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Refractory Work Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Master Mechanic

Hammond, IN · On-site

$46.58/hr

Perform advanced mechanical repairs and maintenance on plant equipment and refractory presses. * Receive instructions covering the scheduled emergency repair, installation and work to be done.

Master Mechanic

Hammond, IN · On-site

$46.58/hr

Perform advanced mechanical repairs and maintenance on plant equipment and refractory presses. * Receive instructions covering the scheduled emergency repair, installation and work to be done.

Mechanical and Electrical aptitude strongly desired to work closely with the Terminator. About RHI Magnesita RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems ...

Mechanical and Electrical aptitude strongly desired to work closely with the Terminator. About RHI Magnesita RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems ...

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Actively demonstrates and promotes safety and a safe work environment and holds their team ... As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits ...

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Actively demonstrates and promotes safety and a safe work environment and holds their team ... HWI, a member of Calderys HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the ...

Non Craft Welder

Gary, IN

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Actively demonstrates and promotes safety and a safe work environment and holds their team ... HWI, a member of Calderys HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the ...

Non-Craft Welder

Gary, IN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Actively demonstrates and promotes safety and a safe work environment and holds their team ... As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits ...

Perform inspections during major outages of refractory, instrumentation, and prepare shutdown ... Ensuring a safe work environment in the execution of all duties and activities. Basic Requirements:

Perform inspections during major outages of refractory, instrumentation, and prepare shutdown ... Ensuring a safe work environment in the execution of all duties and activities. Basic Requirements:

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Refractory Work information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do refractory work jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory work in Chicago, IL is $18.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Refractory Work vs Mason?

AspectRefractory WorkMason
CredentialsCertifications in refractory installation and safetyTrade certifications or apprenticeships in masonry
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, high-temperature environmentsConstruction sites, buildings, and structures
Industry UsageHeavy industry, manufacturing, power plantsResidential, commercial, and infrastructure projects

Refractory Work involves installing and repairing heat-resistant materials in industrial settings, focusing on high-temperature environments. Masonry primarily involves building and repairing structures with bricks, stones, or concrete. While both roles require trade skills and safety certifications, refractory work is specialized for industrial heat containment, whereas masonry covers a broader range of construction projects.

What does a refractory work do?

A refractory worker installs, repairs, and maintains heat-resistant materials such as bricks, linings, and panels in high-temperature environments like furnaces, kilns, and reactors. They work with specialized tools and materials to ensure the integrity and safety of industrial equipment that operates under extreme heat conditions.

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

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

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

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

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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