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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 13, 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.