Refractory Maintenance Senior Engineer

Job reference

1274007

Location

Sohar, Oman

Sector

Process

Function

Engineering & Design

Employment type

Permanent

Date published

June 4, 2026

Refractory Maintenance Master Engineer

Job Location: Oman

Job Industry: Mining

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Master Refractory Engineer to serve as the technical authority for refractory systems across large-scale pelletizing operations. The role is responsible for developing and implementing refractory asset management strategies, driving reliability improvements, maximizing refractory campaign life, and ensuring world-class refractory maintenance practices across Travelling Grate, Rotary Kiln, and Annular Cooler facilities.

The successful candidate will lead refractory maintenance planning, shutdown execution, failure analysis, condition monitoring, and technology development initiatives to improve equipment availability, operational efficiency, and cost performance while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

Refractory Engineering & Asset Management

• Define and implement refractory asset management strategies to optimize equipment reliability and refractory service life.
• Lead refractory material selection, including castables, gunning materials, and brick lining systems.
• Develop and improve refractory maintenance methodologies, standards, and procedures.
• Drive innovation through the evaluation and implementation of new refractory materials, technologies, and maintenance practices.

Maintenance, Reliability & Performance Improvement

• Develop refractory inspection and preventive maintenance programs.
• Conduct refractory failure investigations and Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA).
• Apply reliability engineering principles, FMEA, and lifecycle extension strategies to improve asset performance.
• Monitor equipment health using thermographic inspections, shell temperature monitoring, endoscopy, and wear monitoring techniques.
• Analyze KPIs, MTBF, availability trends, and reliability data to identify improvement opportunities.

Shutdown & Project Support

• Define refractory scopes for major shutdowns and annual maintenance outages.
• Support shutdown planning, execution, and post-shutdown performance reviews.
• Conduct technical and economic feasibility studies for refractory-related projects and improvements.
• Ensure refractory installation activities comply with manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices.

Contract & Stakeholder Management

• Prepare Statements of Work (SOWs) for refractory services and technical contracts.
• Evaluate technical bids, vendor proposals, and purchase requests.
• Manage refractory maintenance contracts, service providers, and vendor performance.
• Collaborate with OEMs, refractory manufacturers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to resolve complex technical issues.

Leadership & Compliance

• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to maintenance teams.
• Develop and review JSA, SOPs, and maintenance procedures in accordance with HSE requirements.
• Participate in budget preparation, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure proper refractory waste management and compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. Master's Degree is preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in refractory engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pelletizing, ironmaking, steelmaking, cement, lime, mining, or other high-temperature industrial processes.
• Proven experience supporting large-scale thermal processing equipment and refractory systems.

Technical Expertise:

Strong knowledge of:

• Travelling Grate systems
• Rotary Kilns
• Annular Coolers
• Gas Generators

Expertise in:

• Refractory inspections and condition assessments
• Refractory failure analysis and degradation mechanisms
• Refractory maintenance planning and execution
• Shutdown management
• Reliability engineering and predictive maintenance
• Refractory installation quality assurance
• Material and refractory process development
• Kiln heat transfer analysis and thermal modeling

Preferred Qualifications

• API 936 Refractory Personnel Certification.
• Experience with refractory design and thermal modeling software.
• Experience developing and qualifying new refractory materials.
• Exposure to laboratory characterization techniques and testing programs.
• Collaboration with refractory manufacturers on product development and innovation initiatives.
• Publication or presentation of technical papers is an advantage.

Competencies

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead technical investigations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial awareness, including contract management and budget control.

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