Lead Project Engineer

AK Steel Corporation; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. in Butler, PA is seeking a Lead Project Engineer to drive capital, infrastructure, and continuous improvement projects. You will lead scopes from concept through startup, coordinating with operations, maintenance, contractors and vendors to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-efficient solutions.

The role emphasizes equipment reliability, plant performance and compliance with standards. Strong project leadership, communication and technical skills are required for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in heavy manufacturing/industrial environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with deadlines and budgets.
• Strong analytical, organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience with AutoCAD and project management software.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, procurement, installation and startup of equipment/facilities.
• Develop scopes, schedules, budgets and execution plans.
• Support Operations and Maintenance to improve reliability and safety.
• Oversee contractors and vendors to ensure safe, on-time, within-budget delivery.
• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance and quality across projects.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related)

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Butler, PA

Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for a Lead Project Engineer at our Butler Works facility. This position plays a key role in the successful execution of capital, infrastructure, and continuous improvement projects across the plant. The Lead Project Engineer will lead projects from concept and design through procurement, construction, installation, and startup while collaborating with operations, maintenance, contractors, and vendors to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on plant performance by improving equipment reliability, supporting manufacturing operations, and driving infrastructure and process improvements in a dynamic heavy manufacturing environment.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Lead engineering projects involving the design, procurement, installation, and startup of new or modified equipment and facilities.
• Develop project scopes, specifications, schedules, budgets, and execution plans to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide engineering and technical support to Operations and Maintenance teams to improve plant reliability, productivity, and safety.
• Oversee the work of engineering firms, contractors, fabricators, suppliers, and vendors to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
• Ensure contractor compliance with all applicable safety requirements, including site orientation, training, permit processes, and safe work practices.
• Review, interpret, and modify engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics using AutoCAD and other drafting tools.
• Maintain engineering documentation, drawings, project files, and revision records.
• Ensure equipment designs, installations, and operational practices comply with applicable regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry standards.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to enhance plant performance and operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Ten (10 or more years of engineering experience in a heavy manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget objectives.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Project or similar project management software.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, contractors, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledgeable in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Understanding of national electric codes, safety codes, electrical regulations, and industrial manufacturing standards.
• Able to analyze complex circuit failures and troubleshoot factory power failures.
• Able to design and explain technical drawings clearly to contractors, factory workers and managers.
• Experienced in design and calculating electrical power load demands and circuit capacities.
• Experience managing capital projects within the steel, metals, or other heavy industrial manufacturing industries.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, educationassistance, paid time off, and more.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call 1-[phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.