HarbisonWalker International

Refractory Technician

Refractory Storage - Bldg 100, Front And Cathedral Streets, Reading, PA 19601

On-site · Full-time

First seen by offpeak October 4, 2026

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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).