Job Description
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:
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Company Overview
Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:
Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)
Competency Summary
At U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:
Think: Think Critically and Drive Change
Lead: Develop Talent and Collaborate
Do: Empower Performance and Deliver Results
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 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.
Company Overview
Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:
- Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies 2022, '23, '24
- Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
- Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
- Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24
Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)
Competency Summary
At U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:
Think: Think Critically and Drive Change
Lead: Develop Talent and Collaborate
Do: Empower Performance and Deliver Results