Sample Prep Furnace Operator

Aurubis – metallurgy is our passion. We are a leading global multi-metal company and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. We process complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal-bearing recycling materials into metals of the highest purity. These metals serve as the basis for key megatrends such as digitalization, renewable energies, e-mobility, and urbanization. Aurubis has about 7,000 employees, production sites in Europe and the US, and an extensive worldwide distribution system. Join our team and promote progress together with us!

The Sample Preparation Furnace Operator reports to the Team Lead and is responsible for safely and accurately operating sample preparation equipment at Aurubis Richmond. Key duties include:

- Operating incineration and induction furnaces to produce homogeneous, representative samples

- Using fine preparation equipment and mobile equipment to handle materials

- Supporting workflow optimization and continuous improvement in sample preparation

The role works a fixed shift and focuses on quality, safety, and environmental compliance while supporting operational excellence in recycling raw materials for non-ferrous metallurgy. Ideal candidates have hands-on experience with sample preparation equipment (preferably electronic scrap), strong attention to accuracy, and the ability to thrive in a shift-based environment.

Sample Prep Furnace Operator

Your Tasks

Operate, clean, and perform basic maintenance on sample preparation equipment (e.g., incineration and induction furnaces, mills, sieves, furnaces, filter chambers).

Prepare and smelt samples, ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials and preventing batch contamination.

Inspect, charge, and operate furnace equipment; replace consumables (e.g., crucibles, refractory linings, filter bags).

Prepare and label sample bags for shipping.

Handle materials using forklifts, stackers, and cranes.

Record material flows, melting operations, and calculations in IT systems.

Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Support continuous improvement, KPI tracking, and corrective actions to meet performance targets.

Communicate and coordinate effectively with internal teams (sample preparation, lab, logistics, engineering, production, maintenance, customer service, purchasing) and external suppliers.

Contribute to efficient, safe, and economical operations in alignment with company policies.

Train, coach, and onboard new employees, apprentices, and trainees.

Build an open feedback culture; motivate and develop team members.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (lab, logistics, engineering, maintenance, purchasing, suppliers).

Comply with all safety, health, environmental, and quality standards.

Act as a role model for safe behavior, promptly addressing and reporting hazards.

Support audits, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, DOT).

Ensure environmentally sound operations and maintain contact with EHS and environmental teams.

Support process optimization, KPI tracking, and corrective actions.

Contribute to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Analyze processes, propose improvements, and implement approved changes.

Define, monitor, and report team KPIs aligned with site strategy.

Maintain accurate records and reports (SAP, MS Office).

Coordinate with service providers and internal departments on repairs and projects.

Support audits and compliance inquiries (e.g., DOL, EEOC, Workers Comp).

Perform other duties as assigned.

Your Profile

High school Diploma or equivalent

Minimum 3 years’ experience in manufacturing or related operations.

Hands-on experience with sample preparation equipment preferred.

Familiarity with hazardous materials, OSHA/DOT regulations, and safety/environmental standards.

Basic computer skills (MS Office, email, business systems); ERP (SAP) experience preferred.

Knowledge of lean/process improvement methods (TPS, Six Sigma, APICS certification a plus).

Ability to read and interpret technical prints, drawings, and layouts.

Experience in plant start-ups beneficial.

Strong work ethic with willingness to take ownership and deliver results.

Clear communicator; able to train, coach, and provide constructive feedback.

Decisive problem-solver with a mindset for continuous improvement and change.

Ability to build trust, collaborate across teams, and foster a positive work culture.

Passion for metals and commitment to personal development.

Must be willing and physically able to walk/work in, observe and spend time in a smelter environment.

Must be willing and physically able to work in intense heat situations.

Able to sit, stand and walk for varying periods of time in the plant.

Must be able to perform the following: walking, standing, climbing, pulling, and or pushing, carrying, grasping, using hand-to-finger movement, balancing, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.

May occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Good physical condition with the ability to lift to 50 lbs. occasionally.

Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to all safety needs on the floor or in the office areas.

Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.

Willing and physically able to travel domestically and/or internationally, if requested.

We Offer

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance