Sr. Engineer / Engineer Refractory (Coke Oven)

Role & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute refractory relining, repairs, patching, and maintenance activities for Coke Oven batteries, regenerators, and CDQ units.
• Supervise refractory installation during shutdowns, ensuring adherence to design and technical specifications.
• Conduct periodic inspections to identify cracks, bulging, and wear patterns in oven walls, doors, and regenerators.
• Coordinate hot and cold repair jobs including silica brick replacement, guniting, and fettling with operations teams.
• Ensure refractory dry-out and baking schedules are followed during commissioning or relining.
• Track refractory life, wear rate, and consumption trends for all Coke Oven zones.
• Analyze failure modes such as spalling, thermal shock, and chemical attack and implement preventive measures.
• Maintain daily and weekly refractory performance data including temperature, pressure, and oven condition logs.
• Support technical evaluation and trials of new refractory materials for life enhancement and cost optimization.
• Verify refractory quality, size, and specifications during receipt and storage; ensure proper handling to avoid damage or contamination.
• Coordinate with quality and purchase teams for inspection and testing of incoming refractory materials.
• Prepare material issue plans as per maintenance and shutdown schedules.
• Prepare job plans and resource requirements including manpower, tools, and refractory material for all refractory activities.
• Liaise with Mechanical, Electrical, and Operations departments for maintenance coordination.
• Support annual shutdowns and planned maintenance schedules execution ensuring timely completion of refractory tasks.
• Enforce safety protocols during refractory works, especially in confined or hot areas; conduct toolbox talks and safety checks.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations during refractory waste disposal.
• Adhere to 5S, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards in the workplace.
• Maintain detailed records of refractory job history, material consumption, and life data.
• Prepare and submit daily job progress and consumption reports to section heads.
• Assist in monthly refractory performance summaries, cost analyses, and audit documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in refractory maintenance and operation.

Preferred candidate profile

Qualifications & Experience

• B.E./B.Tech in Ceramic Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Engineer: 2 TO 5 years of experience in refractory maintenance in Coke Oven or similarly high-temperature units in an integrated steel plant.
• Sr. Engineer: 5 TO 8 years of hands-on experience with Coke Oven refractory systems including chamber walls, regenerators, doors, and CDQ.
• Experience in an integrated steel plant or refractory manufacturing environment is preferred.