Refractory Operator

Gerdau•Petersburg, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves planning, laying out, and performing operations to build, rebuild, and re-line steel-making vessels such as ladles, electric-arc furnaces, roofs, and tundishes. The position requires a working knowledge of manufacturing tools and procedures, attention to detail, organizational and prioritization skills, and the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems. The company, Gerdau, is a global presence in steel production, transforming raw materials into steel products for various industries. They foster a culture of diversity, innovation, teamwork, safety, and sustainability, with a commitment to continuous improvement and investment in people, processes, and technology.

Requirements

Must pass entrance exam.
1-3 years industrial/manufacturing experience.
General math skills.
Advanced problem solving skills.
Analytical skills.
Ability to use charts, schedules, computer and touch screens.
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to use adjustable controls in regulating the continuous process through interpretation of measuring instruments and gauges.
Ability and willingness to work as part of a self-directed team with limited supervision.
People leadership skills and ability to lead by example.

Nice To Haves

Brick Mason experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Plan, lay out, and perform all operations necessary to lay brick and refractory in order to build, rebuild, and re-line ladles, electric-arc furnaces, roofs, tundishes, and other steel-making vessels.
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 slide gate and/or tundish slide gate for maintenance inspection.
Perform minor burning with torch, lance, and welding as needed.
Support trialing of new refractory products.
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.
Maintain work areas and equipment in clean and orderly condition.
Assist maintenance personnel as needed.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1st day of hire
Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
100% Matching 401K up to 6%
Life/Accidental Life Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Bonuses
Health Advocate Services
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Career Path System and Training