Refractory Technician

Calderys; Middletown (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HWI is seeking a Refractory Technician to join our Value Added Services Team. This role is based at customer sites and requires hands-on lining, relining, and repair of furnaces and related equipment, while ensuring a safe, clean work environment and adherence to lead instructions.

You will interpret refractory drawings, perform a variety of installation methods, assist with site prep and post-work documentation, and participate in ongoing safety training to maintain high quality standards.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely use brick saw and bricklaying equipment.
• Knowledge of refractory lined units and safety procedures.
• Ability to operate jib crane and rigging safely.
• Ability to operate a forklift.
• Capable of using various hand and electrical tools.
• Able to read and follow work orders and instructions.
• Detect and correct hazardous conditions; maintain quality.
• Organized with emphasis on quality; basic computer skills; Excel a plus.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret refractory lining drawings; lay bricks with brick saw and equipment.
• Perform gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber and firebrick installations.
• Prepare ladles, furnaces, tundishes for repair and relining.
• Document post mortem tear-outs and findings.
• Perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment; document PM.
• Manage spare parts and tool inventory and report usage.
• Promote safety and 5S, follow site safety policies and trainings.

Skills

Safety awareness

Reading work orders

Quality minded

Basic computer skills

Excel basics

Physical stamina

Team Player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Brick saw

Bricklaying equipment

Jib crane

Forklift

Hand and electrical tools

Safety equipment

Job description

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Value Added Services Team as a Refractory Technician.

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).