What are the responsibilities and job description for the Melt Shop Operator position at Vallourec North America?
Why Join Us
At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. As a Melt Shop Operator, you’ll be responsible for monitoring and operating casting machines and related equipment to ensure billet production meets quality and safety standards. This role is essential for maintaining production flow and supporting our melt shop operations.
Your Day-to-Day Impact
- Planning, setting up, and monitoring operations for billet pickup by yard crane.
- Monitoring control panels for casting strands and alarms; adjusting temperatures and chemistry by sampling and adding materials.
- Operating and maintaining casting machines and related equipment.
- Identifying billets with laser-etched tags using Hilti tools per Melt Shop Order requirements.
- Preheating billets and tundish shrouds to aim temperatures and inspecting for hot spots.
- Verifying billet counts and reporting orders to the production scheduler daily.
- Performing tundish gate servo tests and ensuring proper valve positions during preheat.
- Sampling for chemistry and jominy tests; monitoring mold powders, tundish powders, and casting parameters.
- Performing temperature readings and collecting chemistry samples from EAF and LMF.
- Executing down-day activities, including lockout/tagout procedures.
- Assisting with housekeeping, stocking, and material handling in the shop.
- Operating material guns, managing tap hole sand hopper, and ladle sanding.
- Supporting maintenance during downtime and performing other duties as assigned.
What You Bring
We’re looking for candidates who are sharp, safety-focused, and ready to roll up their sleeves:
- High School Diploma or GED (required)
- Preferred: Previous training and experience in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to work independently and communicate effectively
- Strong attention to detail and safety awareness
- Mechanical aptitude and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
What You’ll Gain
- Get paid for what you know – and earn more as you learn more
- Opportunities to work on cutting-edge equipment
- A culture that values your input and celebrates improvement
- Real growth potential in a stable, essential industry
- Overtime opportunities
And Benefits that Include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
- Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
- 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
- Paid Parental Leave: For birthing and non-birthing parents, including adoptions
- Paid Holidays: 10 days, plus 1 personal floating holiday
- Paid Vacation Time
- Discretionary Performance-Based Bonus Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
Safety isn’t negotiable, it’s who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. We don’t cut corners; we set the standard. That means clear expectations, continuous training, and shared accountability at every level. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it’s a promise we make to every colleague, every day.