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Refractory Inspection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

RHI Magnesita

Master Mechanic

Hammond, IN · On-site

$46.58/hr

Inspect equipment and refractory presses for defects such as misalignment, wear, and inadequate lubrication, and determine optimal repair methods. * Advise when immediate shutdown of equipment is ...

RHI Magnesita

Master Mechanic

Hammond, IN · On-site

$46.58/hr

Inspect equipment and refractory presses for defects such as misalignment, wear, and inadequate lubrication, and determine optimal repair methods. * Advise when immediate shutdown of equipment is ...

Carmeuse

Process Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

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.

Carmeuse

Process Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

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.

Brown & Root

Infrastructure Lead

IL · On-site

Refractory support activities * Read and interpret drawings, specifications, work packages, and ... Inspect completed work for compliance with project specifications. * Verify proper application of ...

Brown & Root

Infrastructure Lead

IL · On-site

Refractory support activities * Read and interpret drawings, specifications, work packages, and ... Inspect completed work for compliance with project specifications. * Verify proper application of ...

Brown and Root

Infrastructure Lead

IL · On-site

Refractory support activities * Read and interpret drawings, specifications, work packages, and ... Inspect completed work for compliance with project specifications. * Verify proper application of ...

HWI

Maintenance Electrical/Mechanical Hybrid

Gary, IN · On-site

$25.75 - $32/hr

Complete inspection reports. Requirements * Requires high school diploma or GED * Ability to ... As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits ...

Calderys

Maintenance Electrical/Mechanical Hybrid

Gary, IN · On-site

$25.75 - $32/hr

Complete inspection reports. Requirements * Requires high school diploma or GED * Ability to ... HWI, a member of Calderys HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the ...

Integrity Trade Services

Welder Fabricator

Hammond, IN · On-site

$24/hr

Fabricate steel molds, forms, and frames for castable refractory products * Read and interpret ... Quality control and inspection skills * Physical stamina and safety awareness Why choose Integrity ...

A Finkl & Sons Co

COMBUSTION TECHNICIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

... refractory). * Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for combustion-related downtime ... Manage combustion system,audits, and inspections. * Lead hazard analysis and risk assessments ...

All JobsRefractory Inspection JobsRefractory Inspection Jobs in Chicago, IL

Refractory Inspection information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$86K

$144.2K

How much do refractory inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for refractory inspection in Chicago, IL is $86,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is refractory inspection?

Refractory inspection is the process of evaluating the condition and integrity of refractory materials used to line high-temperature equipment such as furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and reactors. Inspectors assess for wear, cracks, erosion, and other types of damage that can compromise thermal efficiency or safety. Regular inspections help prevent costly failures and unplanned downtime by identifying maintenance needs early. The process may involve visual checks, non-destructive testing methods, and sometimes removing sections of refractory for closer examination.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refractory inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refractory Inspector, you need a solid understanding of refractory materials, thermal processes, and inspection techniques, usually supported by technical training or certification in refractory inspection. Familiarity with inspection tools such as borescopes, ultrasonic testing equipment, and reporting systems like SAP or specialized inspection software is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate assessment of refractory integrity, help prevent costly failures, and maintain safe operations in industrial settings.

What are the typical challenges faced in a refractory inspection role, and how can new inspectors prepare for them?

Refractory inspectors often work in industrial environments where safety, heat, and confined spaces are significant challenges. New inspectors should be prepared for physically demanding tasks, such as climbing and prolonged standing, and must adhere strictly to safety protocols. Attention to detail is crucial, as small cracks or defects in refractory linings can lead to costly equipment failures. Building strong teamwork and communication skills is also important, since inspectors frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance crews, and plant managers to ensure accurate reporting and effective repairs.

What is the difference between Refractory Inspection vs Refractory Technician?

