Thermal Furnace Construction Engineer

Date: 8 Sept 2025

Location: Seraing, Belgium

Company: John Cockerill

⚙️ Thermal Furnace Construction Engineer
Division: Industry – Metals | John Cockerill
📍 Based in Liège – International Projects

 

 

🌍 Join a committed technology leader

 

Founded in 1817, John Cockerill supports sustainable innovation to address today’s global challenges.
With expertise in services and equipment for the energy, defense, industry, environment, transport, and infrastructure sectors, the Group designs tailor-made technological solutions for companies, governments, and communities.
With more than 8,000 employees, John Cockerill achieved revenues of €1.417 billion in 2024, across 28 countries on 5 continents.

 

 

🏗️ An opportunity within the Metals sector

 

Are you ready to work on impactful international projects in the steel and automotive industries?
Join John Cockerill as a Thermal Furnace Construction Engineer within the Industry – Metals division.

 

 

🧩 Position context

 

The metallurgical industry is evolving towards higher performance and sustainability.
John Cockerill’s Industry – Metals division designs and supplies advanced industrial equipment: reheating furnaces, surface treatment lines, rolling mills, automation systems, and more.
Thanks to our expertise in engineering, international project management, and sourcing, we deliver tailor-made solutions, providing support from installation to transformation and optimization.

 

 

🎯 Your role

 

Within the cold steel sector, the Thermal Furnace Construction Engineer acts as an internal (and occasionally external) reference, applying technical expertise in furnace construction to ensure the successful execution of projects within the thermal department.

You will master the technical knowledge required for the design and construction of annealing/galvanizing furnaces for process lines (carbon steel, stainless steel, silicon steel).
You may also take on responsibilities as a Thermal Engineer in one or more projects.

 

 

🛠️ Your responsibilities

 

  • Guide engineers toward proven technical solutions

  • Advise on the selection of materials, casing design (sheet metal), insulation, heating processes, piping, mechanical parts, and steel structures

  • Contribute to the development of new solutions (new steel grades, decarbonization, cost optimization)

  • Conduct active technology watch on solutions applicable to annealing/galvanizing furnaces

  • Represent John Cockerill internationally as a furnace supplier

  • Draft and update technical reference documents for engineers

  • Share expertise through training sessions and document knowledge

  • Provide occasional support to pre-projects (sales) in selecting and defending technical solutions

  • Carry out some or all of the activities of a Thermal Engineer depending on project involvement

 

 

👤 Profile

 

Technical skills:

 

  • Engineering degree or PhD in Thermal Engineering, Materials, Metallurgy, or Industrial Engineering

  • Project management and engineering experience

  • Expertise in heating, heat transfer, pressure losses, and insulation

  • Expertise in furnace mechanical equipment (roller seals, furnace rollers, etc.)

  • Sizing/design of high-temperature casings/piping

  • Knowledge of thermal processes (burners, electric resistances) and cooling systems

  • Ability to read and analyze drawings, P&IDs, and flow sheets

  • Software skills: AutoCAD, Inventor (a plus), MS Office Suite

  • Proficiency in French and professional English

 

 

Personal qualities:

 

  • Autonomy, responsiveness, and strong interpersonal skills

  • Teamwork, rigor, and organizational skills

  • Versatility and stress resilience

  • Analytical and synthesis skills, adaptability

  • Technical leadership, time management, and team motivation

  • Ability to transmit values and share knowledge

 

 

🎁 What we offer

 

  • A central role in high-stakes industrial projects

  • A collaborative, responsible, and innovation-driven culture

  • Technical challenges in an international environment

  • An attractive package including:
    🚗 Company car
    🍽️ Meal vouchers
    💰 Performance-related bonus
    🏠 Remote working opportunities
    🌴 31 vacation days
    📈 Health insurance & pension plan

 

 

📅 Recruitment process

 

  1. Initial interview with Antoine Godeo Barrera (Talent Acquisition)

  2. Technical & HR interview with project teams

  3. Final meeting with division management

 

 

🚀 Ready to lead impactful international industrial projects?

 

 

Apply today at John Cockerill and become a key player in the industrial transition.

John Cockerill offers career and development opportunities across its different business sectors, in a friendly and collaborative work environment.
Would you like to join an innovative company that will allow you to tackle technical challenges every single day?
We look forward to receiving your application and meeting you soon!

👉 Discover our detailed job opportunities on Career – John Cockeril