Ladle Maker

Wall Colmonoy Limited; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Wall Colmonoy Limited is seeking a Ladle Maker 1 to rebuild and repair ladles used in our foundry operations. You will remove old refractory, prepare ladles for rebuilding, and install new refractory with masonry techniques, adhering to SOPs and safety rules.

This role supports the melting schedule with minimal supervision. Applicants should have masonry and maintenance experience, the ability to operate power tools, and the capacity to read and follow SOPs.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing or foundry environments preferred.
• Knowledge of refractory installation techniques.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.
• Able to read SOPs and follow instructions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and handle ladles weighing 145 pounds with equipment.

Responsibilities

• Break out old refractory and prepare ladles for renewal.
• Install new refractory using masonry techniques.
• Repair and rebuild ladles to meet production needs.
• Follow SOPs, work instructions, and safety rules.
• Support melting schedule and ensure ladles are available.
• Document repair records and production data.

Skills

Masonry skills

Maintenance experience

SOP compliance

Tool operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Jackhammers

Grinders

Chisels

Forklifts

Pumps

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.