Deputy Manager / Assistant Manager LRF & VD Operation

Sarthee Consultancy; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarthee Consultancy is seeking a senior metallurgical engineer to oversee LRF and VD operations in a steel plant. You will ensure safe, efficient refining, control chemistry and inclusion content, and coordinate with EAF and Caster teams.

The role requires leading and mentoring engineers and supervisors, optimizing heat and energy use, and driving Kaizen-based improvements across the Melting Shop.

Qualifications

• BE/B.Tech in Metallurgical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Manage operation of LRF and VD for secondary refining of molten steel.
• Control temperature, alloy additions, slag composition, and stirring parameters.
• Monitor argon purging, vacuum cycles, and degassing duration.
• Plan ladle movement between EAF, LRF, VD, and Caster to minimize heat loss.
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement projects (Kaizen, TPM, Six Sigma).
• Lead and mentor engineers, supervisors, and staff; manage manpower planning.

Skills

Metallurgical knowledge

Process control

Leadership

Safety compliance

Team mentorship

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Metallurgical

Job description

Role & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Manage smooth and safe operation of LRF and VD equipment for secondary refining of molten steel.
• Control temperature, alloy additions, slag composition, and stirring parameters to meet chemical and inclusion requirements.
• Monitor argon purging, vacuum cycles, and degassing duration as per specific grade standards.
• Plan and coordinate ladle movement between EAF, LRF, VD, and Caster to minimize heat loss and delays.
• Achieve production goals optimally managing power consumption, electrode usage, and ferro-alloy application.
• Maintain accurate recording and analysis of heat-wise operational parameters including power-on times, cycle durations, and deviations.
• Ensure metallurgical standards in steel chemistry and cleanliness including inclusion control, desulphurization, and hydrogen removal.
• Liaise closely with Quality Control laboratories for timely sample testing and corrective actions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for LRF and VD operations.
• Coordinate with Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation teams to maintain equipment reliability and availability.
• Monitor and maintain critical systems such as power supply, vacuum pumps, transformers, ladle tilting, roof movement, and alloy feeding systems.
• Report and resolve equipment abnormalities; support maintenance shutdowns and reliability improvements.
• Adhere strictly to safety policies including PPE use, hot metal handling, and pre-job safety checks.
• Maintain cleanliness and manage proper refractory handling in working areas.
• Comply with environmental regulations regarding fume extraction, dust collection, and slag disposal.
• Analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities in process efficiency and cost reduction.
• Participate in root cause analyses for process delays, power trips, heat rejections, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement projects based on Kaizen, TPM, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Support automation and digitization initiatives within the Steel Melting Shop.
• Coordinate with upstream EAF and downstream Caster, Refractory, and Maintenance teams for smooth workflow.
• Maintain heat logs, shift reports, and production summaries; prepare documentation for audits and management reviews.
• Lead and mentor engineers, supervisors, and operational staff; manage manpower planning and skill development.
• Conduct training on process parameters, safety precautions, and emergency handling procedures.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence within the LRF/VD team.

Preferred candidate profile

Qualifications & Experience

• B.E./B.Tech in Metallurgical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

• Assistant Manager: 6 to 10 years experience in LRF/VD operations in integrated steel plants.
• Deputy Manager: 10 to 14 years experience working in Steel Melting Shop with emphasis on secondary metallurgy process control and leadership.
• Experience in Integrated Steel or Alloy Steel Plants handling secondary refining units.