Build Your Future with a Company on the Move - For more than 60 years, CerCo I, Inc. has been a recognized manufacturer of advanced ceramic solutions serving demanding industries across North America and beyond. Today, we are entering one of the most exciting periods in our company's history.
CerCo I, Inc. is undergoing a complete business transformation focused on growth, operational excellence, employee development, and long-term sustainability. We have recently established a new executive leadership team and launched a detailed five-year strategic growth plan that includes significant investments in:
- New manufacturing equipment and technology
- Facility and process improvements
- Employee development and advancement opportunities
- Safety and operational excellence initiatives
- Company culture and workforce engagement
- Expanded production capacity and future growth
As we continue building our day-shift team, our strategic plan includes expanding operations into additional shifts as production demand increases, creating future opportunities for advancement and leadership.
If you want to be part of a company that values hard work, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply.
About CerCo I, Inc.
CerCo I, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing and marketing of advanced ceramic solutions, including:
- Ceramic Armor Systems
- Grinding Media
- Mill Linings
- Kiln Furniture Systems
- Wear-Resistant Components
Our products are trusted in industries where performance, durability, and reliability are critical.
Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated, safety-focused Kiln Operator / Loader to join our growing industrial ceramics manufacturing team. This position plays a critical role in the firing process by safely loading, unloading, monitoring, and operating both tunnel kilns and shuttle kilns, including high-temperature and low-temperature firing operations.
The ideal candidate takes pride in producing quality ceramic products, following established firing procedures, maintaining safe kiln operations, and contributing to a positive team environment. This role offers extensive on-the-job training and development opportunities for individuals interested in building a long-term manufacturing career.
Essential Responsibilities – Kiln Operations & Material Handling
- Load and unload tunnel kilns and shuttle kilns according to established loading patterns and firing requirements.
- Build, stack, and position kiln cars, setters, fixtures, and ceramic products to ensure proper firing results.
- Monitor kiln temperatures, firing cycles, and operating conditions throughout production runs.
- Operate and adjust kiln controls as directed by established work instructions and process requirements.
- Perform routine inspections of kiln equipment and identify potential operational concerns.
- Move raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods safely throughout the facility.
- Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, kiln cars, and other material handling equipment as required.
- Maintain production flow by ensuring kilns are loaded, unloaded, and staged according to production schedules.
- Document production activities, firing information, and quality-related observations.
- Assist with troubleshooting process issues and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Shipping & Receiving Support – (Night shift only)
- Assist with movement of finished products from production areas to warehouse or shipping locations.
- Load and unload materials as required to support production operations.
- Verify materials and products against work orders and production documentation.
- Support staging and preparation of customer orders for shipment when necessary.
- Maintain accurate material identification and product traceability.
Inventory Control
- Support inventory accuracy through proper product handling and identification.
- Assist with cycle counts and physical inventory activities as required.
- Maintain organization of kiln staging areas, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods locations.
- Ensure proper rotation and movement of materials throughout the manufacturing process.
Safety & Housekeeping
- Follow all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and kiln operating procedures.
- Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for high-temperature manufacturing environments.
- Perform routine equipment and work area inspections and report maintenance concerns promptly.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.
- Work safely in a hot manufacturing environment around kilns, furnaces, and heated materials.
Work Schedule & Environment
- 12-hour rotating shift schedule
- 48 hours one week and 36 hours the following week
- Employees receive a three-day break following each four-day work rotation
- Overtime opportunities may be available based on production requirements
- Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, dust, noise, and moving equipment
- Physical position requiring standing, walking, lifting, bending, and material handling throughout the shift
Qualifications Required
- Ability to safely work around industrial kiln equipment and high-temperature processes.
- Ability to learn kiln loading patterns, firing procedures, and production requirements.
- Ability to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and material handling equipment or willingness to become certified.
- Ability to lift, move, and handle materials safely throughout the workday.
- Basic math, measurement, and documentation skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
- Dependable attendance and ability to work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Qualifications Preferred
- Previous kiln operation experience in ceramics, refractories, brick, glass, or related manufacturing environments.
- Manufacturing experience in an industrial production setting.
- Forklift certification.
- Mechanical aptitude and basic equipment troubleshooting skills.
- Experience working with process controls, temperature monitoring systems, or industrial furnaces.
- Experience operating tunnel kilns, shuttle kilns, or other thermal processing equipment.
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Why Join CerCo I, Inc.? We Are Investing in Our Future and Yours
- Stable company with over 60 years of manufacturing success
- New leadership team focused on growth and employee development
- Significant investments in equipment, facilities, and operational improvements
- Opportunity to be part of a company-wide transformation
- Advancement opportunities as we expand production and future shift operations
- Team-oriented environment focused on accountability, respect, and continuous improvement
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
Join the Team
This is more than a kiln operator position—it is an opportunity to become part of a company that is rebuilding, growing, and creating a stronger future for its employees and customers. If you are dependable, safety-focused, and ready to contribute to a growing manufacturing operation, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and help build the next chapter of CerCo's 60+ year success story.
Pay: $18.60 - $37.67 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Profit sharing
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
