Heavy Equipment Operator

Aurubis - metallurgy is our passion. We are a leading global multi-metal company and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. We process complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal-bearing recycling materials into metals of the highest purity. These metals serve as the basis for key megatrends such as digitalization, renewable energies, e-mobility, and urbanization. Aurubis has about 7,000 employees, production sites in Europe and the US, and an extensive worldwide distribution system.

Join our team and promote progress together with us!

The Heavy Equipment Operator plays a key role in supporting efficient, safe, and high-quality operations at Aurubis Richmond. This position operates heavy mobile equipment such as forklifts, wheel loaders, and excavators, to manage the movement, blending, loading, and unloading of materials. Responsibilities include performing daily warehouse duties, labeling and inspecting goods, and ensuring accuracy and care in all material handling activities.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in operational logistics or warehouse management, demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, quality, and environmental standards, and is comfortable working in a fixed‑shift environment. This role focuses on both execution and the continuous improvement of material handling processes, supporting recycling operations for non‑ferrous raw materials while optimizing cost, quality, and efficiency.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum 3 years in logistics or material handling, with experience operating forklifts, wheel loaders, or excavators.
• Valid driver’s license for at least one heavy equipment type (forklift, wheel loader, excavator, crane).
• Strong understanding of material handling processes and workplace safety, including DOT and OSHA regulations.
• Knowledge of lean/process improvement methodologies.
• Basic computer skills (business systems, email, Microsoft Office).
• Awareness of hazardous materials and environmental protection standards.
• Willingness to work shifts.

• Familiarity with sampling or metallurgical production processes.
• Experience presenting to stakeholders and external partners.
• APICS certification or plant start‑up experience.
• Ability to read and interpret prints, drawings, and layouts.
• Proficiency in a second language, ideally German.

• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to safety and defensive operation.
• Strong work ethic with solution‑focused leadership.
• Effective communication, coaching, and feedback skills.
• Decisive problem‑solving and adaptability to change.
• Passion for metals and continuous self‑development.

• Must be willing and physically able to walk/work in, observe and spend time in a smelter environment.
• Must be willing and physically able to work in intense heat situations.
• Able to sit, stand, and walk for varying periods of time in the plant.
• Must be able to perform the following: walking, standing, climbing, pulling, or pushing, carrying, grasping, using hand‑to‑finger movement, balancing, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• May occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Good physical condition with the ability to lift to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to all safety needs on the floor or in the office areas.
• Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.
• Willing and physically able to travel domestically and/or internationally, if requested.

• Safely operate heavy mobile equipment (e.g., forklifts, wheel loaders, excavators) to load, unload, move, and store materials.
• Perform recurring logistics activities including truck loading/unloading, storage, material documentation, and equipment upkeep.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant warehouse and yard areas.
• Conduct product handling tasks such as weighing, tagging, scanning, wrapping,…