Management Associate - Maintenance

U. S. Steel•Pine Bluff, AR

13d

About The Position

The U. S. Steel Management Associate Program is an entry-level leadership development program for high-potential college graduates, designed to prepare participants for future leadership roles in manufacturing operations and support functions. Based in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the program lasts 12–24 months and combines hands-on operational experience, project assignments, leadership training, and rotational exposure across multiple business functions. Management Associates support manufacturing operations alongside operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and leadership teams. They take on projects involving safety, reliability, process improvement, operational performance, and business results. Candidates must be willing to work in industrial environments, learn from frontline teams, and help address complex operational challenges. Travel or relocation may be required for rotational assignments, training, project work, and career development across U. S. Steel locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, engineering technology, or a related technical discipline.
Must graduate no later than May 2027.
Must have graduated within the last three years at the time of hire.
Must have no more than three years of professional full-time work experience.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to operational areas.
Fully mobile and willing to relocate or travel for developmental assignments and future career opportunities.
Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Previous internship, co-op, project, manufacturing, engineering, operations, or leadership experience.
Interest in manufacturing operations, industrial processes, continuous improvement, reliability, maintenance, or operational leadership.
Experience leading teams, organizations, projects, athletics, or extracurricular activities.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or related methodologies.
Strong academic achievement and technical aptitude.
Leadership potential and a desire to build a career in manufacturing operations.
Willingness to be hands-on in the operation and learn directly from frontline employees.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to think strategically while remaining focused on day-to-day operational execution.
Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and professional growth.

Responsibilities

Support operational, engineering, maintenance, and continuous improvement projects across the facility.
Participate in rotational assignments that provide broad exposure to manufacturing and business operations.
Work with frontline employees, supervisors, and leaders to understand operational processes and identify improvement opportunities.
Analyze production, quality, reliability, cost, and safety data to support decision-making and operational performance.
Assist with process improvement initiatives focused on safety, efficiency, productivity, and reliability.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on strategic and operational projects.
Develop and present recommendations to plant leadership.
Participate in leadership development, training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Demonstrate a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Travel as needed to support training, rotational assignments, project work, and development opportunities across U. S. Steel locations.