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Refractory Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

RHI Magnesita

Sales Manager

Brantford, ON · On-site

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200C in a wide range of industries ...

Carmeuse

Mechanical Engineer

Blind River, ON · On-site

CA$95K - CA$110K/yr

Refractory brick managements. * Building strong relationships with all groups within the site, region and company to ensure seamless communication and productivity. * Production, operational ...

Carmeuse

Production Helper

Ingersoll, ON · On-site

CA$34/hr

Perform assigned kiln outage work including refractory * Visual inspection of lime products and identification of nonconforming product * Inspection and operation of mobile equipment that may include ...

Carmeuse

Production Supervisor

Blind River, ON · On-site

CA$95K - CA$114K/yr

... refractory, heavy equipment fabrication, stone processing, cement plants, etc., highly preferred * Strong material management skills; must be results driven & a self-starter * Positive & proactive ...

VCNA

Kiln Coach

Bowmanville, ON · On-site

Monitor key kiln performance indicators (heat consumption, clinker quality, production rate, refractory life, emissions). * Identify process upsets and implement corrective actions to stabilize ...

All JobsRefractory JobsRefractory Jobs in Ontario

Refractory information

See Ontario salary details

$10

$26

$47

How much do refractory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory in Ontario is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $35.34 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.
More about Refractory jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Refractory jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Refractory jobs in Ontario are:

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

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

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

The top searched job categories for Refractory jobs in Ontario are:

Refractory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,780 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Refractory Support Specialist II - CAD

HarbisonWalker International

Welland, ON • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 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 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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