Refractory - Ladle Gate Operator

About the role

Becoming part of the SSAB family means joining a journey toward sustainability in steel production. This position plays a key role in maintaining safe working conditions and equipment reliability in a high-impact industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe working conditions and the safe operation of ladles
• Participate in SSAB safety programs, audits, and reviews
• Maintain and turn ladle gates, components, lips, and plugs
• Inspect the hot face of refractory and report issues or concerns to management
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stocked work area
• Utilize established documentation systems (logs, emails, paperwork) to communicate relevant information to the refractory and management team
• Complete ladle tear-out profiles
• Work closely with the refractory team leader and shift coordinator to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability
• Participate in improvement and organization projects
• Assist in refractory installations as needed or scheduled by the refractory team leader

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Mechanical aptitude
• Basic Microsoft experience or willingness to learn

Preferred: Experience with ladles or refractories.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Tools & Equipment: Hammer, wrench, torch, chisel, ladle wall
• Postures & Movement:
  • Sitting: 4 hours at a time; average 2 hours a day
  • Standing: 12 hours at a time; average 8 hours a day
  • Walking: 12 hours at a time; average 2 hours a day
  • Alternate sitting, standing, and walking
  • Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, twist at waist level, and reach above/at/below waist level
  • Occasionally balance, crawl, and climb
• Manual Tasks:
  • Push, pull, lift, and/or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Handle, grip, hold, and grasp with both hands together or separately
  • Finger with both hands together or separately
  • Feel with both hands (e.g., sense temperature and textures)
• Sensory Requirements:
  • Talking: person-to-person, on the phone, and in group settings
  • Hearing: in person, on the phone, and in group settings
  • Vision: near, midrange, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Environmental Conditions:
  • Indoors and outdoors
  • Extreme hot and cold conditions
  • Wet and humid conditions
  • Fumes, dust, dirt, and smoke
  • Confined areas and high places
  • Around equipment in motion
  • Noise
  • Mechanical, electrical, chemical, and industrial hazards

Schedule

• Full-time, non-exempt position eligible for overtime
• 12-hour rotating shifts