The Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and maintaining mechanical systems, machinery, and equipment used in the production of refractory products. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and safe operations while adhering to industry standards for quality, cost, and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Design & Development:
  • Design and develop mechanical systems and equipment used in the production of refractory materials.
    • Develop and improve refractory furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature processing equipment.
    • Conduct research on new materials, technologies, and techniques to enhance product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Develop and improve refractory furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature processing equipment.
  • Conduct research on new materials, technologies, and techniques to enhance product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
  • Oversee the maintenance, repair, and modification of existing mechanical equipment.
    • Troubleshoot mechanical issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance of machinery.
    • Implement predictive and preventive maintenance schedules.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance of machinery.
  • Implement predictive and preventive maintenance schedules.
Process Optimization:
  • Analyze current mechanical systems and identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reduction, and energy efficiency.
    • Work with production teams to optimize refractory material handling, mixing, and firing processes.
  • Work with production teams to optimize refractory material handling, mixing, and firing processes.
Quality Control & Compliance:
  • Ensure all mechanical designs and processes meet safety standards, quality control specifications, and environmental regulations.
    • Participate in the development of testing methods to evaluate the performance of refractory products under high temperatures and stress.
  • Participate in the development of testing methods to evaluate the performance of refractory products under high temperatures and stress.
Collaboration & Reporting:
  • Work closely with project managers, production teams, and other engineers to ensure that design and maintenance goals are met.
    • Provide technical guidance to operators and maintenance personnel regarding mechanical equipment.
    • Prepare technical reports and documentation related to design, analysis, and maintenance activities.
  • Provide technical guidance to operators and maintenance personnel regarding mechanical equipment.
  • Prepare technical reports and documentation related to design, analysis, and maintenance activities.
Project Management:
  • Lead or assist in mechanical design projects, from concept to implementation, including budgeting, timelines, and resource management.
    • Monitor project progress and ensure timely delivery of equipment and system installations.
  • Monitor project progress and ensure timely delivery of equipment and system installations.

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Experience:
    • At least 3-5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment (experience in refractory manufacturing is a plus).
    • Experience with high-temperature equipment and refractory material processing.
  • At least 3-5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment (experience in refractory manufacturing is a plus).
  • Experience with high-temperature equipment and refractory material processing.
  • Technical Skills:
    • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) for designing mechanical systems.
    • Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, material science, and thermodynamics.
    • Familiarity with maintenance management software (CMMS).
    • Knowledge of industry standards (ASME, ASTM, etc.) for mechanical and refractory applications.
  • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) for designing mechanical systems.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, material science, and thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with maintenance management software (CMMS).
  • Knowledge of industry standards (ASME, ASTM, etc.) for mechanical and refractory applications.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for resolving mechanical issues.
  • Communication: Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
  • Attention to Detail: High attention to detail, particularly when working with precision machinery and high-temperature environments.

Working Conditions:

  • Typically works in a plant or factory setting, with potential exposure to high temperatures and noise.
  • May require occasional travel to field sites or supplier locations.
  • May involve rotating shifts depending on the company's production schedule.

Additional Skills (Optional but Preferred):

  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) or other simulation tools.
  • Familiarity with refractory materials and their properties under various conditions.
This role is essential for ensuring the efficient and safe production of high-quality refractory materials used in various industries, ensuring the machinery and systems are performing optimally under extreme conditions.