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 ...
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 ...
Field Service Technician
Apopka, FL · On-site
This role is ideal for technicians with strong refractory, mechanical, electrical, and PLC ... engineering, computer science or related field. * 4+ years of previous experience; or equivalent ...
Field Service Technician
Apopka, FL · On-site
This role is ideal for technicians with strong refractory, mechanical, electrical, and PLC ... engineering, computer science or related field. * 4+ years of previous experience; or equivalent ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Field Service Technician
Apopka, FL · On-site
This role is ideal for technicians with strong refractory, mechanical, electrical, and PLC ... engineering, computer science or related field. * 4+ years of previous experience; or equivalent ...
Field Service Technician
Apopka, FL · On-site
This role is ideal for technicians with strong refractory, mechanical, electrical, and PLC ... engineering, computer science or related field. * 4+ years of previous experience; or equivalent ...
Ceramics or Ceramics Engineering (with 12 semester hours in refractory ceramics, cermets or protective coatings); Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or Geology (with 12 semester hours in strength ...
Ceramics or Ceramics Engineering (with 12 semester hours in refractory ceramics, cermets or protective coatings); Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or Geology (with 12 semester hours in strength ...
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 ...
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 ...
... refractory metals, Ceramics, and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC's). In this role, you will be ... Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum ...
... refractory metals, Ceramics, and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC's). In this role, you will be ... Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum ...
... refractory metals, Ceramics, and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC's). In this role, you will be ... Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum ...
... refractory metals, Ceramics, and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC's). In this role, you will be ... Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum ...
Sr CAD Operator
$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
Sr CAD Operator
$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
Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other ... Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and ...
Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other ... Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and ...
Manager, Facilities/HVAC
Sarasota, FL · On-site
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 ...
Manager, Facilities/HVAC
Sarasota, FL · On-site
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 ...
Coordinator I, HVAC
Sarasota, FL · On-site
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 ...
Coordinator I, HVAC
Sarasota, FL · On-site
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 ...
Thermal Development Technician (Starship)
Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site
$41K - $56K/yr
Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other ... Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and ...
Thermal Development Technician (Starship)
Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site
$41K - $56K/yr
Fabricate ceramic refractory billets, ceramic tiles, thermal gap fillers, coatings, and other ... Read and interpret engineering drawings with an understanding of drawing symbols, flag notes, and ...
Refractory Engineer information
See Florida salary details
$27.6K - $34.4K
3% of jobs
$34.4K - $41.2K
3% of jobs
$41.2K - $47.9K
4% of jobs
$47.9K - $54.7K
9% of jobs
$57K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$54.7K - $61.4K
15% of jobs
The median wage is $64.1K / yr.
$61.4K - $68.2K
39% of jobs
$69.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$68.2K - $75K
9% of jobs
$75K - $81.7K
9% of jobs
$81.7K - $88.5K
4% of jobs
$88.5K - $95.2K
2% of jobs
$95.2K - $102K
1% of jobs
$27.6K
$65.2K
$102K
How much do refractory engineer jobs pay per year?
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?

Full-time
Posted 10 days ago
SpaceX rating
8.8
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.
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