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Refractory Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Carmeuse

Process Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

Perform inspections during major outages of refractory, instrumentation, and prepare shutdown ... Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Minerals ...

Carmeuse

Process Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

Perform inspections during major outages of refractory, instrumentation, and prepare shutdown ... Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Minerals ...

HWI

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

... engineering and manufacturing, product management, and sales. As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and wellness programs. As an Equal ...

HarbisonWalker International

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

... engineering and manufacturing, product management, and sales. As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and wellness programs. As an Equal ...

Calderys

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

... engineering and manufacturing, product management, and sales. As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and wellness programs. As an Equal ...

HRT Solutions

Non-Craft Welder

Gary, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

... engineering and manufacturing, product management, and sales. As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and wellness programs. As an Equal ...

A Finkl & Sons Co

COMBUSTION TECHNICIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

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

Carmeuse

Industrial Electrical Supervisor

Gary, IN · On-site

$121K - $156K/yr

Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering minimum, Electrical Engineering Technology, Master ... refractory, heavy equipment fabrication, stone processing, cement plants industries preferred

Carmeuse

Industrial Electrical Supervisor

Gary, IN

$121K - $156K/yr

Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering minimum, Electrical Engineering Technology, Master ... refractory, heavy equipment fabrication, stone processing, cement plants industries preferred

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All JobsRefractory Engineer JobsRefractory Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Refractory Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$38.1K

$89.8K

$140.6K

How much do refractory engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for refractory engineer in Chicago, IL is $89,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,800.00 and $100,400.00 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 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 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 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Refractory Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Refractory Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Refractory Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Refractory Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Refractory Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,849 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Process Engineer

Carmeuse

Gary, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Carmeuse rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 41 rated mining

Job description


  • Tasks
    Supports company initiatives involving safety, digitization, and sustainability.
    • Performs daily site safety walks and employee (safety) engagements
    • Identifies process barriers and bottlenecks, develops action plans, executes them, and assesses results.
    • Establishes best practice Kiln Operating Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures, and Operating Parameters
    • Creates and Communicates Daily Instruction Sheets in alignment with Kiln Operating Guidelines and Operating Parameters
    • Provides technical support to production, maintenance, environmental, and quality.
    • Monitors reliability of the processes to define paybacks for improvements.
    • Perform inspections during major outages of refractory, instrumentation, and prepare shutdown reports.
    • Document problems related to the process or systems as seen or received from production. Reviews result with plant team to initiate, recommend, provide and/or implement solutions.
    • Conducts process and energy audits to identify opportunities for improvement.
    • Tracks and performs raw material analysis for the best use of the available fuels and stone conducting cost benefit calculations.
    • Monitors stone quality, size and gradation, and fuel quality analysis and their impact on product quality.
    • Trains operational personnel.
    • Drives environmental compliance testing.
    • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • the execution of all duties and activities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Responsibilities:
    • Owns operations strategy of the plant, giving direction to production of how to operate the kilns to meet production KPI's.
    • Owns refractory strategy and budget for the plant and is accountable for its financial performance.
    • Managing the process capabilities of the rotary lime kiln, Pulverizer Mill, and other material handling systems on site.
    • Monitoring, tracking, and continuous improvementof the stone feed system, calcining process, lime quality, and accuracy of all inputs to production, stone, fuels, additives, post-production packaging, etc.
    • Building strong relationships with all groups within the site, region, and company to ensure seamless communication and productivity.
    • Production, operational efficiency of the kiln process, and oversight of employee capability and productivity regarding the kiln process.
    • Production consistency ensuring product quality and respecting environmental limits.
    • Ensuring a safe work environment in the execution of all duties and activities.
Basic Requirements:
  • Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Minerals Processing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.

  • 5+ years' experience in an Engineering role within maintenance or operations.

  • Experience in Root Cause Analysis and troubleshooting.

  • Industry background in manufacturing related to mining, paper mills, steel plants, refractory, heavy equipment fabrication, stone processing, cement plants, rotary kilns, etc. Lime or cement experience is preferred.

  • Qualified candidates will exhibit a positive and proactive attitude with high initiative and the ability to perform with minimal supervision.

  • Able and willing to spend most of the time in the plant with the operators, maintenance personnel, and contractors; and able to communicate production and process plans effectively.

  • Able to do limited travel to other sites and regions as needed.

  • Good technical aptitude and analytical skills.

  • Detail and process oriented with strong problem resolution abilities.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Must be able to support a continuous improvement environment as well as support change management initiatives.
Benefits Package Includes:
  • Competitive wages aligned with education and experience
  • Group medical/pharmacy insurance options
  • Dental insurance & Vision insurance
  • A 401k account with company matching contribution
  • Annual Incentive Program
  • A robust Wellness program with financial rewards
  • Company-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Optional Insurance to provide additional coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no additional cost
  • Employee Referral Program with bonus

About Us
READY TO JOIN A ROCK-SOLID FAMILY?
Carmeuse started out as a small family-run business in Belgium.
Today it's a leading global producer of lime, high calcium limestone and dolomitic stone. Its products are essential to energy producers, environmental services, construction and manufacturing.
With over 90 production facilities spread across almost every continent, and over 4,500 employees working at Carmeuse every day, the company's most treasured resources are its people.
Carmeuse is dedicated to maintaining a workplace that fosters equal opportunity and creates a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
About the Team
You will be part of Carmeuse North America, a Rock-Star team of 2500 workers and employees bringing with them their own culture and specific needs. The North American headquarters is located in Pittsburgh, PA and has over three dozen production facilities across the U.S. and Canada.

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