours and Conditions

The position requires the ability to adapt to frequent job and task changes based on production requirements. Must be able to work flexible hours and overtime when required to support operational and production needs. Work is performed in an industrial foundry/manufacturing environment. Employees may be exposed to heat, noise, dust, fumes, moving equipment, and materials associated with foundry operations. Dust and fumes may contain or be associated with cement, nickel, chromium, cobalt, copper, silicon, and iron. Required PPE and established safety procedures must be followed at all times. The employee must communicate equipment requiring repair or unsafe operating conditions to the appropriate supervisor or lead and must conform to all applicable safety policies, quality procedures, productivity requirements, and inventory reporting procedures. Work demands may range from low to high depending on production requirements and the melting schedule.

Wall Colmonoy and Franklin Precision Castings are equal opportunity employers committed to an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.

For U.S.-based positions, we are affirmative action employers of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

The Company assumes no financial or contractual obligation for resumes submitted by recruitment agencies without a prior written agreement, including when a submitted candidate is subsequently hired.