Refractory Support Specialist II

About the role

The Refractory Support Specialist II uses specialized knowledge of HarbisonWalker International’s product portfolio to serve as an on-site and first-call technical liaison for two or more accounts. This role works directly with internal Customer Service and Sales Representatives to provide customers with cost-effective refractory solutions and establish HarbisonWalker International as the product of choice. The position is labor-intensive, assisting customers with lining, relining, and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret refractory lining drawings; use brick saw and bricklaying equipment to lay brick in ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc.
• Handle bricks by hand for extended periods; perform plug changes, repair slide gates, and similar tasks.
• Teach installation procedures and provide guidance to customer staff on correct methods.
• Assist customer staff with various refractory installation methods, including gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber, and firebrick installation.
• Clean and prepare ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc., for repair, relining, and fabrication.
• Observe product performance at customer sites; perform in-service inspections, post-mortem tear-outs, document findings, and review with HarbisonWalker International team members.
• Work closely with customers to understand their requirements and optimize product performance; monitor stock levels and place replacement orders with HarbisonWalker International’s Customer Service department.
• Perform preventive and general maintenance on refractory equipment; document preventive maintenance tasks.
• Maintain spare parts and equipment inventory; complete accurate and detailed refractory reports.
• Observe and promote safety and 5S standards; comply with facility safety policies and procedures; participate in daily safety toolbox talks and monthly trainings; maintain a safe and clean working environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely use brick saw and bricklaying equipment to lay brick.
• Working knowledge of refractory-lined units.
• Ability to operate a jib crane and ensure proper rigging of loads.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift.
• Ability to safely operate various hand and electrical tools.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow work orders as directed.
• Ability to detect and correct unsafe or hazardous conditions in equipment and the work environment.
• Organized individual with an emphasis on quality and meeting deadlines.
• Fundamental computer skills; experience with Excel is a plus.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish and/or French) is a plus.
• Two to four years of refractory installation knowledge or equivalent construction/manufacturing experience.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Physical Activity: Requires standing, walking, using hands and fingers, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, speaking, hearing, or smelling for more than two-thirds of the time; sitting for less than one-third of the time.
• Lifting: Requires lifting up to 75 pounds more than two-thirds of the time.
• Vision: Requires accurate close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Environment: Requires working near moving mechanical parts and exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions for more than two-thirds of the time. Exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme heat or cold, and toxic or caustic chemicals for one-third to two-thirds of the time. Less than one-third of the time is spent in an office setting, high places, at risk of electrical shock, or near vibration. May require wearing respirators, hearing protection, and other safety equipment.
• Noise: Requires working in very loud conditions (over 85 decibels).