Melt Shop Operator

Vallourec North America; Youngstown (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Company-Paid Life Insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Vacation Time

Discretionary Performance-Based Bonus Program

Job summary

A leading steel manufacturer in Youngstown, Ohio is looking for a Melt Shop Operator to monitor and operate casting machines, ensuring billet production meets quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma or GED, strong attention to detail, and mechanical aptitude, alongside communication skills. Benefits include medical coverage, 401(k) matching, paid parental leave, and opportunities for overtime. Commitment to safety is paramount in this role, reflecting the company's high standards for performance.

Qualifications

• Previous training and experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to work independently.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and operating casting machines and equipment.
• Planning and setting up operations for billet pickup.
• Verifying billet counts and reporting to the production scheduler.

Skills

Attention to detail

Mechanical aptitude

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. As a Melt Shop Operator, you’ll be responsible for monitoring and operating casting machines and related equipment to ensure billet production meets quality and safety standards. This role is essential for maintaining production flow and supporting our melt shop operations.

Your Day-to-Day Impact

• Planning, setting up, and monitoring operations for billet pickup by yard crane.
• Monitoring control panels for casting strands and alarms; adjusting temperatures and chemistry by sampling and adding materials.
• Operating and maintaining casting machines and related equipment.
• Identifying billets with laser-etched tags using Hilti tools per Melt Shop Order requirements.
• Preheating billets and tundish shrouds to aim temperatures and inspecting for hot spots.
• Verifying billet counts and reporting orders to the production scheduler daily.
• Performing tundish gate servo tests and ensuring proper valve positions during preheat.
• Sampling for chemistry and jominy tests; monitoring mold powders, tundish powders, and casting parameters.
• Performing temperature readings and collecting chemistry samples from EAF and LMF.
• Executing down-day activities, including lockout/tagout procedures.
• Assisting with housekeeping, stocking, and material handling in the shop.
• Operating material guns, managing tap hole sand hopper, and ladle sanding.
• Supporting maintenance during downtime and performing other duties as assigned.

What You Bring
We’re looking for candidates who are sharp, safety-focused, and ready to roll up their sleeves:

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Preferred: Previous training and experience in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness
• Mechanical aptitude and adaptability in a fast-paced environment

What You’ll Gain

• Get paid for what you know – and earn more as you learn more
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge equipment
• A culture that values your input and celebrates improvement
• Overtime opportunities

And Benefits that Include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
• Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
• 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
• Paid Parental Leave: For birthing and non-birthing parents, including adoptions
• Paid Vacation Time
• Discretionary Performance-Based Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Safety isn’t negotiable, it’s who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. We don’t cut corners; we set the standard. That means clear expectations, continuous training, and shared accountability at every level. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it’s a promise we make to every colleague, every day.

Qualifications

Education

Required

High School or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.