Industrial Rail Systems Lead

Mesabi Metallics; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesabi Metallics seeks an experienced Logistics Expert – Railway Systems to lead the design, permitting, construction support, and operations of the company’s rail infrastructure supporting mining, pelletizing, DRI, and steel operations. Reporting to the Logistics Manager, you will ensure a reliable rail network coordinating with engineers, railroads, contractors, and regulators.

The role requires 8+ years in railway systems and a strong track record in design, permitting, and operations, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation, Logistics, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience supporting railway systems, industrial rail operations, transportation infrastructure, or large capital projects.
• Demonstrated experience with railway system design, permitting, construction support, and operational implementation.
• Strong understanding of railroad operations, rail yards, track infrastructure, switching operations, and industrial rail logistics.
• Experience working with Class I railroads, contractors, engineering firms, and regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise for the design, development, permitting, and operation of industrial railway systems.
• Support engineering and EPC teams with rail infrastructure planning, including track design, rail yards, loading/unloading facilities, and related systems.
• Coordinate permitting activities and regulatory requirements related to railway infrastructure.
• Develop operational strategies for rail transportation, including capacity planning, scheduling, train movements, and network optimization.
• Establish and maintain relationships with Class I railroads, short-line operators, contractors, and rail service providers.
• Evaluate rail transportation requirements and recommend solutions to improve reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• Support construction activities, commissioning, and startup of rail infrastructure.
• Assist with rail operations planning, maintenance strategies, and long-term infrastructure optimization.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies related to rail transportation.
• Ensure compliance with railroad, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor rail performance metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations, procurement, engineering, and supply chain teams to align rail logistics with production requirements.

Skills

Railway systems

Industrial rail operations

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder collaboration

Rail yard design

Rail infrastructure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Transportation/Logistics

Job description

Mesabi Metallics seeks an experienced Logistics Expert – Railway Systems to lead the design, permitting, construction support, and operations of the company’s rail infrastructure supporting mining, pelletizing, DRI, and steel operations. Reporting to the Logistics Manager, you will ensure a reliable rail network coordinating with engineers, railroads, contractors, and regulators.

The role requires 8+ years in railway systems and a strong track record in design, permitting, and operations, with