Kiln Operator

Position Summary

The Kiln Operator is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining production equipment in the tile manufacturing process, including the kiln entrance, kiln exit, and loading machines. This position ensures continuous and safe operation by identifying and correcting abnormal conditions such as double-stacked, misaligned, or broken tiles. Duties include inspecting equipment, performing housekeeping inside machines, removing tile fragments or dust, resetting lines after jams or maintenance, and ensuring proper tile flow throughout the process. The Operator also assists with cleaning the kiln area, replacing rollers, and maintaining overall equipment cleanliness and efficiency. Operators must follow all safety procedures, including proper lockout/tagout and E-stop procedures. Must show attention to detail, safe work practices, and consistent monitoring are essential to maintain quality, productivity, and workplace safety.

Currently hiring for:

Our C-Shift-pay = $17/hr. and our D-Shift-pay = $18.60/hr.​

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor unloading, kiln entrance, kiln, kiln exit, and loading machines for abnormal tile conditions such as double stacking, misalignment, or breakage.
• Stop the line and safely enter machines after required wait time to correct jams or abnormal conditions.
• Reset machines and restart lines after maintenance, housekeeping, or issue resolution.
• Perform housekeeping inside and around machines, removing broken tiles, dust, and debris to maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Inspect tiles through kiln spy windows to ensure proper flow and quality.
• Observe rollers through kiln spy windows and replace or clean as needed.
• Install insulation on rollers after replacement.
• Dispose of broken or defective tiles properly in designated waste hoppers.
• Monitor equipment operation and communicate issues promptly to maintenance or supervision.
• Follow all safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and safe entry practices.
• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain awareness of hot surfaces and moving equipment.
• Refrain from performing electrical, welding, or elevated work unless certified and authorized.
• Safely use approved hand tools and power tools for assigned tasks.
• Participate in facility walkthroughs to identify hazards such as wet floors, hoses, cables, or tile debris.
• Assist with hopper emptying and general area cleaning as assigned.
• Maintain consistent attention to quality, production flow, and overall equipment efficiency.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support production efficiency, quality, and safety

Qualifications

• 1+ years of manufacturing experience desired.
• Must be highly motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to monitor and operate automated machinery and production equipment

Competency

• Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written communication, active listening.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse groups to achieve goals.
• Safety Awareness: Demonstrated commitment to following OSHA and company safety procedures, lockout/tagout, PPE use, and hazard recognition.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying issues, analyzing options, and implementing solutions.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to maintain steady production flow and a safe, organized work environment.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies and responds to equipment or process issues quickly to minimize downtime and maintain quality.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced industrial setting and adjust to changing priorities or production demands.
• Dependability: Demonstrates consistent attendance, reliability, and accountability in completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently.

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time on concrete floors.
• Reach with hands and arms to adjust, clean, or inspect equipment.
• Use hands to handle tiles, tools, and machine components.
• Climb stairs or ladders to access equipment or platforms.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch to remove debris or perform cleaning inside machines.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials or objects weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Work in areas with high temperatures, particularly around kiln and firing processes.
• Tolerate exposure to dust, noise, and moving mechanical parts.
• Maintain good vision (close, distance, color, and peripheral) and depth perception to observe tiles and machinery.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors in a production environment

Work Environment

The Kiln Operator works primarily in a manufacturing plant environment surrounded by moving machinery, conveyors, and production equipment. Temperatures can vary greatly, with high heat near the kiln and cooler conditions in other parts of the facility. The area may contain dust, noise, and vibration from ongoing production processes. Employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety shoes, gloves, cut resistant sleeves, and eye protection at all times. Work surfaces may be uneven or slippery due to tile fragments, dust, or water, requiring constant attention to footing and surroundings. The position involves frequent communication and coordination with production team members, maintenance staff, and supervisors to maintain efficient and safe operations. Operators are expected to follow all safety, housekeeping, and operational procedures to ensure a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.

Company Background:

• Del Conca USA is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial porcelain tiles and outdoor pavers, proudly producing our products in the USA at our state-of-the-art factory. The Del Conca Group is one of the most significant industrial entities in the Italian ceramic tile industry, comprising four manufacturing companies – Ceramica Faetano, Ceramica del Conca, Pastorelli, and Del Conca USA Inc. – a business corporation – Produco – and the Cino Mularoni Foundation, which is dedicated to social and cultural initiatives. Today, the Del Conca Group is recognized internationally for the superior quality of its products, the excellence of its service, its innovative capabilities, and the distinguished design it offers. After years of substantial investments in production capacity and global sales growth, the Del Conca Group has established itself as one of the leading and most important ceramic tile groups in Europe.

• The planning and design of each collection is conceived and carried out in Italy, in the Group’s own research facility. An across-the-board creative process, the fruit of intensive teamwork involving designers, laboratory, and quality technicians to ensure uniquely distinctive products; all made in the USA at the high-tech facility in Loudon, TN, the latest proud achievement of the Del Conca Group.