Since 1927 Karrena has been a recognized leader the refractory filed, specializing in the design, supply, installation and maintenance of refractory linings, acid resistant linings, fireproofing, and thermal insulation. We employee a variety of refractory professionals.
Apply for an open position listed below or feel free to submit a resume to us.
Current Opportunities
Project Manager l Texas
Lead the successful delivery of civil and industrial construction projects across the United States, with full responsibility for project execution, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety and contractual requirements.
The Project Manager will lead multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate Engineering, Procurement, Construction, HSE, Quality, subcontractors, suppliers and clients throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsabilities:
• Take overall responsibility for the successful execution and delivery of assigned projects.
• Define and manage project scope, schedule, budget, milestones and deliverables.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate Engineering, Procurement, Construction, HSE, Quality and other project functions.
• Establish project execution plans, schedules, budgets and resource requirements.
• Monitor project performance against approved budget, schedule and contractual requirements.
• Identify and manage project risks, opportunities, changes and potential impacts.
• Lead client communication and maintain strong relationships with key project stakeholders.
• Manage subcontractors, suppliers and third-party partners in coordination with the construction team.
• Oversee construction activities and ensure effective coordination between project management and field operations.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, quality requirements, OSHA standards and applicable U.S. regulations.
• Manage project changes, variations, claims and contractual matters.
• Monitor project costs, forecasts, cash flow and financial performance.
• Lead project meetings and provide regular progress reporting to senior management and clients.
• Coordinate resolution of technical, commercial and operational issues.
• Ensure project documentation, reporting and controls are maintained throughout the project.
• Lead commissioning, punch-list, handover and project close-out activities.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development of best practices across U.S. projects.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Engineering or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in project management within construction, engineering or EPC environments.
• Proven experience managing complex civil or industrial construction projects.
• Experience managing projects involving concrete construction, industrial facilities, heavy civil works or refractory installations is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of U.S. construction practices, project controls, scheduling, cost management and contracts.
• Experience managing subcontractors, clients and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Familiarity with OSHA requirements and U.S. construction safety standards.
• Strong financial and commercial understanding, including project budgets, forecasting, change orders and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Willingness to travel and relocate within the United States according to project requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work on active construction sites when required.
• Professional working proficiency in English.
Proposal & Project Manager - Bulk Storage | Houston, Texas
This role combines business development, technical proposal management, conceptual engineering, budgeting, and client relationship management to deliver optimized and competitive solutions that meet customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
• Identify and develop new business opportunities, build client relationships, analyze market trends, and support negotiations and strategic partnerships.
• Define and optimize technical solutions for bulk storage and material handling systems, including layouts, PFDs, and key design parameters.
• Lead the preparation of technical and commercial proposals, including cost estimates, risk assessments, and coordination with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Define project schedules, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, support feasibility and budgeting processes, and ensure compliance with standards and client requirements.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Industrial, or Process Engineering). A Master’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or Business Administration is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial projects, with proven experience in bulk material storage and handling systems.
• Experience in one or more of the following industries: cement, mining and minerals processing, alumina and bauxite, lime and gypsum, grain storage terminals, food processing, fertilizers, ports and export terminals, or heavy industrial construction.
• Strong technical knowledge of bulk storage systems, including silo design, material flow behavior, conveyors, transfer systems, and loading systems (truck, rail, ship), as well as dust collection and environmental control systems.
• Solid understanding of civil and structural concepts, including foundations (pile-supported), reinforced concrete, structural steel, and industrial buildings.
• Knowledge of project management principles, including cost estimation (CAPEX/OPEX), planning and scheduling, risk assessment, contract administration, and scope/change management.
• Experience preparing technical and commercial proposals and participating in tender processes.
Lead and oversee the construction execution of industrial and civil engineering projects across the United States, ensuring that projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget and in accordance with technical, quality and contractual requirements.
The Construction Manager will oversee field operations and coordinate Site Managers, subcontractors, suppliers and project stakeholders throughout the construction phase.
Key Responsabilities:
• Lead the overall construction execution strategy for assigned projects.
• Develop and implement construction plans, schedules, sequencing and site logistics.
• Direct and coordinate Site Managers, field personnel, subcontractors and construction crews.
• Monitor construction progress, productivity, manpower, equipment and resources.
• Ensure construction activities are performed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate closely with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, HSE and Quality teams.
• Review project schedules and identify potential delays, risks and required corrective actions.
• Monitor construction costs, changes, productivity and resource requirements.
• Manage subcontractor performance, coordination and compliance with project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, project safety requirements and company HSE policies.
• Lead construction meetings with clients, subcontractors and project stakeholders.
• Identify and resolve technical, operational and scheduling issues during construction.
• Coordinate inspections, testing, commissioning and punch-list activities.
• Review and approve field documentation, progress reports and construction records.
• Support change management, claims and contract administration related to construction activities.
