United States Steel Corporation

Projects Operations Lead - Q&T

United States Steel Corporation • $95K — $115K *
Fairfield, AL 35064In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Technology, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience in steel operations or industrial project execution
  • Minimum 7 years' experience in manufacturing, steel operations, or engineering projects
  • Preferred experience in leading capital projects and commissioning in an industrial environment
  • Proven ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines such as Operations, Engineering, and Quality
  • Strong skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and operational discipline
  • Experience in developing training plans and workforce readiness for equipment or process changes

Responsibilities

  • Lead Q&T capital and operational improvement projects from start to finish
  • Ensure project safety, compliance, quality, and operational performance during execution
  • Partner with Engineering to assess equipment design and process requirements
  • Coordinate project planning with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
  • Develop and support commissioning and startup plans for operational readiness
  • Monitor Q&T process data to identify improvements
  • Provide technical guidance on Q&T equipment and processes

Benefits

  • Comprehensive training and development programs
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment
  • Commitment to employee safety and well-being
  • Access to innovative industry practices and technology
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Projects Operations Lead - Quench & Temper is responsible for providing technical and operational leadership for capital projects supporting Quench & Temper (Q&T) operations at Fairfield Works - Tubular. This role serves as a key connection point between Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, contractors, vendors, and plant leadership to ensure Q&T projects are safely planned, effectively executed, and successfully transitioned into sustainable operations.

This position will lead projects from concept through commissioning, startup, training, and stabilization, with responsibility for translating project scope into operating readiness. The role will support equipment design reviews, construction and outage coordination, process control readiness, commissioning plans, training requirements, and post-startup performance improvement. The successful candidate will bring strong technical judgment, operational discipline, project execution capability, and the ability to build capability in the workforce as new or modified Q&T processes are implemented.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead capital and operational improvement projects for Quench & Temper operations from concept development through scope definition, execution planning, commissioning, startup, and stabilization.
  • Serve as the operations lead for Q&T project execution, ensuring project decisions consider safety, environmental compliance, quality, production continuity, maintainability, training, and long-term operating performance.
  • Partner with Engineering to review equipment design, process parameters, utility requirements, equipment specifications, installation plans, and manufacturing requirements for Q&T equipment and supporting systems.
  • Support project development activities including front-end loading, cost-benefit evaluation, alternative analysis, project estimates, funding requests, scope development, implementation planning, and operating readiness plans.
  • Coordinate cross-functional project activities across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of scope, schedule, resources, and operational needs.
  • Develop and support commissioning, startup, and ramp-up plans, including readiness checklists, acceptance criteria, equipment testing, process validation, training requirements, and transition-to-operations plans.
  • Lead or support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), construction walkdowns, punch-list resolution, commissioning reviews, and final turnover of equipment or process changes to Operations.
  • Oversee training and workforce readiness for Q&T projects, including operating procedures, standard work, qualification requirements, hands-on training, and competency sign-off for management and hourly employees.
  • Collaborate with Quality and Product/Technical teams to ensure Q&T process controls, inspection requirements, customer specifications, product qualification needs, and QMS documentation are addressed during project execution.
  • Monitor and analyze Q&T process data, equipment performance, downtime drivers, product quality trends, and operating conditions to identify improvement opportunities and corrective actions.
  • Lead efforts to identify, implement, and document project-driven improvements in safety, quality, productivity, reliability, cost, throughput, and process consistency.
  • Provide technical and operational guidance related to Q&T equipment, heat treatment processes, quenching, tempering, process control, material flow, and operating standards.
  • Support contractor and vendor coordination, including bid evaluations, specification reviews, expediting, field execution, work planning, safety expectations, and construction progress management.
  • Ensure project risks, scope changes, operating impacts, and readiness gaps are clearly communicated, documented, escalated, and resolved in partnership with the appropriate stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while driving accountability for project safety, quality, schedule, budget, and operational performance targets.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Technology, Business, or a related field is required. Equivalent relevant experience in steel operations, heavy manufacturing, or industrial project execution may be considered.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing, steel operations, industrial operations, engineering projects, maintenance, or a closely related environment is preferred.
  • Experience supporting or leading capital projects, equipment installations, commissioning, operational readiness, process stabilization, or project implementation in an industrial environment is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, vendors, contractors, and plant leadership to drive project execution and operational results.
  • Strong technical, problem-solving, analytical, communication, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, environmental compliance, quality, and operational discipline.
  • Experience developing training plans, standard work, operating procedures, qualification expectations, or workforce readiness plans for new equipment or process changes is preferred.
  • Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including project work that may require weekend, holiday, off-shift, outage, or extended-hour support as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in Quench & Temper operations, heat treatment, seamless pipe, OCTG, finishing operations, steelmaking, rolling, thermal processing, or related manufacturing processes.
  • Knowledge of Q&T process fundamentals, including controlled heating, quenching, tempering, process parameters, inspection requirements, equipment performance, and product consistency expectations.
  • Experience with project delivery systems, scope management, project controls, critical path schedules, cost control, risk management, commissioning plans, or change management processes.
  • Hands-on experience managing vendors, contractors, construction activities, equipment installation, Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, commissioning, or startup support.
  • Experience supporting Quality Management Systems, process control plans, technical specifications, customer requirements, internal audits, or corrective action processes.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing data systems, process data analysis, dashboards, Tableau, Minitab, SPC, or other tools used to evaluate process performance and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams, providing direction to hourly and management employees, and building capability through coaching, training, and knowledge transfer.
  • Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, reliability improvement, continuous improvement, or structured problem-solving methods.


