Plant Operator

Who we are:

Ferroglobe is one of the world’s leading suppliers of silicon metal, silicon-based and manganese-based specialty alloys and ferroalloys, serving a customer base across the globe in dynamic and fast-growing end markets, such as solar, automotive, consumer products, construction and energy.

Learn more about our Transformation Story here: Who we are

Position Summary

The Plant Operators leads day‑to‑day operations of the aggregate processing plant, ensuring safety, production, quality, and maintenance goals are met. Success in this position requires mechanical aptitude, hands‑on troubleshooting skills, proven front‑line leadership, and a rigorous MSHA safety mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a zero‑incident culture; lead daily toolbox talks, JSAs, and near‑miss reviews.
• Enforce MSHA, OSHA, and company policies; ensure risk assessments and LOTO procedures are followed.
• Conduct and document inspections (equipment, guarding, fall protection, housekeeping) and drive timely corrective actions.
• Ensure contractor management, site orientation, and permits are executed to standard.

Operations & Production

• Plan, schedule, and oversee daily plant operations (crushing, screening, conveying, washing, stockpiling, loadout).
• Optimize throughput, yield, and product quality within specification while minimizing downtime and waste.
• Monitor process KPIs (TPH, OEE, availability, utilization, moisture, gradation) and adjust settings/flows as needed.
• Coordinate raw material and finished inventory levels; support logistics/dispatch for on‑time shipments.

Maintenance & Reliability

• Apply strong electrical and mechanical skills to troubleshoot and resolve issues on MCCs, VFDs, motors, conveyors, crushers, screens, pumps, sensors, and PLC‑interfaced devices.
• Prioritize CMMS work orders, plan PMs, manage spare parts needs, and support weekend/turnaround work.
• Lead root cause analyses (RCAs) and corrective/preventive actions to improve equipment reliability.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure products meet gradation and cleanliness specs; partner with QA for sampling, testing, and corrective actions.
• Implement Lean/5S practices and small‑capital or no‑cost improvements to enhance safety, quality, and cost.
• Maintain accurate daily reports: production, downtime, safety, training, inspections, and environmental checks.

Required Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in industrial plant operations (aggregates, mining, minerals processing, cement, or similar).
• Electrical experience: hands‑on troubleshooting of industrial electrical systems (motors, VFDs, sensors, basic controls) and safe work/LOTO practices.
• Mechanical experience: crushers, screens, conveyors, bearings, gearboxes, belts, pumps, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems.
• 2 years of supervisory/lead experience directing hourly teams in a 24/5 or 24/7 operation.
• Working knowledge of MSHA regulations and requirements (Part 46 or Part 48); ability to lead compliance on shift.
• Proficiency with CMMS, basic Excel/Google Sheets, and production reporting.
• Strong communication, situational leadership, and decision‑making skills.
• High school diploma or GED required; technical certificate or apprenticeship a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current MSHA certification 
• Training in Root Cause Analysis, Lean/5S, or Reliability‑Centered Maintenance.
• First Aid/CPR; forklift/manlift certifications.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Industrial plant environment with exposure to noise, dust, vibration, heat/cold, and moving equipment.
• Frequently walk, stand, climb stairs/ladders, work at heights, and lift up to 50 lbs with proper technique.
• Ability to wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirator as needed, fall protection).
• Availability for rotating shifts, weekends, and on‑call duty as business needs require.

Schedule

• Primary day shift with flexibility to support off‑shifts and weekend maintenance/turnarounds as needed.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Recordable incident rate / Leading indicators (near‑misses, safety observations, corrective action closure).
• Throughput (TPH), OEE/availability, unplanned downtime, and maintenance backlog compliance.
• Product quality (gradation, moisture, cleanliness) and on‑time shipments.
• Labor productivity, cost per ton, and improvement project delivery.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage with bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and more!

EEO Statement

Ferroglobe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.