AspectRefractory InspectionRefractory Technician
CertificationsOften requires inspection certifications and safety trainingTypically needs trade certifications or technical training
Work EnvironmentInspecting refractory installations, often at industrial sitesInstalling, repairing, and maintaining refractory materials
Job FocusAssessing the condition and compliance of refractory liningsApplying refractory materials and performing repairs

Refractory Inspection and Refractory Technician roles share industry settings and safety requirements. However, inspectors focus on evaluating refractory conditions, while technicians handle installation and repairs. Both roles are essential for maintaining high-temperature industrial equipment.

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

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

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

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

Refractory Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Inspection job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $86,006 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Refractory Support Specialist II

HarbisonWalker International

Burns Harbor, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

HarbisonWalker International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Value Added Services Team as a Refractory Support Specialist II.
Summary
The Refractory Support Specialist II uses their specialized knowledge of HarbisonWalker Internationals product portfolio to represent the company as an on-site and first call technical liaison servicing two or more accounts.  The Refractory Support Specialist II will work directly with internal Customer Service and Sales Representatives to provide customer(s) with the most cost-effective product to fit their needs and establish HarbisonWalker International as the product of choice.  This position is a labor-intensive job, assisting the customer(s) in lining, relining and repairing furnaces, ladles, and tundishes.

Responsibilities
  • Reading and interpreting refractory lining drawings; using brick saw and bricklaying equipment to lay brick up in ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc.- handle bricks by hand for multiple hours at a time - perform plug changes, repair slide gates, etc.; teaching installation procedures to and providing guidance to correct procedures
  • Assisting customer(s) staff with all types of refractory installation methods, including gunite, pouring, ramming, pumping, ceramic fiber and firebrick installation
  • Assisting customer(s) staff with cleaning and preparing ladles, furnaces, tundishes, etc for repair, relining and fabrication
  • Observing product performance at customer(s) site; performing in service inspections, post mortem tear outs, documenting findings and reviewing with the proper HarbisonWalker International team member(s)
  • Working closely with customer(s), understanding their requirements and aiding them in obtaining the optimal performance of the products; monitoring stock levels to ensure the needs of customer(s) are met; placing replacement orders with HarbisonWalker Internationals Customer Service department
  • Preventive and general maintenance tasks on refractory equipment; documenting the preventative maintenance
  • Performing spare parts and equipment inventory count to ensure site specific standards are maintained; completing accurate and detailed refractory reports
  • Observing and promoting safety and 5'S standards; complying with established facility safety policies and procedures, and other regulations as applicable; participating in daily safety tool box talks and monthly trainings; maintaining a safe and clean working environment 

Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Ability to safely use brick saw and bricklaying equipment to lay brick
  • Requires working knowledge of refractory lined units
  • Ability to operate a jib crane and ensure the rigging of the load is correct
  • Ability to safely operate a forklift
  • Ability to safely operate various hand and electrical tools
  • Ability to read, understand and work in conformity with work orders, as directed
  • Ability to detect and correct unsafe or hazardous conditions of equipment and work environment
  • Organized individual with emphasis on quality and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Requires fundamental computer skills, experience in excel a plus
  • Bilingual a plus (Spanish and/or French add onto specific posting if applicable)
  • Requires two - four years of refractory installation knowledge or equivalent construction or manufacturing experience considered.

Physical and Environmental Requirements
  • Physical Activity:  Requires more than 2/3 of the time standing, walking, using hands and fingers, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, speaking, hearing, or smelling; requires less than 1/3 of the time sitting.
  • Lifting:  Requires lifting up to 75 pounds more than 2/3 of the time. (23 KG for CAD JD)
  • Vision:  Requires accurate close, distance, color and peripheral vision and depth perception, including the ability to adjust focus.
  • Environment:  Requires more than 2/3 of the time working near moving mechanical parts, and being exposed to fumes, airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions; 1/3 to 2/3 of the time in wet or humid conditions, in extreme heat or cold, and exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; and less than 1/3 of the time in an office setting, in high places, at risk of electrical shock and near vibration.  May require wearing respirators, hearing protection, and/or other safety equipment.
  • Noise:  Requires working in very loud conditions (over 85 decibels).

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