About United States Steel Corporation

United States Steel Corporation is an integrated steel producer with major production operations in the United States, Canada and Central Europe and an annual raw steelmaking capability of 27 million net tons. The company manufactures a wide range of value-added steel sheet and tubular products for the automotive, appliance, container, industrial machinery, construction, and oil and gas industries.

United States Steel Corporation Careers

Join the robust team at United States Steel Corporation, a leader in the steel industry, and propel your career to new heights with a company renowned for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and sustainability.

Work You’ll Do

At United States Steel Corporation, you will be part of a dynamic team that drives our legacy of innovation forward. Engage in work that shapes the future of the industry and contributes to sustainable solutions that impact the world. Our diverse workforce is committed to excellence and achieving superior results through teamwork and leadership.

Transform Your Career

United States Steel Corporation offers a unique platform for professionals to lead in the marketplace by combining industry expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to innovation and growth. Our team members are at the forefront of the steel industry, driving change and transforming our operations to stay ahead of global demands.

Innovative Work Environment

Join our team of dedicated professionals who are not only experts in steel production but also pioneers in environmental stewardship and advanced manufacturing processes. Our commitment to innovation is evident in every project and strategy that drives United States Steel Corporation forward.

Be Part of a Great Team

United States Steel Corporation is not just a company; it’s a community. Here, you will find a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Our team is made up of skilled professionals from various backgrounds, all contributing to our collective success. We offer extensive benefits, diversity training, and opportunities for career advancement.

Future-Proof Your Career

With United States Steel Corporation, your career path is filled with limitless opportunities for advancement. We support our team members with unmatched training, development programs, and leadership opportunities designed to foster professional growth and innovation.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re looking for a position in engineering, management, or production, United States Steel Corporation offers a variety of job opportunities to fit your skills and career goals. We are committed to hiring and developing the best talent to maintain our position as a leader in the steel industry.

United States Steel Corporation Employment Experience

Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are passionate, curious, and driven. From the moment you submit your resume and throughout the interview process, you will experience a transparent and respectful journey. We value the skills and perspectives each team member brings to our company.

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Learn more about United States Steel Corporation
Size
24,540 employees
Market Cap
$6.1 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
-$1.1 billion
Founded
1901
5 Year Trend
+14.6%
Revenue
$9.7 billion
NASDAQ
X
* Ladders Estimates

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