Shift Maintenance Leader – 24/7 Plant

AK Steel Corporation; East Chicago (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland-Cliffs in East Chicago, IN, seeks a Shift Manager Maintenance to lead union craft maintenance staff and coordinate preventive, predictive, and emergency activities ensuring safe, reliable plant operation. You’ll oversee equipment reliability, collaborate with operations and engineers, and drive improvements in maintenance practices.

The role requires strong leadership, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work rotating shifts in a 24/7 facility, with a focus on safety and

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical blueprints and schematics.
• Working knowledge of mechanical equipment and systems, including mechanical drives, hydraulics, and crane systems.
• Basic knowledge of industrial electrical systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to effectively lead, communicate with, and provide direction to a skilled maintenance workforce.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, within a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day direction to union craft employees responsible for maintaining and repairing plant equipment.
• Coordinate preventive, predictive, planned, and emergency maintenance activities to support safe and reliable operations.
• Champion a strong safety culture by reinforcing safety expectations, conducting daily safety communications, monitoring safety activities, and completing inspections.
• Assign and oversee maintenance work while supporting established department priorities and production needs.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and coordinate repairs during planned shutdowns and unexpected breakdowns.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, engineering, and other supervisors to coordinate work and minimize equipment downtime.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, specifications, work orders, production schedules, and technical documentation.
• Monitor critical spare parts and inventory needed to support maintenance activities.
• Coach, train, and develop employees while providing clear expectations, feedback, and technical guidance.
• Support employee relations and address workplace concerns in accordance with company policies and applicable labor agreements.
• Identify opportunities to improve maintenance practices, equipment reliability, safety, and team performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Communication

Safety

Education

Associate degree in Mechanical Eng

High school diploma with trades training

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Cleveland-Cliffs in East Chicago, IN, seeks a Shift Manager Maintenance to lead union craft maintenance staff and coordinate preventive, predictive, and emergency activities ensuring safe, reliable plant operation. You’ll oversee equipment reliability, collaborate with operations and engineers, and drive improvements in maintenance practices.

The role requires strong leadership, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work rotating shifts in a 24/7 facility, with a focus on safety and