Sr. Engineer/Engineer Refractory (Blast Furnace)

Role & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute all refractory relining, repair, and maintenance tasks, covering hearth, bosh, stack, tuyeres, and cast house.
• Supervise brick lining, ramming, guniting, patching, runner relining, trough dressing, and skimmer repairs, ensuring precise work during both scheduled and emergency maintenance.
• Participate in major shutdowns and relining activities, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and safety standards.
• Monitor the baking and drying schedules of refractories during startup or after relining jobs; ensure proper implementation.
• Conduct routine inspections of furnace shell and wall temperatures using thermocouples and thermal imaging to detect hot spots and anticipate failures.
• Record and analyze refractory wear rates and consumption trends; plan preventive maintenance interventions accordingly.
• Verify the quality, dimensions, and specifications of refractory materials before installation; ensure correct storage and handling to prevent contamination or damage.
• Coordinate with quality and purchasing teams on material testing and inspection; maintain accurate inventory and cost tracking of refractories.
• Prepare daily and shutdown-specific refractory job plans, manpower assignments, and bill of materials; coordinate closely with Operations, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation teams for smooth execution.
• Supervise vendors and contractors during relining jobs; minimize production loss by ensuring timely completion of all refractory-related work.
• Implement and enforce strict safety protocols for all refractory activities, especially regarding hot work, confined spaces, and PPE compliance.
• Support ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and 5S implementation within the refractory section, ensuring high standards of environmental compliance and housekeeping.
• Maintain detailed refractory history cards, inspection logs, and job completion reports; track life performance data and report on consumption regularly.
• Prepare root cause analysis reports for premature failures and lead the implementation of corrective actions; support audits and management performance reviews as needed

Preferred candidate profile

Qualifications & Experience

• B.E./B.Tech in Ceramic, Metallurgical, or Mechanical Engineering.

• Engineer: 25 years’ experience in Blast Furnace refractory maintenance in an integrated steel plant.
• Sr. Engineer: 5–8 years’ hands-on experience in refractory repair, installation, and performance monitoring in iron-making units