Engineering Technician

Provide critical technical support for Research Pilot Operations through the safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of pilot-scale steel processing and manufacturing equipment. This position is responsible for ensuring the reliability, availability, and performance of equipment used to produce developmental materials supporting Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), tin products, and next-generation steel development programs. Working closely with engineers, researchers, and operations personnel, the Pilot Operations Technician supports research trials and material production utilizing pilot-scale equipment including the Hot Mill, Cold Mill, pilot can manufacturing line, and associated support systems. The role plays a key part in advancing new steel products, coatings, manufacturing technologies, and process improvements from concept through commercialization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safely operate pilot-scale steel processing and manufacturing equipment in support of research and development programs related to AHSS, tin products, and emerging technologies.
• Perform routine maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on Pilot Operations equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Support production of developmental steel products utilizing the Hot Mills, Cold Mill, Temper mill, pilot can manufacturing line, and associated processing equipment.
• Assist with the setup, execution, and teardown of research trials involving new products, coatings, process modifications, and manufacturing technologies.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and operational issues to minimize downtime and maintain equipment readiness.
• Operate material handling equipment including overhead cranes, forklifts, and other powered industrial vehicles.
• Support sample preparation, material movement, and processing activities required to meet research objectives.
• Document maintenance activities, operating conditions, equipment performance, and trial results using computerized systems and operating records.
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, and operations personnel to support research programs and identify opportunities for equipment reliability, safety, and process improvements.
• Maintain compliance with all safety, environmental, and operating procedures while promoting a safe and organized work environment.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong commitment to safety and safe work practices in an industrial environment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in industrial maintenance, manufacturing, fabrication, steel processing, or a related mechanical trade environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated experience operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing industrial equipment.
• Millwright experience, industrial maintenance training, or equivalent hands-on mechanical experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with mechanical power transmission systems, bearings, gearboxes, conveyors, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, pumps, and rolling mill equipment preferred.
• Machining, rigging, fabrication, or equipment alignment experience is desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, maintenance procedures, and technical documentation.
• Basic computer skills required, including experience with Microsoft Office applications and computerized maintenance or production systems.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with engineers, researchers, maintenance personnel, and operations teams.
• Experience operating forklifts, overhead cranes, or other mobile equipment is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is performed in Research Pilot Operations, laboratories, SMC, and small-scale industrial steel processing environments.
• Regular lifting of materials, tools, and equipment up to 40 pounds is required, with occasional movement of heavier loads using mechanical assistance, including pushing items on rollers weighing more than 1,000 pounds.
• Exposure to industrial equipment, moving machinery, elevated temperatures, noise, dust, molten or hot solid steel hotter than 2,500°F, and steel processing operations may occur while using required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to wear respiratory protection, including a full-face respirator, when required for work or maintenance activities. Hot work may require flame-resistant and aluminized coats.
• Operation of forklifts, overhead cranes, and other mobile equipment may be required; training and certification will be provided.
• Occasional travel, up to 10% of work time, may be required to U. S. Steel facilities, suppliers, or partner locations.
• Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 2nd shift, with overtime and schedule flexibility required to support Pilot Operations activities and research trials.