Refractory Technician

Reading, PA, United States (On-site)

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).