Refractory Engineer

About Mesabi Metallics

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s mining history: Mesabi Metallics’ cutting-edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed, it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.

More importantly, you'll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day.

At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced Refractory Engineer to join our Projects team at our Nashwauk, MN facility. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the selection, installation, inspection, maintenance, and performance monitoring of refractory linings across high-temperature equipment and process areas within the steel plant. These include the pellet plant, beneficiation plant, concentrator plant, and crushers.

This is a key role focused on ensuring equipment reliability, process safety, and thermal efficiency through expert refractory management.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance schedules for refractory-lined equipment.
• Lead refractory shutdown activities, including relining and repair works in pelletizing kilns, induration furnaces, rotary dryers, and hot gas ducts.
• Manage planning, procurement, and inventory control of refractory materials across plant operations.

• Conduct regular refractory inspections and thermal audits using techniques such as thermography and endoscopy.
• Identify wear patterns, hot spots, or potential failures and recommend corrective measures.
• Maintain detailed inspection reports and develop condition monitoring dashboards.

• Supervise refractory contractors during installation, shutdowns, and emergency repairs.
• Ensure quality control and adherence to technical specifications and safety protocols during all refractory-related work.

• Enforce safety practices during refractory handling and installation in high-temperature zones.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and statutory safety regulations.

• Analyze refractory performance, material usage, and failure trends to drive cost reduction and efficiency.
• Recommend technical upgrades or changes in material specs for improved reliability.
• Assist with budgeting and resource planning for refractory projects.

• Ensure all refractory work complies with applicable OSHA, MSHA, and environmental regulations.
• Support implementation of sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.

Skills and Qualifications

• 5 to 12 years of progressive experience in refractory engineering, high-temperature systems, or industrial maintenance — ideally within the iron & steel, cement, mining, or heavy manufacturing industries.
• Proven track record in managing maintenance shutdowns, refractory installations, and equipment reliability programs in process-intensive environments.
• In-depth knowledge of refractory materials (acidic, basic, insulating, castables, etc.).
• Familiarity with refractory design for kilns, furnaces, dryers, including anchoring and thermal expansion considerations.
• Understanding of thermal processing in pelletizing and ore beneficiation plants.
• Proficiency with inspection techniques like thermography, borescope/endoscope inspections, and material testing.
• Strong leadership and contractor management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication for cross-functional teamwork.
• Ability to handle shutdown pressure and lead time-sensitive repair operations.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Ceramic Engineering/Science. 

Physical Requirements

• This position is a mixture of field work and office duties. Field work will be conducted daily throughout the year so exposure to the elements (rain, snow, cold, heat, etc) is to be expected. The office duties will require work in front of a laptop, desk, and phone.

Salary Range:

• $120,000 - $150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 6% company match.
• Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 0-5 Years: 120 hours per year. 
  5-10 Years: 160 hours per year. 
  10+ Years: 200 hours per year.
  Plus 9 paid holidays.

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our success.