Barge Logistics Expert - DRI & Integrated Steel Plant

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC seeks an experienced Logistics Expert – Barge Systems to design, permit, and operate barge transportation for its DRI and ISP. You will collaborate with engineering teams, regulators, port authorities, and logistics partners to ensure safe, reliable marine infrastructure.

The role focuses on inland waterways, docks, terminals, vessel scheduling, and risk mitigation, supporting a greenfield steel project with strong emphasis on safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience supporting marine logistics, barge transportation, port operations, or large industrial logistics systems.
• Experience with barge system design, permitting, construction support, and operational implementation.
• Knowledge of inland waterway transportation, marine terminals, loading/unloading operations, and vessel logistics.
• Experience supporting large-scale industrial, mining, steel, energy, or infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for design, permitting, and operation of barge transportation systems.
• Support marine infrastructure development including docks, terminals, and loading facilities.
• Coordinate permitting activities with regulators, environmental consultants, and port authorities.
• Develop operational strategies: vessel scheduling, capacity planning, and material handling.
• Establish relationships with barge operators, port authorities, and service providers.
• Evaluate transportation needs and propose cost-effective improvements.
• Support construction, commissioning, and startup of barge infrastructure.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Ensure compliance with maritime, environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor logistics performance metrics and drive continuous improvement.
• Align marine logistics with production goals across teams.

Skills

Barge logistics

Marine terminals

Regulatory coordination

Project management

Stakeholder liaison

Inland waterway knowledge

Analytical skills

Engineering background

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

About Mesabi Metallics

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering organization advancing innovation in sustainable Integrated steel manufacturing. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship, and generating long-term value for all stakeholders.

You will be joining us at a pivotal stage of one of North America's most significant industrial developments. Mesabi Metallics is developing Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Integrated Steel Plant that will strengthen the U.S. low‑carbon metallics supply chain. The project is envisioned as a next‑generation metallics and steel manufacturing hub supporting the rapidly growing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel sector.

More importantly, you'll be part of a collaborative and supportive workplace that values integrity, innovation, teamwork, inclusivity, sustainability, determination, and performance. At Mesabi Metallics, you will play an important role in shaping the future of sustainable steel manufacturing.

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 for its greenfield Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Integrated Steel Plant (ISP). 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 materials and outbound finished products associated with Mesabi Metallics’ 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 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 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.

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our success.