Maintenance Electrician-Mobile Equipment

Position Summary

The Maintenance Electrician – Mobile Equipment plays a critical role in maintaining maximum availability and reliability of Mesabi Metallics' world-class mobile mining fleet. This role is responsible for the diagnosis, repair, preventive maintenance, and overhaul of all electrical systems on heavy mobile mining equipment, including ultra-class 400-ton Komatsu autonomous haul trucks, the electric rope shovel operating at 7,200 volts, electric drills, and support vehicles.

Job Responsibilities

• Electrical Maintenance & Repair

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair electrical faults on mobile mining equipment including Komatsu 930E-5 400-ton haul trucks, P&H 2800XPB electric rope shovel, and related mobile fleet.
• Maintain, repair, and overhaul AC/DC electric drive systems, electric wheel motors, alternators, traction motors, and associated control systems on ultra-class haul trucks.
• Perform electrical maintenance on the 7,200V electric rope shovel systems including high-voltage trailing cables, transformer connections, and power distribution components.
• Inspect, test, and replace electrical components such as contactors, relays, circuit breakers, inverters, rectifiers, and motor control centers.
• Troubleshoot and repair programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and onboard machine control systems.

• Autonomous & Advanced Technology Systems

• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of the Komatsu FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) onboard electronics, sensors, radar systems, and communication interfaces.
• Collaborate with OEM technicians and automation engineers on software updates, calibration, and diagnostic procedures for autonomous truck systems.
• Maintain GPS, proximity detection, collision avoidance, and machine monitoring systems on mobile equipment.
• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on all electrical systems per OEM specifications and the site's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Conduct predictive maintenance activities including thermographic inspections, vibration analysis, and oil sampling to identify potential failures before they occur.
• Accurately record all maintenance activities, parts used, and equipment conditions in the CMMS (SAP or equivalent).
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for repetitive or significant electrical failures.
• Strictly adhere to all site safety standards, MSHA regulations (30 CFR), NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements, and Mesabi Metallics safety policies at all times.
• Maintain and enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures on all high-voltage and high-energy equipment.
• Participate in pre-shift safety meetings, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and safety inspections.
• Promptly report all near-misses, incidents, and unsafe conditions; contribute to a culture of zero-harm.
• Work safely around high-voltage systems up to 7,200V per established energized electrical work procedures.
• Work closely with mechanical maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to minimize equipment downtime and maximize fleet availability.
• Mentor apprentice electricians and provide technical guidance to less experienced team members.
• Support commissioning and startup activities for new equipment and system upgrades.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for electrical system improvements, upgrades, and cost savings.

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting AC/DC electric drive systems and electric traction motor systems.
• Working knowledge of high-voltage systems (480V–7,200V) and safe work practices in high-voltage environments.
• Experience with PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent) and VFD troubleshooting.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Experience with Komatsu electric drive haul trucks (930E series or equivalent) or similar ultra-class mining trucks.
• Familiarity with autonomous haulage systems (Komatsu FrontRunner AHS or similar).
• Experience on electric rope or hydraulic shovels (P&H, Bucyrus, Caterpillar, or equivalent).
• CMMS experience (SAP PM, Maximo, or equivalent).
• MSHA Part 46 or Part 48 training certification.
• Experience in taconite, iron ore, or other hard-rock mining environments.
• Strong knowledge of MSHA regulations, NFPA 70E, and mining industry safety standards.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate light-duty vehicles on a mine site.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education

• Journeyman Electrician license (Minnesota or equivalent state) or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Associate's degree or technical diploma in Electrical Technology, Industrial Electronics, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as an industrial or mining electrician, with at least 2 years on heavy mobile mining equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. regularly; occasional lifting up to 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to climb, kneel, crouch, and work in confined or elevated spaces on large mobile equipment (heights up to 30+ feet).
• Must be able to work safely in an active open-pit mine environment subject to year-round northern Minnesota weather extremes (temperatures ranging from -30°F to +95°F).
• Must wear all required PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vest, and arc-flash rated clothing as required.
• Exposure to dust, noise, diesel exhaust, and vibration consistent with open-pit mining operations.

Salary Range

$38 - $50 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with an HSA option.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 6% company match.
• LTD, Life Insurance, and AD&D: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 0-5 Years: 120 hours per year. 5-10 Years: 160 hours per year. 10+ Years: 200 hours per year. Plus 9 paid holiday and 2 floating holidays.