Ceramic Tile Machine Operator (Kiln / Glazing / Quality)

Laborup • Crossville, TN

115d • $18 - $28

About The Position

Join our cutting‑edge Italian ceramic tile manufacturing facility in the Knoxville area, nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. We operate an advanced, high-tech smart factory with robotics, high‑definition kilns, glaze lines, and surface inspection machinery. We’re urgently hiring up to 10 machine operators, including Kiln Operators, Glazing Line Operators, and Selection Technicians. If you have experience in ceramics, tiles, kiln firing, glazing chemistry, or quality inspection, we want to hear from you!

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing or machine operation preferred — especially in tile, flooring, or ceramics.
• Comfortable working with automated equipment, touchscreens, and mechanical systems.
• Able to lift 60 lbs and work on your feet in a hot, industrial environment.
• Self-motivated, safety-conscious, and reliable.

Nice To Haves

• Operating or maintaining ceramic kilns, glazing lines, or surface inspection machines.
• Experience with tile production, glaze chemistry, or quality control inspection.
• Forklift certification or material handling experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate high-temperature kilns to fire ceramic tile according to temperature and timing specs.
• Perform size and control adjustments to ensure consistent product dimensions and finish.
• Monitor firing schedules, inspect tiles post-kiln for defects, and maintain firing logs.
• Operate glaze application equipment to coat tile with correct finish, thickness, and texture.
• Monitor glaze density and viscosity; perform test samples and make real-time adjustments.
• Troubleshoot glaze line machinery and keep records of output and appearance checks.
• Operate tile sorting and surface inspection machinery to ensure finished quality.
• Program and run packaging lines for boxing, labeling, and palletizing based on SKUs.
• Identify defects (chips, cracks, glaze errors) and escalate repeat issues to QC.
• Operate forklifts or pallet jacks to move materials.
• Complete production reports and quality checklists.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workstation.
• Perform basic machine maintenance and support changeovers.

Benefits

• $18-$28 / hr depending on experience
• $1,000 retention bonus after 90 days
• $2,500 relocation stipend
• Industry leading benefits with full medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match
• Opportunities for raises

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees