Ladle Maker
Los Lunas, NM
Full Time
Los Lunas
Student (High School)

Ladle Maker 1
Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Plant and Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor
Purpose
The Ladle Maker 1 is responsible for rebuilding, repairing, and maintaining ladles used in foundry operations to support the melting schedule and production requirements. The position removes existing refractory material, prepares ladles for rebuilding, and installs new refractory material using appropriate masonry techniques and in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety requirements, and production needs. The Ladle Maker 1 performs essential job functions with minimal supervision following appropriate training.
Primary Responsibilities / Essential Functions
- Break out and remove old refractory material from ladles and prepare ladles for installation of new refractory.
- Install new refractory material using appropriate masonry techniques and established procedures.
- Repair and rebuild ladles to maintain production requirements.
- Follow applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, manufacturer guidelines, specifications, and safety requirements.
- Work with the melting schedule to ensure ladles are prepared and available to meet production needs.
- Inspect ladles during the rebuilding and repair process and identify wear, damage, deterioration, or other conditions requiring attention.
- Work with Production and Maintenance to identify root causes and correct problems associated with premature ladle failure.
- Perform and document root-cause analysis as required.
- Safely operate jackhammers, grinders, chisels, threaders, pneumatic and electric mixers, pumps, vibrators, and other hand and power tools required for ladle work.
- Prepare and maintain required paperwork, repair records, production data, and other documentation related to ladle rebuilding and repair.
- Monitor reorder levels of materials and supplies required for ladle work and communicate replenishment needs.
- Safely operate forklifts, hoists, pallet jacks, wheel dollies, and other approved material-handling equipment to move and position ladles and materials.
- Analyze and adjust to unanticipated work situations and determine appropriate solutions within established procedures.
- Communicate equipment, ladle, material, production, or safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor or lead.
- Share job knowledge and established work practices with other employees as requested.
- Maintain safe working conditions and properly use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Follow all company safety policies, quality procedures, productivity requirements, and inventory reporting procedures.
- Perform other related duties as directed by the Maintenance Supervisor or lead person.
- Perform various duties as assigned by the department supervisor or lead person.
- Maintain machines, equipment, hand tools, and work areas for cleanliness, organization, and efficient operation.
- Perform minor maintenance activities as assigned, including painting, oiling, welding, and similar tasks, when qualified and authorized.
- Attend meetings and participate in committees or training as requested.
- Previous manufacturing, foundry, industrial, refractory, masonry, maintenance, or related experience preferred.
- Demonstrated masonry skills and knowledge of refractory installation techniques.
- Ability to safely operate jackhammers, grinders, chisels, threaders, and related hand and power tools.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, specifications, and manufacturer guidelines.
- Knowledge of and ability to consistently follow applicable safety requirements and procedures.
- Ability to work according to production priorities and the melting schedule.
- Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting/problem-solving skills.
- Ability to accurately complete required production, repair, and maintenance documentation.
- Ability to perform assigned work with minimal supervision following appropriate training.
- Ability to safely operate a forklift following required company training and authorization.
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Equipment Used
Pneumatic and electric mixers, pumps, vibrators, wheel dollies, hand pallet jacks, forklifts, scales, vacuums, jackhammers, grinders, chisels, threaders, hand and power tools, hoists, heaters, and other equipment required for ladle construction, rebuilding, repair, and maintenance.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds from floor to chest level.
- Must be able to push, pull, maneuver, and position ladles weighing approximately 145 pounds, utilizing appropriate material-handling equipment and safe work practices when necessary.
- Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly bend, stoop, kneel, reach, grasp, push, and pull while performing assigned duties.
- Must be able to safely operate the tools and equipment necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Must be able to wear all required PPE.
The position requires the ability to adapt to frequent job and task changes based on production requirements. Must be able to work flexible hours and overtime when required to support operational and production needs.
Work is performed in an industrial foundry/manufacturing environment. Employees may be exposed to heat, noise, dust, fumes, moving equipment, and materials associated with foundry operations.
Dust and fumes may contain or be associated with cement, nickel, chromium, cobalt, copper, silicon, and iron. Required PPE and established safety procedures must be followed at all times.
The employee must communicate equipment requiring repair or unsafe operating conditions to the appropriate supervisor or lead and must conform to all applicable safety policies, quality procedures, productivity requirements, and inventory reporting procedures.
Work demands may range from low to high depending on production requirements and the melting schedule.
Wall Colmonoy and Franklin Precision Castings are equal opportunity employers committed to an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.
For U.S.-based positions, we are affirmative action employers of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
The Company assumes no financial or contractual obligation for resumes submitted by recruitment agencies without a prior written agreement, including when a submitted candidate is subsequently hired.
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