HarbisonWalker International
Refractory Support Specialist II
29618 Huntington Road, Apple Grove, WV 25502
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 Support Specialist II. Summary The Refractory Support Specialist II uses their specialized knowledge of HarbisonWalker Internationals product portfolio to represent the company as an on-site and first call technical liaison servicing two or more accounts. The Refractory Support Specialist II 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.
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
- 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
- Bilingual a plus (Spanish and/or French add onto specific posting if applicable)
- Requires two – four years of refractory installation knowledge or equivalent construction or manufacturing experience 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, 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).