Steel Processing Technical Lead

Gilder Search Group; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group in Cleveland, OH, seeks a Steel Processing Technical Lead to stabilize line operations and maximize output on slitting, cut-to-length, and coil lines. Lead on the shop floor with hands-on authority, diagnose issues, and mentor operators for sustained performance.

You will work the 2nd shift (2:15 PM – 12:45 AM) and collaborate with maintenance and plant leadership to uphold safety and quality standards while driving root-cause improvements.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of flat-rolled steel processing and related equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and calm, data-driven problem solving under pressure.
• Cross-trained across multiple heavy processing lines and hands-on operation.
• Experience coaching and developing shop-floor operators.
• Willingness to work 2nd shift with backup leadership coverage.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 and audit-ready documentation.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose complex slitting, cut-to-length, and coil processing setup issues by inspecting tooling and verifying parameters.
• Execute immediate floor-level line corrections with operators and maintenance to restore quality.
• Document interventions and track downtime metrics with plant leadership to address root causes.
• Oversee setup and initial production runs for high-risk, tight-tolerance jobs for stability.
• Patrol the plant floor to identify bottlenecks, clear material holds, and expedite workflow.
• Operate slitting, cut-to-length, and packaging machinery when needed due to volume or coverage.
• Coach and mentor machinery operators through live troubleshooting to raise capability.
• Provide temporary floor supervisory coverage during shift leader absences.
• Ensure processing parameters and equipment changes meet safety and quality standards.

Skills

Technical leadership

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Coaching operators

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Title: Steel Processing Technical Lead

Shift: 2nd Shift (2:15 PM - 12:45 AM)

Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 / year (dependent on experience)

Steel Processing Technical Lead Role:

Serves as the primary floor-level technical authority responsible for stabilizing line operations, resolving complex machine setup issues, and maximizing output across steel processing equipment. This position exists to systematically eliminate machinery downtime, elevate operator capability, and ensure product runs meet strict quality standards.

Steel Processing Technical Lead Responsibilities:

• Diagnose complex slitting, cut-to-length, and coil processing setup issues by inspecting tooling and verifying parameters
• Execute immediate floor-level line corrections alongside machine operators and maintenance personnel to restore quality standards
• Document technical interventions and track downtime metrics alongside plant leadership to address root causes
• Oversee setup and initial production runs for high-risk, tight-tolerance jobs to ensure operational stability
• Patrol the plant floor continuously to identify bottlenecks, clear material holds, and expedite job workflow
• Operate slitting, cut-to-length, and packaging machinery directly whenever production volume or shift coverage demands it
• Coach and mentor machinery operators through live troubleshooting to build shop-floor technical capability
• Provide temporary floor supervisory coverage during shift leader absences to maintain uninterrupted plant operations
• Ensure all processing parameters and equipment modifications adhere strictly to plant safety and quality standards

Steel Processing Technical Lead Reporting Relationships:

Reports directly to the Operations Manager / Plant Leadership, with no direct administrative reports, while providing day-to-day technical leadership and occasional supervisory coverage for shop-floor operators.

About You:

• Possess deep technical knowledge of flat-rolled steel processing, slitting, and cut-to-length equipment operations
• Demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude and calm, data-driven problem-solving skills under time pressure
• Maintain cross-trained proficiency across multiple heavy processing lines with a willingness to operate equipment hands-on
• Exhibit a proven track record of coaching and developing technical skills in shop-floor operators
• Commit to working a dedicated 2nd shift schedule with flexibility to provide backup leadership coverage
• Understand quality management frameworks including IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 and audit-ready documentation practices
• Bring experience in mechanical or electrical maintenance, line troubleshooting, or shop-floor team leadership
• Communicate technical concepts clearly across shifts and departments to drive continuous operational improvement

Additional Information:

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees

Physical Demands:

Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and actively maneuvering around industrial machinery and overhead cranes for extended periods on a non-desk shop floor

Working Conditions:

On-site industrial steel service center plant environment in Cleveland, OH