Refractory Engineer Lead or Professional II

How do you manufacture the world’s cleanest alloy steel? How do you help your customers push the bounds of what’s possible? With a smart and passionate team of people who are focused on a strong set of core values, on giving their best every day, and who are proud of the contributions they’re making to our company and community. People who want to make a difference.

Relocation may be offered for this position

This role exists to drive improvements in refractory life, reliability, and costs in the steelmaking operations. Incumbent will manage the purchase of refractory materials, operating supplies, consumable materials, handling equipment, tools and safety supplies for proper maintenance and installation of refractory materials at Faircrest steelmaking department and support all Faircrest departments.  Providing technical support of the design and installation of refractory materials in the most cost-efficient manner as well as leading hourly and contractor personnel to support Faircrest steelmaking refractory installations and making refractory improvements are direct responsibilities of this role.

Responsibilities include:

• Set expectations to ensure proper housekeeping and enforce company safety rules.
• Maintain accurate and sufficient inventories to support operations while minimizing inventory carrying costs.
• Perform analytical functions to determine most efficient usage of materials.  Develop action plans to promote continuous improvement of refractory cost and efficiency.
• Lead failure analysis and implement corrective actions for refractory failures.
• Ensure operating practices are in place to ensure appropriate refractory performance.   Work with operating departments to recognize when practice deviations are affecting refractory costs.
• Drive improvements in supplier performance.   Ensure suppliers are performing root-cause problem solving and providing meaningful corrective actions.
• Recognized as the technical expert for refractory systems throughout the business.
• Meet with suppliers to investigate potential improvements in materials, installation of materials and resolution to negative performance.
• Work cooperatively with purchasing to identify competitive advantages and evaluate potential suppliers.
• Effective computer skills are needed to for analytical evaluation of products and procedures. 
• Utilize business process computer systems for proper tracking, ordering and cost control evaluation of raw materials.
• Supervise and coordinate personnel required for removal and installation of refractories in Faircrest ladles, tundishes, electric arc furnaces, buildings or construction, and technical support into selection of refractories used at Faircrest facilities.  Communication with department representatives and an understanding of applications are critical for the proper selection of materials.
• Develop appropriate work instructions to ensure the necessary installation and care for refractory systems.  Ensure ladle crews to follow these procedures while maintaining efficient process flow.

Minimum requirements: 

• High School Diploma with at least 7 years' experience in refractory materials and related functions;
• Associate degree with at least 4 years' experience in refractory materials and related functions; or
• Bachelor's Degree in Ceramic Engineering, Material Science or related with at least 2 years of experience in refractory materials and related functions. 

Preferred requirements: 

• High School Diploma with at least 12 years' experience in refractory materials and related functions;
• Associate degree with at least 9 years' experience in refractory materials and related functions; or
• Bachelor's Degree in Ceramic Engineering, Material Science or related with at least 7 years of experience in refractory materials and related functions. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.