Railway Logistics Expert – DRI & Integrated Steel Plant

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

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 – Railway Systems to support the development, implementation, and operation of the Company’s rail transportation infrastructure. Reporting directly to the Logistics Manager, this role will serve as the technical subject matter expert responsible for railway system design, permitting, construction support, and operational readiness. The Logistics Expert – Railway Systems will play a critical role in establishing a reliable rail network supporting the movement of raw materials, finished products, and other industrial materials associated with Mesabi Metallics’ mining, pelletizing, Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), and integrated steel operations. This position will work closely with engineering teams, railroad partners, contractors, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders to ensure rail infrastructure is designed, permitted, constructed, and operated safely, efficiently, and reliably.

Job 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 associated 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 applicable 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 And Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
• 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
• Experience supporting mining, steel, energy, heavy industrial, or infrastructure projects preferred
• Knowledge of railroad regulations, safety standards, and operational requirements
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage complex projects and collaborate across multiple functional teams

Physical Requirements

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