Refractory Support Specialist I

HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Value Added Services team as a Refractory Support Specialist I.

Summary

The Refractory Support Specialist I represents HarbisonWalker International as an on-site and first call technical liaison servicing one or two accounts and receives direction from customer and supervisor on work to be complete. The Refractory Support Specialist I 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.

Responsibilties

• 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
• Previous construction or manufacturing experience will be 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, tasting or smelling; requires less than 1/3 of the time sitting.
• Lifting: Requires lifting up to 10 pounds more than 2/3 of the time; and lifting more than 100 pounds less than 1/3 of the time.
• Vision: Requires accurate close, distance, color and peripheral vision, including the ability to adjust focus and use peripheral vision.
• 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.
• Noise: Requires working in very loud conditions (over 85 decibels).