Refractory Engineer

About Mesabi Metallics

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment supporting environmental stewardship and generatingvaluefor all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesotas mining history: Mesabi Metallics cutting-edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.

More importantly youll be immersed in a positive supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability integrity inclusivity innovation teamwork determination and performance and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day.

At Mesabi Metallics you are part of a legacy of excellence playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced Refractory Engineer to join our Projects team at our Nashwauk MN facility. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the selection installation inspection maintenance and performance monitoring of refractory linings across high-temperature equipment and process areas within the steel plant. These include the pellet plant beneficiation plant concentrator plant and crushers.

This is a key role focused on ensuring equipment reliability process safety and thermal efficiency through expert refractory management.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance schedules for refractory-lined equipment.
• Lead refractory shutdown activities including relining and repair works in pelletizing kilns induration furnaces rotary dryers and hot gas ducts.
• Manage planning procurement and inventory control of refractory materials across plant operations.

• Conduct regular refractory inspections and thermal audits using techniques such as thermography and endoscopy.
• Identify wear patterns hot spots or potential failures and recommend corrective measures.
• Maintain detailed inspection reports and develop condition monitoring dashboards.

• Supervise refractory contractors during installation shutdowns and emergency repairs.
• Ensure quality control and adherence to technical specifications and safety protocols during all refractory-related work.

• Enforce safety practices during refractory handling and installation in high-temperature zones.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and statutory safety regulations.

• Analyze refractory performance material usage and failure trends to drive cost reduction and efficiency.
• Recommend technical upgrades or changes in material specs for improved reliability.
• Assist with budgeting and resource planning for refractory projects.

• Ensure all refractory work complies with applicable OSHA MSHA and environmental regulations.
• Support implementation of sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.

Skills and Qualifications

• 5 to 12 years of progressive experience in refractory engineering high-temperature systems or industrial maintenance ideally within the iron & steel cement mining or heavy manufacturing industries.
• Proven track record in managing maintenance shutdowns refractory installations and equipment reliability programs in process-intensive environments.
• In-depth knowledge of refractory materials (acidic basic insulating castables etc.).
• Familiarity with refractory design for kilns furnaces dryers including anchoring and thermal expansion considerations.
• Understanding of thermal processing in pelletizing and ore beneficiation plants.
• Proficiency with inspection techniques like thermography borescope/endoscope inspections and material testing.
• Strong leadership and contractor management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication for cross-functional teamwork.
• Ability to handle shutdown pressure and lead time-sensitive repair operations.

Education

• Bachelors Degree (or higher) in Materials Science & Engineering Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical Engineering or Ceramic Engineering/Science.

Physical Requirements

• This position is a mixture of field work and office duties. Field work will be conducted daily throughout the year so exposure to the elements (rain snow cold heat etc) is to be expected. The office duties will require work in front of a laptop desk and phone.

Salary Range:

• $120000- $150000 annually depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 6% company match.
• Lincoln STD LTD & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 0-5Years: 120hoursperyear.
  5-10Years:160hoursperyear.
  10Years: 200hoursperyear.
  Plus 9 paid holidays.

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued respected and empowered to contribute to our success.