The Role
Leads laboratory and quality control operations for an iron ore mining and pelletization project. Oversees sampling, chemistry and physical testing, product release, regulatory compliance, SOPs, audits, CAPA, data integrity, instrumentation, analytical reporting, and continuous improvement. Manages, trains, and evaluates QC personnel while ensuring accurate, timely, and traceable laboratory results supporting product quality and operational reliability.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Mesabi Metallics
When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s mining history: Mesabi Metallics’ cutting-edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed, it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.
More importantly, you'll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day.
At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.
Position Summary
The Manager – Lab and Quality Control is responsible for leading all laboratory and quality control operations, ensuring compliance with internal quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. This role oversees sampling, testing activities, manages QC personnel, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures accurate, timely analytical results that support safe and reliable product release.
Job Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Manager – Lab and Quality Control, will be responsible for the following:
When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s mining history: Mesabi Metallics’ cutting-edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed, it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.
More importantly, you'll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day.
At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.
Position Summary
The Manager – Lab and Quality Control is responsible for leading all laboratory and quality control operations, ensuring compliance with internal quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. This role oversees sampling, testing activities, manages QC personnel, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures accurate, timely analytical results that support safe and reliable product release.
Job Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Manager – Lab and Quality Control, will be responsible for the following:
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the Quality Control (QC) laboratory, including chemistry and physical testing (as applicable).
- Ensure timely testing and release of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and stability batches.
- Implement best practices in laboratory workflows, instrumentation, and documentation.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Maintain and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, and specifications.
- Conduct internal audits, support external audits, and ensure closure of corrective and preventiveactions (CAPA).
- Lead, mentor, and develop laboratory analysts and QC staff.
- Plan training programs to enhance technical capabilities and regulatory understanding.
- Manage work allocation, performance evaluations, and competency assessments.
- Ensure accuracy, reliability, and traceability of laboratory data.
- Manage online analysis equipment performance.
- Review and approve test results, analytical reports, and certificates of analysis (COAs).
- Maintain QC documentation, logbooks, and digital records in compliance with data-integrity standards.
- Drive quality improvement projects, root-cause analyses, and process optimization initiatives.
- Implement new analytical techniques or automation to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Monitor key quality indicators and take proactive measures to prevent deviations.
- Other duties as assigned
- 5-10+ years of experience in Quality Control or laboratory functions, including at least 3 years in a supervisory/managerial role.
- 5+ years in mineral processing engineering.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in laboratory instrumentation and validation.
- Strong documentation and communication skills.
- Understanding of regulatory audits and compliance procedures.
- Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, or related field.
- None.
Salary Range:
Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our success.- $100,000 to $125,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
- 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):
- 0-3 Years: 96 hours per year.
- Plus 9 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.
Skills Required
- 5-10+ years of experience in quality control or laboratory functions
- At least 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience
- 5+ years of experience in mineral processing engineering
- Strong leadership and people-management skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Proficiency in laboratory instrumentation and validation
- Strong documentation and communication skills
- Understanding of regulatory audits and compliance procedures
- Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, or a related field
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The Company
What We Do
Mesabi Metallics Company LLC, an Essar Group company, is developing an iron ore mine and pellet plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota. The operation is designed to produce 7 million metric tons of direct-reduction-grade iron ore pellets annually for the steel industry. By supplying high-grade domestic feedstock, the project aims to support U.S. steelmaking, strengthen domestic supply, and advance the transition toward lower-carbon, green steel.
