Philipp Aufreiter, head of capex projects at ArcelorMittal Texas HBI has built a career with purpose. His technical leadership story is an inspiring roadmap for the next generation of engineers who has built a career on curiosity, adaptability and a passion for engineering that started when he was young.

Can you walk us through your career journey—from your studies to what you do today?

I studied electrical engineering and began my career at an engineering firm focused on electrical and automation systems. Early on, I worked on a variety of projects: ranging from power plants to the automotive and food industries. After a few years, I transitioned into the steel and iron-making sector by joining an engineering company in Austria.

For almost 20 years, I worked on large-scale projects all over the world, some lasting a few weeks, others for several years. Each project gave me the chance to immerse myself in different cultures, industries, and technical challenges. It was a fantastic learning experience, both professionally and personally. Research and development (R&D) projects, in particular, where I was involved in technical solutions and patent applications, were especially challenging and interesting, as they brought together many engineers from different disciplines, all working toward the same goal. That collaboration is a unique and exciting aspect of the steel industry.

In 2016, one of those assignments brought me to Texas to support the startup and commissioning of a new greenfield steel plant, which three years ago was acquired by ArcelorMittal. I originally came for four to five months because a colleague could not take up the assignment – and ended up staying.

I started as the group lead for Electrical and Instrumentation Maintenance. After two years, I was asked to take over the investment and capital project group, which made perfect sense given my background in large-scale projects. Since then, I’ve been working as a capital project manager, overseeing major investments and upgrades across the plant.

What first sparked your interest in engineering?

Even as a kid, I was curious about how things worked. I was always opening radios and appliances, just to see what was inside and whether I could fix them. I guess that curiosity never left me.

Funnily enough, I now have a two-year-old son who’s already trying to take things apart. So maybe it runs in the family!

Looking back, what do you think contributed most to your growth as a technical leader?

Without a doubt, working internationally. Traveling to so many countries—Korea, China, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Slovakia, Ukraine, and more—taught me how to navigate cultural differences, build trust, and lead diverse teams. You can be the most skilled engineer in the room, but if you don’t know how to communicate or collaborate across cultures, you won’t succeed in global projects.

I also learned how to listen, be adaptable, and treat people with respect. That’s what builds strong teams.

Was there a turning point in your journey into leadership?

There wasn’t a single moment, it was more of a gradual evolution. I never set out to become a leader, it just kept happening naturally. People would approach me and say, “Can you take this on?” and I’d say yes. I never said no even if it was a challenge.

Over time, I developed confidence in managing teams, guiding projects, and owning the outcome. Leadership is a skill that grows with experience, not something you step into overnight.

What advice would you give to young engineers considering a career at ArcelorMittal?

Be patient and stay curious. I’ve noticed that many young graduates today aim for leadership roles right away. While ambition is great, I believe it’s important to start at ground level, to learn the process, get your hands dirty, and understand the plant operations inside out.

Real learning happens when you make mistakes and grow from them. No university can prepare you fully for the realities of working in a steel plant. You need time to develop the instincts, judgment, and resilience that good leaders have.

You’ve worked around the world. Would you recommend international assignments to others?

Absolutely. If you get the chance — take it. It’s an incredible way to grow, both professionally and personally. You gain exposure to different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and leading. That experience stays with you for life.

That said, it does require balance, especially if you have a family. Not everyone is willing or able to travel as much these days, and that’s understandable. But if you can make it work, it’s worth it.

Final thoughts: what makes ArcelorMittal a good place for engineers today?

ArcelorMittal is a place where engineers can thrive. The scale of our operations, the complexity of our projects, and the focus on innovation all offer incredible learning opportunities. Whether you’re fresh out of university or an experienced professional, you’ll find challenging work, strong teams, and the chance to make a real impact.

And if you’re open to growth, whether that means learning new technologies, working across borders, or stepping into leadership roles, there’s no limit to where this journey can take you.

Discover the latest roles on offer at ArcelorMittal North America at https://northamerica.arcelormittal.com/people/work-with-us