Refractory Support Specialist I

HarbisonWalker International; Burns Harbor (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

HarbisonWalker International is seeking a Refractory Support Specialist I to serve as on-site technical liaison for one or two accounts. You will work with Customer Service and Sales to provide cost-efficient products and support furnace lining, relining, and repairs.

This labor-intensive role involves assisting customers with lining, relining, and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes, and requires safe operation of brick saws and related tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Safely use brick saw and bricklaying equipment.
• Experience with refractory lined units is preferred.
• Operate jib crane and rig loads correctly.
• Safely operate a forklift.
• Read, understand and follow work orders.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret refractory lining drawings; lay brick using brick saw and equipment; assist with procedures.
• Assist customer staff with gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber and firebrick installation.
• Assist with cleaning/preparing ladles, furnaces, tundishes for repair and relining.
• Observe product performance on site; perform in-service inspections and document findings with the team.
• Monitor stock levels; place replacement orders with Customer Service to meet needs.
• Perform preventive maintenance on refractory equipment and document tasks.
• Conduct spare parts/inventory counts and ensure site standards are met.
• Promote safety and 5S; participate in daily/toolbox talks and trainings.

Skills

Reading drawings

Lining drawings

Bricklaying

Brick saw operation

Jib crane operation

Forklift operation

Work order reading

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Brick saw

Bricklaying equipment

Jib crane

Forklift

Hand and electrical tools

Job description

Job Description

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Value Added Services team as a Refractory Support Specialist I.

Job Description

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Value Added Services team as a Refractory Support Specialist I.

Summary

The Refractory Support Specialist I represents HarbisonWalker International as an on‑site and first call technical liaison servicing one or two accounts and receives direction from customer and supervisor on work to be complete. The Refractory Support Specialist I will work directly with internal Customer Service and Sales Representatives to provide customer(s) with the most cost‑effective product to fit their needs and establish HarbisonWalker International as the product of choice. This position is a labor‑intensive job, assisting the customer(s) in lining, relining and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes.

Responsibilties

• Reading and interpreting refractory lining drawings; using brick saw and bricklaying equipment to lay brick up in ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc.- handle bricks by hand for multiple hours at a time - perform plug changes, repair slide gates, etc.; teaching installation procedures to and providing guidance to correct procedures
• Assisting customer(s) staff with all types of refractory installation methods, including gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber and firebrick installation
• Assisting customer(s) staff with cleaning and preparing ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc for repair, relining and fabrication
• Observing product performance at customer(s) site; performing in service inspections, post mortem tear outs, documenting findings and reviewing with the proper HarbisonWalker International team member(s)
• Working closely with customer(s), understanding their requirements and aiding them in obtaining the optimal performance of the products; monitoring stock levels to ensure the needs of customer(s) are met; placing replacement orders with HarbisonWalker Internationals Customer Service department
• Preventive and general maintenance tasks on refractory equipment; documenting the preventative maintenance
• Performing spare parts and equipment inventory count to ensure site specific standards are maintained; completing accurate and detailed refractory reports
• Observing and promoting safety and 5’S standards; complying with established facility safety policies and procedures, and other regulations as applicable; participating in daily safety tool box talks and monthly trainings; maintaining a safe and clean working environment

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to safely use brick saw and bricklaying equipment to lay brick
• Requires working knowledge of refractory lined units
• Ability to operate a jib crane and ensure the rigging of the load is correct
• Ability to safely operate a forklift
• Ability to safely operate various hand and electrical tools
• Ability to read, understand and work in conformity with work orders, as directed
• Ability to detect and correct unsafe or hazardous conditions of equipment and work environment
• Organized individual with emphasis on quality and the ability to meet deadlines
• Requires fundamental computer skills, experience in excel a plus
• Previous construction or manufacturing experience will be considered

Physical And Environmental Requirements

• Physical Activity: Requires more than 2/3 of the time standing, walking, using hands and fingers, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, speaking, hearing, tasting or smelling; requires less than 1/3 of the time sitting.
• Lifting: Requires lifting up to 10 pounds more than 2/3 of the time; and lifting more than 100 pounds less than 1/3 of the time.
• Vision: Requires accurate close, distance, color and peripheral vision, including the ability to adjust focus and use peripheral vision.
• Environment: Requires more than 2/3 of the time working near moving mechanical parts, and being exposed to fumes, airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions; 1/3 to 2/3 of the time in wet or humid conditions, in extreme heat or cold, and exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; and less than 1/3 of the time in an office setting, in high places, at risk of electrical shock and near vibration.
• Noise: Requires working in very loud conditions (over 85 decibels).