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Refractory Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inversion

Principal TPS Materials Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$175K - $244K/yr

Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating ... Experience with at least one of: carbon phenolic ablators, reinforced carbon/carbon, or refractory ...

Samuel

Maintenance Mechanic 2 (2nd Shift)

Fontana, CA · On-site

$35.66 - $38/hr

... operator and foreman about equipment performance and problems affecting production lines. * Ability ... Refractory and furnace lining. * Basic computer entry skills * Health and Safety Standards and ...

Samuel

Maintenance Mechanic 2

Fontana, CA · On-site

$35.66 - $38/hr

... operator and foreman about equipment performance and problems affecting production lines. * Ability ... Refractory and furnace lining. * Basic computer entry skills * Health and Safety Standards and ...

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Refractory Operator information

What is a refractory operator?

Refractory Operators are skilled workers responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing refractory materials—heat-resistant materials used to line furnaces, kilns, reactors, and other high-temperature processing equipment. Their duties include preparing surfaces, mixing and applying refractory materials, and inspecting linings for wear and damage. They play a crucial role in industries such as steel, glass, cement, and petrochemicals, where equipment must withstand extreme temperatures. Safety awareness and attention to detail are essential in this role because incorrect installation can lead to equipment failure or workplace hazards.

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

To thrive as a Refractory Operator, you need a solid understanding of materials handling, furnace operations, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with industrial equipment, temperature control systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality refractory processes in demanding industrial environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by a refractory operator during furnace maintenance, and how are they addressed?

Refractory Operators often face challenges such as working in high-temperature environments, handling heavy and abrasive materials, and ensuring the proper installation and repair of refractory linings. These tasks require strict adherence to safety protocols, careful attention to detail, and frequent collaboration with maintenance and engineering teams. Operators address these challenges by using specialized protective equipment, following established procedures, and participating in regular safety and technical training to maintain efficiency and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Refractory Operator vs Furnace Operator?

AspectRefractory OperatorFurnace Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certifications in refractory installationHigh school diploma, safety training, often certifications in furnace operation
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants handling refractory materials, high-temperature areasIndustrial furnaces, metal or chemical manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageConstruction, steel, cement, glass industriesMetallurgy, chemical processing, manufacturing

Refractory Operators focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing refractory materials to withstand high temperatures, often working in construction or manufacturing environments. Furnace Operators primarily operate and monitor industrial furnaces in manufacturing settings. While both roles require safety training and similar certifications, their specific tasks and work environments differ, with Refractory Operators specializing in refractory materials and Furnace Operators managing furnace operations.

What are popular job titles related to Refractory Operator jobs in California?

For Refractory Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refractory Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Refractory Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Refractory Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Refractory Operator job openings:

Refractory Operator jobs near you

Principal TPS Materials Engineer

Inversion

Vista, CA • On-site

$175K - $244K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development of high-performance, low-cost ablative TPS materials from formulation through automated production at scale.

  • Characterize material response across harsh thermal environments and conduct material testing campaigns.

  • Work with vendors, test facilities, and suppliers to bring new materials, capabilities, and processes in-house at Inversion.

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth
Who We Are:
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform - one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based defense and logistics.
What You'll Do:
Inversion's reentry vehicles depend on thermal protection materials that perform like the state of the art but cost far less. As the Principal Materials Scientist, you will lead the development of a family of high-performance, low-cost ablative TPS materials - owning them from formulation through automated production at scale. In this role, you will:
  • Develop new ablative TPS material formulations optimized for performance and cost
  • Characterize material response across harsh thermal environments
  • Prototype material fabrication at small scale and mature it toward flight quality
  • Automate fabrication at large scale, drawing on composite manufacturing methods such as automated tape winding, mandrel tooling design, and elevated-temperature curing
  • Plan and execute material characterization campaigns spanning thermal response testing and mechanical property testing across a wide temperature range
  • Work with outside vendors, test facilities, and suppliers to bring new materials, capabilities, and processes in-house at Inversion
  • Mentor senior and early-career engineers across the organization

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience in a relevant field
  • Typically, 12+ years of professional experience developing, formulating, or producing materials for extreme temperature environments
  • Experience with at least one of: carbon phenolic ablators, reinforced carbon/carbon, or refractory ceramic matrix composites
  • Experience with material characterization testing, including both thermal response testing and material strength testing across a wide temperature range
  • Experience prototyping and scaling material fabrication processes
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, including prototyping and rapid iteration of new products
  • This position is on-site at Inversion HQ in Playa Vista, CA.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:
  • PhD in Materials Science or a related field
  • Hands-on background with woven, felted, or needled high-temperature fiber preforms and material architectures
  • Experience organizing and executing arc jet material response test campaigns
  • Experience with large-scale composite manufacturing automation (automated tape laying/winding, filament winding, mandrel tooling, autoclave or oven cure development)
  • Experience with ablation and thermal response modeling tools (e.g., FIAT, CHAR, PATO)
  • Experience with thermophysical and thermochemical property measurement (TGA/DSC, laser flash, dilatometry)
  • Experience taking a new material from laboratory formulation through qualification for flight
  • Familiarity with non-destructive evaluation methods for composite and ablative structures
  • Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $175,000-$244,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Noticefor further details.

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