Role Summary:
The Manager of the Mechanical Department in the Pellet Plant is responsible for ensuring the mechanical
reliability, efficiency, and availability of equipment critical to pellet production. This role requires
overseeing mechanical maintenance, managing teams, optimizing equipment performance, and ensuring
compliance with safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Mechanical Maintenance and Reliability
• To plan, schedule, and execute preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities for
pelletization equipment such as mixers, disc pelletizers, balling drums, rotary kilns, and cooler
systems.
• To monitor the performance of mechanical systems and equipment, identifying and addressing
potential issues proactively.
• To implement strategies to enhance equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtimes.
• To ensure optimal performance of utilities and support systems, including compressors, pumps,
conveyors, and hydraulic systems.
Team Leadership and Coordination
• To lead, train, and mentor the mechanical maintenance team, including engineers, supervisors, and
technicians.
• To foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• To develop a collaborative working relationship with production, electrical, and instrumentation
teams to ensure seamless plant operations.
Equipment Installation and Upgrades
• To oversee the installation, commissioning, and testing of new equipment and machinery.
• To evaluate and implement mechanical upgrades or modifications to improve plant efficiency.
• To collaborate with vendors and contractors to ensure timely and quality execution of mechanical
projects.
Safety and Compliance
• To ensure adherence to safety standards, mechanical codes, and regulatory requirements.
• To conduct regular inspections, audits, and risk assessments to maintain a safe working
environment.
• To implement systems for the proper documentation of maintenance activities and compliance
records.
Resource and Cost Management
• To develop and manage the mechanical department's budget, ensuring cost efficiency without
compromising quality.
• To optimize the inventory and procurement of spare parts and consumables to minimize delays and
costs.
Reporting and Analysis
• To prepare and present reports on mechanical performance, downtime analysis, and key
maintenance metrics.
• To use data-driven approaches to enhance equipment availability and reliability.
• To provide inputs for long-term capital planning related to mechanical systems.
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field (master’s preferred).
• Min 15 to 20 years of experience in mechanical maintenance, preferably in Pelletizing plants or similar heavy industry.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale maintenance teams and complex mechanical systems.
Technical skills:
Strong understanding of pellet processes and associated mechanical equipment.
• Proficiency in maintenance management systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASME and API codes.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and lubrication systems.
Certifications in Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), or similar
fields are a plus.
Benefits
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
o 0-3 Years: 96 hours per year
o 3-5 Years: 120 hours per year
o 5-10 Years: 160 hours per year
o 10+ Years: 200 hours per year
