Refractory Technician

Socket.dev; MIDDLETOWN (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Refractory Technician to work on customer sites performing lining, relining, and repair of furnaces, ladles, and tundishes. The role requires standing for long periods, heavy lifting, and operating bricklaying equipment in harsh environments.

Responsibilities include reading drawings, performing various installation methods, maintaining tools, and adhering to 5S and safety policies. This is a labor-intensive, on-site position with a focus on quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and interpret refractory lining drawings and work orders.
• Experience using brick saw and bricklaying equipment for lining, relining and repair.
• Ability to operate jib cranes and forklifts safely; use various hand and electrical tools.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret refractory lining drawings and lay brick in ladles, furnaces, tundishes using bricklaying equipment.
• Perform refractory installation methods (gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber, firebrick).
• Assist with cleaning/prepping equipment and assemblies for repair and relining.
• Document findings from post mortem tear outs and maintain inventory of parts and tools.
• Follow safety policies, participate in toolbox talks and trainings, maintain a safe work environment.

Skills

Reading and interpreting drawings

Bricklaying and brick saw operation

Knowledge of refractory lined units

Jib crane operation

Forklift operation

Hand and electrical tools

Read and follow work orders

Safety awareness

Basic computer skills (Excel a plus)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Brick saw

Bricklaying equipment

Preventive maintenance tools

Job description

Summary

The Refractory Technician is a customer facing, labor-intensive position skilled in lining, relining and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes. This position is located at our customer sites and has an individual responsibility to maintain a clean and safe work environment and for the quality of their refractory installation and following their Lead’s work instructions.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Performing all types of refractory installation methods, including gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber and firebrick installation
• Assisting in the cleaning and preparing ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc for repair, relining and fabrication
• Assisting with post mortem tear outs and accurately documenting findings
• Performing preventive and general maintenance tasks on tools and refractory equipment; documenting the preventative maintenance
• Performing spare parts and tool inventory count to ensure site specific standards are maintained; completing detailed inventory usage reports at the end of shift
• 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 safely 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
• Requires fundamental computer skills, experience in excel a plus

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, or smelling; requires less than 1/3 of the time sitting.
• Lifting: Requires lifting up to 75 pounds more than 2/3 of the time. (23 KG for CAD JD)
• Vision: Requires accurate close, distance, color and peripheral vision and depth perception, including the ability to adjust focus.
• 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. May require wearing respirators, hearing protection, and/or other safety equipment.
• Noise: Requires working in very loud conditions (over 85 decibels).