Sr. Technical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

The Sr. Technical Engineer plays a critical role in leading and managing the technical aspects of industrial service projects involving refractory installations, including potential responsibilities related to acid proof masonry and corrosion protection applications. The role requires expertise in materials science, heat transfer, stress analysis and industrial construction methods as well as a practical understanding of the harsh, corrosive and high temperature environments found in, but not limited to, petrochemical, refining, incineration, power generation, chemical, gas, liquids, minerals processing, coke calcining, steel and non-ferrous manufacturing industries.

Role and Responsibilities

• Perform and lead the specification and technical oversight of refractory lining design, including potential opportunities to do same with acid proof masonry and corrosion protection systems.
• This position is responsible for developing engineered solutions (including design), overseeing technical execution, familiarity with industry and customer standards and providing mentorship to junior engineers and field teams.
• Collaborate with project managers, estimators, and clients to develop technical scopes of work, project plans, and material selections.
• Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to ensure technical solutions align with project objectives and safety standards.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting guidance during project execution, both remotely and on-site.
• Conduct inspections, quality checks, and failure analyses for ongoing and completed projects.
• Support procurement in evaluating material specifications, vendors, and subcontractor capabilities.
• Stay up to date with applicable codes, standards (e.g., ASTM, API, NACE, OSHA), and best practices in industrial applications.
• Participate in root cause analysis and provide recommendations for design or process improvements.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and client-facing communications.
• Mentor and train junior engineers and technicians in technical procedures and safety practices.
• Promote and enforce safety and quality compliance across all engineering functions.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in an industrial services environment, with direct experience in refractory, corrosion, rubber lining, or scaffolding systems.
• Professional Engineer License is a plus
• Strong understanding of materials used in high-temperature, chemical, and abrasive environments.
• Proficiency in engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD or equivalent).
• Familiarity with scaffolding load calculations and design requirements.
• Working knowledge of QA/QC procedures, inspection techniques, and documentation practices.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.
• Willingness to travel, as needed (domestic and/or international).
• Certifications such as API 936, NACE Coating Inspector, or Scaffold Competent Person are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Field Mobility: Ability to move around construction and industrial job sites, including climbing ladders, scaffolding, and accessing confined spaces, elevated platforms, and uneven surfaces.
• Manual Dexterity: Capable of using hand tools and testing equipment, and handling materials or samples during inspections and assessments.
• Physical Stamina: Able to stand, walk, or remain on foot for extended periods during field inspections or supervision, often in hot, dusty, or chemically exposed environments.
• Lifting Requirements: Must be able to lift and carry equipment or materials up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Environmental Tolerance: Ability to work in extreme conditions including high heat (near kilns or furnaces), humidity, noise, dust, fumes, and chemicals while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Vision and Hearing: Visual acuity (with or without correction) sufficient to read technical drawings, operate computers and field equipment, and perform visual inspections. Adequate hearing (with or without aids) to detect alarms, communicate in noisy environments, and participate in safety briefings.
• PPE Usage: Must be capable of wearing and working in full personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, steel-toed boots, respirators, and fall protection harnesses when required.
• Travel and Field Work: Willingness and ability to travel to remote job sites, sometimes on short notice, and work extended hours or shifts based on project demands.
• The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses/spoggles, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

The Company expects and requires all employees to observe and fulfill all safety responsibilities as outlined in workplace safety training, and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Employment at Thorpe Specialty Services Corporation is on an “at-will” basis. There is no contract of employment between Thorpe Specialty Services Corporation and anyone or all its employees unless explicitly stated elsewhere. Employment security cannot be guaranteed for or by any employee.

No Manager, Supervisor, or employee of the Company has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will.

Thorpe Specialty Services Corporation and its affiliates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.