Refractory Operator

Gerdau North America; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Production bonus

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Career development

Ongoing training

Job summary

Gerdau North America in Petersburg, VA, seeks a Refractory Operator to keep steelmaking furnaces running. You will install, repair, and maintain refractory brick and related equipment, working with cranes, forklifts, and other mobile equipment in a hands-on production environment.

This role offers a starting pay of $21.16/hour with progression to $24.60/hour after 90 days, overtime, and occasional weekend work in a team-focused setting at one of North America's largest steel producers.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of industrial, manufacturing, construction, or skilled trades experience.
• Brick mason experience is a plus.
• Ability to read charts, gauges, and operating instructions.
• Basic computer skills.
• Team-oriented with ability to work independently.
• Leadership qualities and willingness to lead by example.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment entrance exam.

Responsibilities

• Installing and repairing refractory brick and materials in steelmaking vessels.
• Operating cranes, forklifts, loaders, man lifts, and other mobile equipment.
• Cutting, fitting, and replacing refractory materials.
• Performing furnace and ladle repairs.
• Supporting maintenance activities and equipment inspections.
• Following safety procedures and maintaining a clean work area.
• Assisting with training and supporting teammates.

Skills

Industrial experience

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork and leadership

Tools

Cranes & forklifts operation

Refractory materials handling

Job description

Build Your Future with Gerdau

Are you someone who enjoys working with your hands, solving problems, and seeing the results of your work every day? If you have manufacturing, industrial, construction, or masonry experience and enjoy working in a team environment, this could be the opportunity you're looking for.

Earn Up to $78,000 Per Year

Including hourly pay and production bonus opportunities

• Starting Pay: $21.16/hour
• After 90 Days: $24.60/hour
• Monday-Friday Schedule: 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Overtime Available
• Occasional Weekend Work

Why Join Gerdau?

At Gerdau, you won't just have a job. You'll build a long-term career with one of the largest steel producers in North America.

We Offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance starting on Day 1
• 100% 401(k) match up to 6%
• Production bonus opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health Advocate services
• Career development and internal advancement opportunities
• Ongoing training and skill development

What You'll Do

As a Refractory Operator, you'll play a critical role in keeping our steelmaking operation running. You'll help build, repair, and maintain furnaces, ladles, tundishes, and other equipment that are essential to producing steel.

Responsibilities Include

• Installing and repairing refractory brick and materials in steelmaking vessels
• Operating cranes, forklifts, loaders, man lifts, and other mobile equipment
• Cutting, fitting, and replacing refractory materials
• Performing furnace and ladle repairs
• Supporting maintenance activities and equipment inspections
• Following safety procedures and maintaining a clean work area
• Assisting with training and supporting teammates

What We're Looking For

• 1-3 years of industrial, manufacturing, construction, or skilled trades experience
• Brick mason experience is a plus
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Ability to read charts, gauges, and operating instructions
• Basic computer skills
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently when needed
• Leadership qualities and a willingness to lead by example
• Ability to pass a pre-employment entrance exam

Why This Role?

This is a hands-on position where no two days are exactly the same. You'll learn valuable skills, work with specialized equipment, and contribute directly to the production of steel used in buildings, vehicles, bridges, appliances, and infrastructure across North America.

I-CM1

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau,