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Refractory Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Production Technician Summer

Vandalia, MO ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Our refractory products are used in every aspect of manufacturing across all product lines. At HWI our Production Technicians support HWI's mission and vision to drive industry performance and ...

Manufacturing Production Technician

Fulton, MO ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Our refractory products are used in every aspect of manufacturing across all product lines. At HWI our Manufacturing Production Technicians support HWI's mission and vision to drive industry ...

Manufacturing Production Technician

Fulton, MO

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Our refractory products are used in every aspect of manufacturing across all product lines. At HWI our Manufacturing Production Technicians support HWI's mission and vision to drive industry ...

Operator

Fulton, MO ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Summary The Manufacturing Production Technician contributes to the success of HarbisonWalker International through the safe manufacturing of refractory products, this includes the forming, finishing ...

Summary The Manufacturing Production Technician contributes to the success of HarbisonWalker International through the safe manufacturing of refractory products, this includes the forming, finishing ...

Manufacturing Production Technician

Vandalia, MO ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Summary The Manufacturing Production Technician contributes to the success of HarbisonWalker International through the safe manufacturing of refractory products, this includes the forming, finishing ...

Operator

Fulton, MO

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Summary The Manufacturing Production Technician contributes to the success of HarbisonWalker International through the safe manufacturing of refractory products, this includes the forming, finishing ...

Operator

Fulton, MO

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Summary The Manufacturing Production Technician contributes to the success of HarbisonWalker International through the safe manufacturing of refractory products, this includes the forming, finishing ...

Manufacturing Production Technician

Vandalia, MO ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Summary The Manufacturing Production Technician contributes to the success of HarbisonWalker International through the safe manufacturing of refractory products, this includes the forming, finishing ...

Manufacturing Production Technician

Vandalia, MO ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Summary The Manufacturing Production Technician contributes to the success of HarbisonWalker International through the safe manufacturing of refractory products, this includes the forming, finishing ...

Be Seen First

... refractory mortar and reinforced concrete. Previous experience in masonry, concrete, or foundation work is a plus but not required. We are willing to train the right candidate! Some welding ...

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Refractory information

See Missouri salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do refractory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory in Missouri is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refractory?

Refractory jobs involve working with refractory materials and equipment, such as a furnace, broiler, and kiln. Common job titles include refractory technician, refractory worker, and refractory bricklayer. A refractory technician designs high-temperature equipment and heating structures using heat-resistant elements such as minerals, ceramic, and brick components. A refractory worker aids in the construction and repair of refractory equipment. A refractory bricklayer or refractory mason also works to build ovens and other structures for containing heated materials such as molten metal. Masons bond bricks or other equipment with specialized mortar.

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

To thrive as a Refractory Technician, you need a solid understanding of materials science, refractory installation techniques, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with tools such as mixers, trowels, and specialized equipment for installing and maintaining refractory linings is typical, along with safety certifications like OSHA. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe and effective installation and maintenance of refractory materials, which are critical for the integrity and efficiency of high-temperature industrial operations.

What are the common challenges faced by refractory technicians in industrial environments?

Refractory technicians often work in high-temperature industrial settings, such as steel mills or power plants, where they are responsible for installing and maintaining heat-resistant materials. One common challenge is working in confined or elevated spaces, sometimes under time constraints during plant shutdowns. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols due to the risk of heat exposure and heavy equipment. Collaboration with engineers and other trades is frequent to ensure that installations meet precise specifications and operational standards.

What is the difference between Refractory vs Mason?

AspectRefractoryMason
Required CredentialsTrade certifications, safety trainingTrade certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, construction sitesConstruction sites, buildings
Industry UsageManufacturing, heavy industryConstruction, renovation

Refractory workers specialize in installing and repairing heat-resistant materials in industrial settings, while masons focus on building and repairing structures like walls and pavements. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in construction or industrial environments, but their specific tasks and materials differ significantly.

What are refractory jobs?

Refractory jobs involve installing, repairing, and maintaining heat-resistant materials such as bricks, linings, and insulation in high-temperature environments like furnaces, kilns, and reactors. Workers in this field need knowledge of materials, safety protocols, and often require specialized certifications. These jobs typically require physical labor and working in industrial settings with strict safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Refractory jobs in Missouri?

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

Infographic showing various Refractory job openings in Missouri 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 $34,183 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Union Refractory / Bricklayer Superintendent

Gillespie & Powers, Inc.

Saint Louis, MO โ€ข On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Refractory/Bricklayer Superintendent directs and coordinates union bricklayer crews performing refractory brick and monolithic installation, repair, and maintenance at industrial job sites, including furnaces, ladles, and other high-temperature vessels. This role is responsible for field supervision, schedule and manpower management, quality and safety compliance, and serving as the primary liaison with the union local at the job site, working closely with Project Management and Estimating to deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Supervise and coordinate all field activities for refractory installation and repair, including brick, castable/gunite, and plastic/ramming refractory systems, on furnaces, ladles, kilns, and other high-temperature vessels.
  • Plan and sequence daily work assignments for union bricklayer crews, ensuring proper crew sizing, tooling, and material staging to meet project schedules.
  • Read and interpret refractory drawings, lining specifications, and engineering details; verify installed work conforms to design and OEM specifications.
  • Serve as the primary on-site point of contact with the union local, including enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement, work rules, jurisdiction, and grievance procedures.
  • Partner with the Project Manager and Estimating on manpower forecasting, schedule adherence, and productivity/man-hour tracking against bid budgets.
  • Enforce all safety policies and site-specific EHS requirements, including confined space entry, fall protection, hot work, and PPE compliance; lead toolbox talks and job hazard analyses.
  • Inspect completed work for quality, dimensional accuracy, and curing/dry-out compliance; identify and correct deficiencies before turnover.
  • Maintain daily field reports, crew time records, material usage logs, and progress documentation for project files and client reporting.
  • Coordinate crane, rigging, scaffold, and other support trades needed for refractory installation sequencing.
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance feedback for field bricklayer and helper personnel dispatched through the union hall.
  • Manage on-site tools, equipment, and consumable refractory materials; coordinate resupply with the shop and purchasing.
  • Ensure compliance with customer site requirements, outage schedules, and applicable OSHA, environmental, and industry-specific regulations.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of a bricklayer/refractory apprenticeship program strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 8-10 years of hands-on refractory brick and monolithic installation experience, including at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or foreman capacity.
  • Working knowledge of a bricklayers' union collective bargaining agreement, hiring hall procedures, and jurisdictional practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to read refractory lining drawings, isometrics, and OEM installation specifications.
  • Strong knowledge of refractory materials (fireclay, high-alumina, silica, basic brick; castable, gunite, and plastic refractories) and their application methods.
  • OSHA 30-Hour certification required; confined space and fall protection training preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple crews across concurrent outage or turnaround schedules.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with clients, union stewards, and internal project teams.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to multi-state job sites, including extended outage assignments, with limited advance notice.
  • Valid driver's license required.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Regularly works at active industrial construction sites, including furnace and vessel interiors, with exposure to heat, dust, noise, and confined spaces.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and scaffolding, work at heights, and lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and kneeling on uneven or elevated surfaces.
  • Work is performed both outdoors and in industrial plant environments, including during outages that may require night, weekend, or holiday shifts.
  • Required to wear and properly use PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, and heat-resistant gear as conditions require.
EEO Statement

Gillespie & Powers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

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