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Refractory Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Towson University

Stationary Engineer

Campus, IL · On-site

... Engineer. * Read gauges and meters, and record readings indicating conditions of operating ... Make patch repairs to refractory boilers. * High School diploma or equivalent; five years of ...

A Finkl & Sons Co

COMBUSTION TECHNICIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... trains, refractory). * Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for combustion-related downtime. * Coordinate with Maintenance and Engineering on repairs, retrofits, and system upgrades.

The University of Chicago

Research Specialist 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.23 - $26.44/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering, and the NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The lab has expertise in cancer ... refractory disease. Job Summary The job provides basic technical support activities related to ...

All JobsRefractory Engineer JobsRefractory Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Refractory Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$35.9K

$84.5K

$132.3K

How much do refractory engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for refractory engineer in Illinois is $84,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $94,500.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Refractory Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Refractory Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Refractory Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Refractory Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refractory Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Refractory Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Refractory Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Refractory Engineer job openings:

Refractory Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,518 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Stationary Engineer

Towson University

Campus, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Towson University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

  • Operate boilers, air conditioning equipment and ancillary equipment in an efficient manner as prescribed by the Chief Engineer.
  • Read gauges and meters, and record readings indicating conditions of operating equipment and systems.
  • Dismantle, repair, and reassemble pumps and air compressors as required or scheduled.
  • Performs chemical tests on boiler and make-up water and add chemicals to water.
  • Keep maintenance records and records of materials and supplies used.
  • Lubricate fans, pumps, air compressors, motors, and other ancillary equipment.
  • Clean boiler fireside and waterside.
  • Make patch repairs to refractory boilers.
  • High School diploma or equivalent; five years of experience in the operation of a boiler room facility, three years of which involved boilers over 500 horsepower and chillers in excess of 500 tons. 
  • First Grade Stationary Engineer license in the State of Maryland.
  • Thorough knowledge of and skill in the operation of multi-fuel boilers with over 500 horsepower and chillers over 500 tons. Thorough knowledge of and skill in applying OSHA regulations related to the central plant boiler facility operations. Thorough knowledge of and skill in appying the principles of electricity, hydaulics, and mechanics. Skill in cleaning, repairing and maintaining boilers and their auxiliaries; in the use and maintenance of the tools and equipment used in stationary engineering; in the use and storage of required fuels. Ability to fire boilers, read gauges, and judge operating efficiency and safety conditions of steam boiler operations; to oversee and coordinate shift operations of the central plant facility; to lead and train first grade stationary engineers in central plant operations and maintenance and repair work; to work in, on, around, over, and under fixed equipment and machinery; to work from ladders and scaffolding; to manipulate heavy equipment, tools, and supplies and/or exert force up to 70 lbs.; to concurrently manipulate multiple controls on machinery and equipment; to work in hazardous or irritating environments, confined spaces and adverse weather and temperature conditions; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

  • CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver's license may be required. Candidates selected for employment may be required to be trained to work with asbestos. 

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