1st. Operator Ladle 1

Outokumpu • Saraland, AL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The 1st Operator – Ladle Wall is part of the Melt Shop team in Calvert, North Mobile County, Alabama. The role is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Ladle Wall to maximize shop productivity and quality, minimize costs, and maintain environmental compliance. This operator is the primary position of control for delivering and processing quality stainless steel on time, on chemistry, and on temperature. The position also supports maintenance activities during breakdowns, shutdowns, and planned maintenance as requested.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Current area experience.
• Knowledge of adjusting equipment and process settings at the EAF and AOD to deliver desired results.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
• Safety awareness.
• Clear and effective communication skills for coordinating with team members and supervisors.
• Attention to detail and thoroughness to support accurate operations and prevent errors.
• Adaptability.
• Ability to safely use required personal protective equipment in accordance with OSHA standards.
• Ability to climb stairs and ramps, walk long distances, and maintain balance on uneven terrain or while maneuvering obstacles.
• Ability to withstand elevated ambient temperatures for extended periods and work in extreme heat.
• Ability to work in wet or humid conditions, vibrations, dust, asphalt, high noise, and areas with strong magnetic fields.
• Ability to frequently use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects or materials and frequently reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to bend, twist, lift, stand, walk, reach, see, move, and hear as required by the position.
• Ability to communicate using radios, phones, or intercom systems.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting or moving up to 50 pounds using proper lifting techniques.
• Ability to safely use power and hand tools.
• Ability to safely operate powered industrial vehicles and equipment, including overhead cranes.

Responsibilities

• Inspect ladle refractory to help ensure safe operations throughout the melt shop.
• Manage ladles in service and maintain proper heat spacing between ladles.
• Inspect ladle stir plugs for wear indicators, verify proper flow, and repair as needed.
• Manage in-service repairs and their timing, including plate and nozzle changes and stirring plug work.
• Document heats in each ladle and repairs completed accurately.
• Maintain needed spare parts for gate and stir plug systems.
• Order parts and supplies through SAP; notify the shift coordinator and refractory engineer if additional supplies are needed.
• Dry out and heat up ladles as needed.
• Communicate repairs and tear-outs with the refractory engineer and required contractors.
• Oversee ladle tear-outs and cleanings to ensure proper work with minimal damage, promptly report damage, and complete tear-out reports when needed.
• Assist the EAF team with ladle inspections as needed.
• Communicate immediate concerns about refractory integrity to the EAF/AOD shift coordinator, AOD 1st, and refractory engineer.
• Work closely with the refractory engineer on daily operations and emerging concerns.
• Support implementation of best practices and continuous improvement for the melt shop.
• Support maintenance activities as required.
• Maintain environmental and safety compliance requirements.
• Identify safety hazards and opportunities for safety improvement.
• Identify environmental improvement opportunities.
• Train team members in job-related skills or identify skill gaps in utility operators.
• Coordinate Ladle Wall activities with the EAF/AOD team and the LTS/CCM/SGP team; may direct operational or maintenance activities.
• Optimize operating practices and procedures with the refractory engineer.
• Perform other activities as required.

Benefits

• Competitive benefit package, including health, dental, disability, life, and voluntary insurance options.
• PTO and paid holidays.
• Parental leave.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Retirement plan with company matching.
• Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED