Lead Refractory Support Specialist

Mobile, AL, United StatesLeadPosted Oct 29, 2026

Job description

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Value Added Services team as Lead Refractory Support Specialist. Summary The Lead Refractory Support Specialist represents Harbison. Walker International at customer sites and is responsible for coordinating and leading the daily workflow of tasks executed by Refractory Installation Technicians.

This position requires extensive travel to customer sites and is accountable for excellent customer service and daily communication with the customer(s).

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 Preparing ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc for repair, relining and fabrication Performing in service inspections, post mortem tear outs, documenting findings and reviewing with the proper Harbison.

Walker International team member(s) Performing preventive and general maintenance tasks on tools and refractory equipment; documenting the preventative maintenance Performing spare parts and tools and product inventory counts to ensure site specific standards are maintained; completing detailed inventory and usage reports at the end of shift; meeting deadlines Collaborating with customer(s) to determine and schedule what jobs need to be completed and create workflow prioritization to complete schedule; making decisions on refractory installation when needed 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; 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 Requires four plus (4+) years of refractory installation experience or equivalent construction or manufacturing experience considered.

In lieu of refractory experience, the Lead Refractory Support Specialist requires two plus (2+) years of people supervision or equivalent experience. 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).

Description copied from HarbisonWalker International's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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