Lead IT Applications Engineer

Location: Cleveland, OH

Cleveland-Cliffs is searching for a Lead IT Applications Engineer who will be a key technical resource supporting a portfolio of business-critical HR, Payroll, Time & Attendance, Badging/Access Control, and Safety applications. The portfolio spans modern vendor platforms and long-running custom systems built on Oracle, Java EE, Visual Basic, .NET, and Linux. The role combines hands-on development and production support with close collaboration with business users and software vendors.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Develop, enhance, and support HR, Payroll, Time & Attendance, and Safety & Security applications, including custom Java/Java EE, Visual Basic/VB.NET, and .NET applications, batch programs, interfaces, and reports
• Write, tune, and troubleshoot complex SQL and database code, including Oracle PL/SQL and Microsoft SQL Server stored procedures, functions, views, and data-load processes
• Support scheduled batch and data-pipeline processes, including Korn shell scripts, Cron jobs, Java batch programs, ensuring timely and accurate data movement between systems
• Provide production support, with priority attention to high-criticality systems such as gross pay, workforce management, timekeeping, and access control: investigate incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement permanent fixes within agreed service levels
• Support application servers and Linux-based environments (such as Tomcat and WebLogic) in coordination with infrastructure teams
• Partner with business stakeholders (HR, Payroll, Safety, Security, and others) to gather requirements, evaluate initiatives, and deliver solutions on time
• Coordinate with software vendors on support tickets, patches, upgrades, enhancements, and escalations, and track issues through resolution
• Plan and support application upgrades, releases, and testing cycles, including regression and user acceptance testing
• Support payroll processing cycles, including month-end, year-end, and regulatory or tax-driven changes, with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including functional specifications, runbooks, support procedures, and system and data flow documentation
• Crosstrain teammates and document specialized or legacy applications so that critical systems have dependable primary and backup coverage
• Lead the team when required: act as technical lead or delegate for the manager, prioritize and assign work, coordinate incident response and payroll-cycle support, and represent the team in cross-functional meetings
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and modernization of legacy applications, and contribute to cross-functional projects
• Follow change management, security, and audit/compliance practices, and help ensure data integrity and appropriate access controls
• Mentor junior team members and share knowledge across the team
• All other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 8–10 years of experience developing and supporting business applications on platforms such as .NET and/or Java/Java EE, including Visual Basic applications
• Strong Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server skills, including writing complex queries, PL/SQL and T-SQL stored procedures, and common database skills such as indexing, performance tuning, query optimization, and basic data modeling
• Working knowledge of Linux/Unix environments, including shell scripting, Cron scheduling, and log analysis, and of Java application servers such as Tomcat or WebLogic
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with business users to understand needs, resolve support issues, and communicate technical topics to non-technical audiences
• Experience coordinating with third-party vendors on application support, issue escalation, and enhancements
• Demonstrated ability to lead others when required, such as serving as technical lead, guiding peers, delegating work, and keeping management informed during incidents and projects
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HR, Payroll, and Time & Attendance systems such as Frontier Matrix and UKG Kronos, and exposure to Dayforce or similar workforce management platforms
• Experience with system integrations and data pipelines (APIs, web services, flat-file and batch interfaces, ETL tools)
• Familiarity with SAS, SSRS, Power BI, or similar reporting tools, and scripting for automation
• Exposure to legacy technologies such as ESQL/C and Open Ingres, or willingness to learn and support them
• Knowledge of payroll and timekeeping concepts, including pay rules, overtime, and regulatory compliance
• Experience working in an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with ITIL, SDLC, and change management practices

The salary range for this role is $120,000 to $160,000.  An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location and business or organizational needs. 

Cleveland-Cliffs is a leading North America-based steel producer with focus on value-added sheet products, particularly for the automotive industry. The Company is vertically integrated from the mining of iron ore, production of pellets and direct reduced iron, and processing of ferrous scrap through primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package, including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.