Barge Logistics Expert - DRI & Integrated Steel Plant

Mesabi Metallics; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesabi Metallics is seeking an experienced Logistics Expert – Barge Systems to support the design, permitting, construction, and operation of the company’s marine transportation infrastructure. Reporting to the Logistics Manager, you will serve as the technical SME for barge system design and safety, coordinating with engineers, regulators, and port authorities.

The role focuses on developing a reliable marine logistics network supporting inbound raw materials and outbound products across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation, Maritime Studies, or a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of experience supporting marine logistics, barge transportation, port operations, or large industrial logistics systems.
• Knowledge of maritime regulations, environmental permitting, and stakeholder coordination.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and leadership for the design, development, permitting, and operation of barge transportation systems.
• Support engineering and EPC teams in the development of marine infrastructure, including docks, terminals, loading/unloading systems, and related facilities.
• Manage and coordinate permitting activities with regulatory agencies, environmental consultants, port authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Develop operational strategies for marine transportation, including vessel scheduling, capacity planning, and material handling requirements.
• Establish relationships with barge operators, terminal operators, port authorities, and marine service providers.
• Evaluate transportation requirements and recommend solutions to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
• Support construction activities, commissioning, and startup of barge-related infrastructure.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans related to marine transportation Ensure compliance with applicable maritime, environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor logistics performance metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations, procurement, engineering, and supply chain teams to align marine logistics with production objectives.

Skills

Maritime logistics expertise

Stakeholder coordination

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Supply Chain/Logistics/Transportation/Maritime Studies

Job description

About Mesabi Metallics

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s mining history: Mesabi Metallics’ cutting‑edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Mesabi Metallics is also building a 2.5 MTPA Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) and integrated steel plant to strengthen the U.S. low‑carbon metallics supply chain. The DRI project is envisioned as a next‑generation metallics and steel manufacturing hub aligned with the rapidly expanding U.S. electric arc furnace (EAF) steel sector.

More importantly, you'll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values of sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination, and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day. At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.

Position Summary

Mesabi Metallics is seeking an experienced Logistics Expert – Barge Systems to support the development, implementation, and operation of the Company’s marine transportation infrastructure. Reporting directly to the Logistics Manager, this role will serve as the technical subject matter expert responsible for barge system design, permitting, construction support, and operational readiness. The Logistics Expert – Barge Systems will play a critical role in developing a reliable and efficient marine transportation network supporting inbound raw materials and outbound finished products associated with Mesabi Metallics’ mining, pelletizing, Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), and integrated steel operations. This position will collaborate closely with engineering teams, contractors, regulatory agencies, port authorities, marine transportation providers, and internal stakeholders to ensure barge infrastructure is designed, permitted, constructed and operated safely and effectively.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and leadership for the design, development, permitting, and operation of barge transportation systems
• Support engineering and EPC teams in the development of marine infrastructure, including docks, terminals, loading/unloading systems, and related facilities
• Manage and coordinate permitting activities with regulatory agencies, environmental consultants, port authorities, and other stakeholders
• Develop operational strategies for marine transportation, including vessel scheduling, capacity planning, and material handling requirements
• Establish relationships with barge operators, terminal operators, port authorities, and marine service providers
• Evaluate transportation requirements and recommend solutions to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost effectiveness
• Support construction activities, commissioning, and startup of barge-related infrastructure
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans related to marine transportationEnsure compliance with applicable maritime, environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor logistics performance metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with operations, procurement, engineering, and supply chain teams to align marine logistics with production objectives

Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation, Maritime Studies, or a related field preferred
• 8+ years of experience supporting marine logistics, barge transportation, port operations, or large industrial logistics systems
• Demonstrated experience with barge system design, permitting, construction support, and operational implementation
• Strong understanding of inland waterway transportation, marine terminals, loading/unloading operations, and vessel logistics
• Experience supporting large‑scale industrial, mining, steel, energy, or infrastructure projects preferred
• Knowledge of maritime regulations, environmental permitting, and stakeholder coordination
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills
• Ability to work effectively with engineering teams, contractors, regulators, and external transportation partners

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to project sites, ports, terminals, and operational facilities as required
• Ability to work in industrial and outdoor environments while following all safety requirements