Milling & Fine Prep Operator

Overview

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 Milling/Fine Preparation Operator is responsible for operating sample preparation equipment in a professional way with a focus on quality, including incineration equipment, grinding & milling equipment, and induction furnaces to prepare samples while supporting an atmosphere of operational excellence.
• Generate a homogeneous and representative sample with various equipment in fine preparation.
• Focus on execution and continuous optimization of workflows within sample preparation, working in a fixed shift to operate sample preparation equipment for all required materials while maximizing quality, balancing costs, and minimizing risks.
• Support the Sample Preparation and Laboratory Manager in establishing operational excellence in Aurubis Richmond.
• Execute the sample preparation of raw materials, including operating sample preparation equipment.
• Operate and maintain equipment in the sample preparation department and perform maintenance tasks such as changing crucible and refractory channel lining, checking hydraulic liquid, chiseling, and sand layer changes.
• Prepare samples for smelting and execute the smelting process, including inspection of sampling material for hazards after training.
• Inspect furnaces and filter chambers, change filter bags, inspect rapping units, charge and operate the furnace with sample material, including scraping and casting.
• Operate incineration and induction furnaces, mills, and sieves.
• Prepare sample bags for shipping and ensure separation of different batches to avoid contamination.
• Handle material with forklifts, high lift stackers or cranes; drive listed mobile equipment as required.
• Perform basic calculations on material contents and register material flows and melting operations in IT systems.
• Execute stock taking, handle claim management, and comply with health & safety and environmental instructions.
• Understand processes and procedures in the direct field of activity and contribute to quality and continuous improvement programs.
• Communicate with Operators and Managers at various levels about process and condition of aggregates; coordinate with international and domestic employees in operations, logistics, engineering, maintenance, and purchasing.
• Monitor performance metrics, establish corrective actions for underperforming areas, and achieve set lead times in the Sample Preparation area.

• High school Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 3 years practical experience in related manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated ability to work in and through teams at all levels
• Proven work experience operating process equipment, ideally in an international environment
• Able to operate a forklift or crane (or willingness to learn)
• Basic computer skills (business system, email, Microsoft Office Suite)
• Solid knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices in the workplace
• Solid knowledge of environmental protection and occupational safety
• Willing and physically able to walk/work in, observe and spend time in a smelter environment
• Willing and physically able to work in intense heat situations
• Able to sit, stand and walk for varying periods of time in the plant
• Physical abilities to perform walking, standing, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, and other listed movements
• May occasionally reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Good physical condition with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and normal-range hearing; close/distance/peripheral/depth vision may be required
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to safety…