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Refractory Inspection Jobs in El Sobrante, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Refractory Inspection information

See El Sobrante, CA salary details

$29.1K

$90K

$150.9K

How much do refractory inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for refractory inspection in El Sobrante, CA is $90,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,700.00 and $120,700.00 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.

Refractory Inspection jobs near you

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$185K - $218K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.
With Pulsar - the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit - Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
We are seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join Xona's propulsion team in Burlingame. In this role, you will serve as the primary mechanical architect and design owner for advanced satellite propulsion hardware. You will drive core mechanical and thermal design from early architecture concepts through prototype stage iteration, qualification testing, and transition to high-rate flight production.
This is a high ownership, hands-on role where you will drive full-system CAD development, detailed FEA, thermal-structural joint optimization, and rapid laboratory test execution. You will work directly with others across the satellite bus, electrical, and manufacturing teams to deploy ultra-reliable hardware into orbit.
What You'll Do
  • Serve as the lead designer for the propulsion system and supporting hardware.
  • Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) across several high-precision mechanical components and assemblies working directly with machine shops and specialty vendors.
  • Select materials for high-temperature, high-vacuum, and other demanding environments and define standards and material treatments.
  • Perform structural and thermal analysis to evaluate margins and ensure survival under launch and operational environments.
  • Build, assemble, and iterate on prototype hardware, and support integration into TVAC facilities.
  • Develop and execute test plans for prototypes, engineering models, and flight hardware, and troubleshoot mechanical assemblies in the lab.
  • Define inspection, acceptance, and assembly procedures that carry the design from prototype into sustained production.
  • Support supplier evaluation and selection for mechanical and thermal components.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
  • Experience leading mechanical hardware design and development from concept through prototype and into production.
  • Strong Design for Manufacturability and direct experience working with machinists and vendors.
  • Expert-level GD&T and tolerance analysis (ASME Y14.5).
  • Deep materials knowledge, including refractory metals and ceramics, and the ability to specify processing and heat treatment.
  • Proficiency with mechanical CAD (such as SolidWorks) and finite element modelling for structural and thermal analysis.
  • A prototyping-first mindset and comfort building and testing your own hardware.
  • Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with spaceflight or aerospace hardware and associated qualification workflows.
  • Background in aerospace, plasma devices, or vacuum systems.
  • Experience supporting hardware integration, assembly, or environmental testing.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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