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Refractory Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Lead Thermal Design Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of ... Experience with high-temperature materials including ceramics, refractory metals, and advanced ...

Lead Thermal Design Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of ... Experience with high-temperature materials including ceramics, refractory metals, and advanced ...

Lead Thermal Design Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of ... Experience with high-temperature materials including ceramics, refractory metals, and advanced ...

Sr CAD Operator

Apopka, FL

$17 - $23.50/hr

Interpret engineering sketches, calculations, and verbal design intent from Mechanical Engineers to ... Strong understanding of sheet metal, structural steel, and refractory-lined equipment fabrication ...

New

Must know how to prepare boilers for State inspection, including any refractory work, cleaning and ... Works with outside vendors, engineers and consultants on projects affecting HVAC systems on ...

Refractory Engineer information

See Florida salary details

$27.6K

$65.2K

$102K

How much do refractory engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for refractory engineer in Florida is $65,178.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $72,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refractory engineer?

A Refractory Engineer specializes in the design, selection, installation, and maintenance of heat-resistant materials used in high-temperature environments such as furnaces, kilns, and reactors. They work to ensure refractory linings maintain structural integrity and efficiency under extreme heat and chemical exposure. Their responsibilities include material testing, failure analysis, and developing cost-effective solutions to improve performance and longevity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refractory engineer?

To thrive as a Refractory Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, thermal engineering, and industrial processes, often supported by a degree in engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, refractory material testing tools, and industry-specific standards such as ASTM or ISO certifications is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills make a candidate stand out in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing, testing, and maintaining refractory systems that ensure safety and efficiency in high-temperature industrial environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a refractory engineer?

A Refractory Engineer typically spends their day assessing the condition of refractory linings in furnaces or kilns, designing solutions for heat-resistant construction, and coordinating with maintenance and production teams for installation or repair projects. Routine tasks may include inspecting refractory performance, analyzing failure causes, preparing technical reports, and selecting materials that meet thermal and chemical requirements. You'll also collaborate closely with plant operators, safety teams, and external vendors to ensure continuous improvement of processes. This collaborative and hands-on role offers a dynamic work environment within industries such as steel, cement, glass, or petrochemicals.

What does a refractory engineer do?

A refractory engineer designs, selects, and oversees the installation and maintenance of refractory materials used to line high-temperature industrial equipment such as furnaces, kilns, and reactors. They ensure the materials can withstand extreme heat, chemical exposure, and thermal cycling, often using specialized tools and technical knowledge to optimize performance and safety.
What are popular job titles related to Refractory Engineer jobs in Florida? For Refractory Engineer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refractory Engineer jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Refractory Engineer jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Refractory Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,178 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Materials Engineer, Thermal Protection (Starship)

SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MATERIALS ENGINEER, THERMAL PROTECTION (STARSHIP) 

This position within the thermal protection system R&D team will develop and optimize low density alumina-silica refractory insulators. You will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop novel solutions in spacecraft reusability. You will work on designing, testing and analyzing materials for the next generation Starship spacecraft, designed to make humanity an interplanetary species. Role will require significant interface with the design & production engineers, providing the opportunity to continuously improve the production design processing as the team works to establish aircraft-like operations on Starship.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and execute experiments, procedures and tests on developmental components.
  • Design and develop thermal protection hardware to enable and optimize vehicle's heatshield on material properties and cost reduction.
  • Operate and use ceramic and chemical lab tools and equipment.
  • Work with process engineers to develop scalable production solution.
  • Collaborate with engineering staff from other departments and highly skilled technicians on a daily basis.
  • Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on common project goals.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
  • 1+ years of experience in high-temperature ceramic or technical glass (academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • Experience with development of material systems from ideation to final product.
  • Experience working directly with system, design, and analysis engineers.
  • Familiarity with hypersonic, spaceflight, or re-entry operating environments, including material degradation mechanisms and failure modes.
  • Familiarity with TPS state-of-the-art and system level design.
  • Hands-on experience with TPS material, technologies and manufacturing.
  • Experience working on spacecraft or launch vehicles.
  • Experience in writing test plans and test procedures.
  • Experience interacting with CAD software and large CAD models.
  • Experience with data acquisition setup and field measurements.
  • Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills, with acute attention to detail.
  • Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment and communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people.
  • Overall mental fitness with the ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment requiring prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Willingness to work outdoors.
  • 50 hour work weeks are typical, schedule varies depending on site operational needs, flexibility required.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US