Refractory Operator

LOCATION:

- Posted on Oct 8, 2025

- Midlothian, Texas, United States

AREA:

Production & Operations

Empowering people who build the future.

Salary:

$23.00 per hour plus bonus

We Offer:

- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1st day of hire

- Health Savings Account with company contributions & Flex Spending Accounts

- 100% Matching 401K up to 6%

- Paid Life Insurance

- Paid Parental Leave

- Employee Assistance Program

- Tuition Reimbursement Program

- Incentive programs that include bi-weekly production bonuses

- Career Progression System with Training & Development

- Paid uniforms and all PPE required

- Paid Holidays

- Paid Time Off

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Complete a range of duties that are highly repetitive and routine in nature in order to properly and effectively lay refractory brick to build, rebuild, re-line, or patch electric-arc furnaces, ladles, tundishes, and other steel-making vessels.

- Operate pendant crane as needed to move refractory material to and from storage area.

- Cut brick to size using pneumatic tools to ram material, walls, tundishes, and other areas as required.

- Remove burned or damaged brick and clean surface of vessel using sledgehammer, pry bar, brick hammer, and/or pneumatic chipping gun.

- Spread or spray refractories over exposed bricks to protect bricks against deterioration by heat using a trowel or gunning machine.

- Perform refractory work at the Furnace.

- Assemble and disassemble ladle slidegate and/or tundish slidegate for maintenance inspection.

- Perform minor burning with torch, lance, and welding as needed.

- Support trialing of new refractory products.

- Make sound business decisions to keep the shop running.

- Properly communicate and plan daily activities.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Operate mobile equipment to lift and transport materials including loaders, cranes, man-lifts, brick-lift, and forklifts.

- Ensure daily preventative maintenance is performed on vehicles and mobile equipment, which may include fueling, cleaning, and checking/adding fluids as needed.

- Follow all PPE requirements and safety rules and guidelines for all tasks being performed.

- Assist in training of coworkers as needed.

- Maintain communication with coworkers through two-way radio and hand signals.

- Demonstrate ability and willingness to work as part of a self-directed team with limited supervision.

- Maintain work areas and equipment in clean and orderly condition.

- Exhibit engagement in GBS tools and methodology.

- Assist maintenance personnel as needed.

- Perform all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

- High school diploma or GED

- Basic computer and math skills.

1-3 years manufacturing experience is required, 1-2 years of melt shop experience is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

- Ability to climb stairs, climb ladders, reach, squat, tolerate prolonged standing or walking, balance, bend, operate mobile equipment, crawl, kneel, and push and pull objects.

- Ability to reach, squat, and tolerate prolonged sitting.

- Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.

- Ability to operate hand controls with both hands and foot pedals with both feet.

- Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching.

- Ability to work in extreme ambient temperatures up to 160°F.

- Ability to work in cramped quarters and at heights.

- Ability to work a rotating shift schedule, including days, nights and weekends.

- Ability to tolerate working in areas where noise levels can reach 120 decibels.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

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. All external applicants must be legally eligible to immediately work in the country of hire without current or future sponsorship.

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, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com