• Ensure effective coordination between field operations and project management.
• Support project close-out, final inspections, commissioning and handover.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in construction management, preferably within industrial, civil or EPC projects.
• Proven experience managing large-scale construction sites and multidisciplinary field teams.
• Strong experience managing subcontractors, construction schedules, manpower and resources.
• Experience with concrete construction, industrial facilities, heavy civil projects or refractory installations is highly valued.
• Experience in industrial construction, EPC or heavy industry environments.
• Strong understanding of U.S. construction practices, OSHA requirements and site safety standards.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, schedules and contracts.
• Strong understanding of construction planning, scheduling, cost control and project execution.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Willingness to travel and relocate within the United States according to project requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work on active construction sites.
• Professional working proficiency in English.
Lead the day-to-day execution of construction activities at project sites across the United States, ensuring that work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule and in accordance with project specifications, quality standards and contractual requirements.
The Site Manager will be responsible for the overall coordination of field activities, working closely with the Construction Manager, Project Manager, subcontractors, suppliers and client representatives.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and supervise daily construction activities at the project site.
• Coordinate field personnel, subcontractors, suppliers and equipment to ensure efficient project execution.
• Ensure construction activities are performed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, schedules and quality requirements.
• Monitor daily progress, productivity, manpower and resource allocation.
• Coordinate site activities with the Construction Manager and Project Manager.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, company safety policies and project-specific HSE procedures.
• Promote a strong safety culture and proactively identify and address potential site hazards.
• Monitor the quality of workmanship and ensure compliance with project standards.
• Identify and resolve field issues, construction constraints and technical challenges.
• Coordinate material deliveries, equipment and site logistics.
• Conduct and participate in daily and weekly site meetings.
• Maintain accurate daily reports, progress updates and construction documentation.
• Support project scheduling and identify potential delays or impacts to the construction schedule.
• Coordinate inspections, testing and other site activities as required.
• Maintain effective communication with clients, subcontractors and project stakeholders.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Engineering or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in construction site management, preferably within civil, industrial or EPC projects.
• Experience managing construction activities involving concrete, structural works, industrial facilities or refractory installations is highly valued.
• Proven experience coordinating subcontractors, field crews, equipment and construction activities.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, site logistics and project execution.
• Familiarity with OSHA requirements and U.S. construction safety standards.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications and schedules.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced construction environments.
• Willingness to travel and relocate within the United States according to project requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work on active construction sites.
• Professional working proficiency in English.
Warehouse Mechanic | USA
Seeking a full-time Warehouse Mechanic to perform assemble, maintenance and repair duties.
Key Responsibilities:
• Assembly, maintenance, and repair of construction (refractory) equipment, machinery, tools and vehicles ensuring functionality and reliability of machines, engines, electrical motors and mechanical systems
• Ensure that the warehouse is clean, organized and stocked. Updating inventory will be required
• Warehouse Technician will be qualified to operate a forklift and/or scissor-lift and will assist with moving loads (on and off site) when requested
• Willing to travel and temporarily deployed as a mechanic on a construction site as needed
Applications Engineer-Thermal Design | USA
We are seeking an Applications Engineer who will focus on developing thermal designs, estimates, and proposals in response to requests for new as well as aftermarket mechanical draft cooling towers opportunities
Key Responsibilities:
• Review and respond to customer inquiries for OEM and aftermarket cooling tower opportunities.
• Optimize proposed cooling tower design in accordance with project specification by utilizing proprietary thermal rating software and company design guidelines.
• Develop project cost estimate for material, equipment, and labor
• Write technical proposals and coordinate commercial evaluation with risk management
• Review cost estimates with procurement and/or construction departments as necessary to ensure cost accuracy and develop practical project execution plan
• Respond to customer questions and participate in technical bid evaluation meetings
• Communicate project requirements to project team after contract award and assist with project execution as needed.
• Continuously seek out new bidding opportunities and methods to improve proposal costs.
• Develop relationships with prospective clients, while maintaining existing client relationships.
• Beta test and maintain thermal design software.
Millwright | Texas, USA
We are seeking a Millwright for plans, lays out, positions, alignment, and fitting together fabricated parts of structural metal products. Welds, tacks, and assembles metal components of products such as modules, structural steel, pipe racks and plate welding with electric arc-welding equipment by performing the following duties.
Requirements:
• Five years Structural Welder/Fitter experience, high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Knowledge of industrial construction and characteristics of all equipment and functions related to the position
• Driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Maintenance: 1 year (Required)
• Mechanical Knowledge: 1 year (Required)
• Must be able to meet all physical demands
Refractory Superintendent | USA
The refractory general supervisor will oversee our refractory and steel construction site works. This individual will manage site logistics and contract operations on all heavy construction sites. With knowledge of all phases of construction, this position will be involved in all divisions of work, methods, codes, materials, safety, quality control, project scheduling.
