Senior Refractory Specialist

Description

At Midrex, you will do work that matters alongside people who believe you matter. The work won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. You’ll be part of a great team—with plenty of autonomy—to bring out your best. And you’ll be well compensated and have a best-in-class benefits package. Take a look:

Since 1987, Midrex has been the world leader in direct reduction technology, offering the best proven method for decarbonization in the iron and steel industry available today.  Our rapid growth is transforming the steel industry and our planet. And none of it would be possible without our people, who bring vision, compassion, and extraordinary expertise to this work every day.  So, if you’re looking to do big work in a small-team environment, Midrex is just the place for you.

Qualifications

Specify, design, troubleshoot, and seek opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation of the Midrex refractory systems for the installation and operation of Direct Reduced Iron making plants and new technology initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Senior Refractory Specialist will not have direct supervisory responsibilities but will assign work to teammates as required.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design refractory linings for Midrex equipment, furnaces, ductwork, and heat exchangers including material selection, basic engineering, and detailed design
• Develop refractory specifications and coordinate the selection of materials.
• Provide technical advisory support for new refractory installations and repairs during plant shutdowns.
• Assist plants in evaluating refractory applications and solutions.
• Mentor and give direction to other teammates.
• Coordinate long-term design cycles and schedules.
• Utilize CAD software to create mechanical and refractory drawings for the basic and detailed engineering of refractory systems.
• Proficient in the use of AutoCAD and Inventor software and related Autodesk products.
• Take conceptual designs, sketches, and ideas from engineers and designers to develop the details necessary for a complete, engineered drawing package capable of being used for purchasing, erection in the field, and design analysis.
• Support other engineering disciplines with the layout of ductwork and interfaces with refractory systems.
• Support field staff by answering questions and solving problems that arise during plant erection, commissioning, and start up.
• Provide technical support for the Aftermarket, Inspections, and Purchasing departments with review of proposals, vendor submittals, and on-site inspections of refractory and associated equipment.
• Travel to plant sites to evaluate and troubleshoot existing refractory systems.
• Travel to refractory vendors to perform inspections, testing, and verify adherence to designs.
• Travel on field assignments to support new project refractory installations and plant shutdowns.
• Perform checking of refractory and ductwork drawings for consistency with conceptual ideas, design, and sketches.
• Support engineers by suggesting design changes that might improve the desired results of the design.
• Write refractory Requisitions, Specifications, Quality Documents, Operation and Maintenance Manuals, and other technical documents as required to carry out departmental tasks and functions.
• Work as a teammate with all company departments and employees in all assignments. Work toward building consensus on all assignments by finding solutions which meet the best interests of all parties involved.

Skills/Abilities:

Required:

• Advanced computer skills including use of Microsoft and Autodesk products.
• Proficient in use of AutoCAD and Inventor or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge of refractory materials, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance.
• Experience with the selection of refractory materials based on process requirements.
• Perform mechanical and heat transfer calculations for refractory applications.
• Provide refractory technical advisory services for field erection, commissioning, and plant shut down activities.
• Excellent technical writing and interpersonal skills.
• Multi-task while meeting schedule and deliverable deadlines.
• Coordinate design schedules with engineers.
• International travel experience and willingness to stay for extended periods at a plant site.
• Industrial plant experience.

Preferred:

• Advanced 3D modeling skills and the use of Vault.
• Experience in the design, inspection, and Non-Destructive Examination of welded joints per ASME code.
• Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables and developing lists for engineering.
• Direct Reduction and/or steel industry experience.

Education and Experience:

• Associate Degree in a mechanical or ceramics discipline and ten years of hands-on experience in a refractory design and field installation, or a minimum of fifteen years of hands-on experience in refractory design and field installation.

Travel Requirements:

• 10% - 50% International and Domestic based upon project demands and periodically more during specific project stages.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to move around an industrial plant site, including climbing inside and around equipment.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 Midrex is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Midrex will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the People and Culture department.