RHF Engineer - Steel Industry

Unclassified - Angola, IN

Full-time

Angola, IN

About the position

The RHF Engineer position is critical for the efficient operation of the reheating furnace (RHF) in a leading TMT bars manufacturing company located in Angola. The engineer will be responsible for overseeing the operation of the RHF, ensuring optimal performance while minimizing fuel consumption and scale formation. This role requires a deep understanding of furnace operations, maintenance practices, and the ability to coordinate effectively with production and mechanical teams. The engineer will prepare detailed reports on fuel consumption, conduct preventive and predictive maintenance, and troubleshoot any operational issues that arise. Additionally, the engineer will be tasked with planning and procuring necessary spares and consumables for maintenance activities, ensuring that the RHF operates smoothly and efficiently. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the steel industry, particularly in large-scale rolling mills producing various steel products. They will be adept at reading technical drawings and have a solid understanding of the chemical composition of steel billets and slabs. The engineer will also be responsible for training and instructing team members on RHF operations, making strong communication skills essential. This position not only demands technical expertise but also the ability to make sound decisions based on operational costs and benefits, ensuring the best practices are followed in the management of the reheating furnace.

Responsibilities

• Start and stop the reheating furnace as required.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on fuel consumption with and without preheat, including calculations for fuel per ton.
• Minimize fuel consumption and scale formation by adopting best practices, regularly removing scale, and cleaning burners.
• Maintain records of fuel levels in all tanks.
• Coordinate with the production and mechanical teams to manage the operation of the reheating furnace (RHF), including running, starting, stopping, and adjusting the temperature.
• Plan and carry out preventive and predictive maintenance for blowers, valves, recuperators, and diesel pumps with the assistance of the mechanical department.
• Inspect refractory during shutdowns and provide observations and recommendations.
• Maintain a history of maintenance activities.
• Troubleshoot issues with the RHF.
• Prepare an annual maintenance plan for the RHF.
• Plan and procure spares and consumables, including refractory materials, castables, bricks, and tools for the annual maintenance plan.
• Monitor RHF operations by observing gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure proper functioning.
• Read drawings of RHF equipment, refractory, and linings.
• Control RHF operations by maintaining the proper fuel and air ratio.
• Operate RHF using a DCS system, including instructing and training other team members.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in the steel industry, particularly in large-scale rolling mills producing alloy steel or mild steel products.
• Minimum qualification of a diploma in any stream.
• Experience working as a Reheating Furnace Operator/Engineer.
• Experience with walking beam, walking hearth, and hydraulic pusher types of furnaces fired with diesel, LDO, or BF gas.
• Knowledge of the chemical composition of billets and slabs, especially mild steel.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Word and Excel.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills, considering the relative costs and benefits of operations.
• Good communication skills in English, with the ability to read, write, and speak.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working abroad is preferred.