Refractory Support Specialist I

HarbisonWalker International; Osceola (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

HarbisonWalker International is hiring a Refractory Support Specialist I in Osceola, Arkansas. This on-site role serves as a first-call technical liaison, coordinating with customers, service, and sales to provide cost-effective refractory solutions.

The position involves labor-intensive work such as lining, relining, and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes, with emphasis on safety and quality. Prior construction or manufacturing experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to safely operate brick saw and bricklaying equipment.
• Working knowledge of refractory lined units.
• Ability to operate a jib crane and safely rig loads.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift.
• Ability to safely use various hand and electrical tools.
• Ability to read, understand and follow work orders.
• Ability to identify unsafe conditions and hazards.
• Organized with quality-focused attitude and deadline adherence.
• Fundamental computer skills; Excel is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret refractory lining drawings; lay brick using brick saw and bricklaying tools.
• Assist customer staff with refractory installation methods (gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber, and firebrick).
• Prepare ladles, furnaces, tundishes for repair, relining and fabrication.
• Observe product performance at customer sites and document findings.
• Work with Customer Service to ensure optimal product performance and stock levels.
• Place replacement orders with Customer Service as needed.
• Perform preventive and general maintenance on refractory equipment.
• Maintain safety and 5S standards; participate in safety briefings and trainings.

Skills

Reading & understanding work orders

Safety awareness

Organized with deadlines

Fundamental computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Brick saw

Bricklaying equipment

Jib crane operation

Forklift operation

Hand and electrical tools

Excel (basic)

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).