“The work of a reliability engineer is interesting because you have to look for connections between everyday things and anticipate various operational situations that may arise. I already know some things from experience, but some things still surprise me. It's interesting to analyze a new problem; I always learn something I haven’t known before ," says Štefan Suja, who works as Steelshop maintenance reliability engineer.

In a steelworks, but this certainly also applies to other plants and life situations, a failure always occurs when we least expect it and need it least. "It's always a new challenge. I try to keep the equipment running reliably. It's a dynamic job where I have to be on my toes all the time."

More time at work than at home

Štefan Suja, who has been working in the ironworks since 1985, was awarded the honorary badge of the Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic for his loyalty to work. He started as a millwright, then became a preparer, later a foreman, and now he works as a technologist. Like many other ironworkers, he followed in his father's footsteps. His father worked in the ironworks for many years as a metallurgist. However, the tradition will not continue, as Štefan Suja has three daughters. All three are proud of their father. His wife was particularly delighted with the award, saying that he sometimes spends more time at work than at home. And Štefan's father would certainly be the proudest of all.

The close-knit family spends almost every weekend at their cottage they renovate in their spare time, tending to the garden, and especially spending time with their four grandchildren when they come to visit. "When we're done and have some free time, we get on our bikes and ride around the neighborhood," he says.

The effort is worth it

We wanted to know what makes his work interesting: "Every job I've ever had has had something new to offer. In fact, every day is different, bringing new tasks, problems with various failures, spare parts, repairs to equipment... When I see that we've managed to solve everything, that the newly designed spare parts and materials have met or even exceeded the expected parameters (service life, quality), I'm satisfied and feel a sense of fulfillment that the time, effort, and often a little nervousness were worth it. There were certainly tense moments when we tried hard and things didn't go as we had planned and wanted to do. We are an excellent team, we respect each other, help each other and complement each other. We analyze problems together, which allows us to solve them sooner.”

A “Thank you!” to the colleagues for their support

Štefan would like to thank his colleagues for their support and for being able to complete their tasks and resolve issues safely, efficiently, and quickly. As he says, the order of tasks changed many times, but none of them lost any of their importance. He is also grateful to his superiors who nominated him for this award.

We asked Peter Dubec, Head of Steelworks Maintenance, for a brief statement: "Štefan performs his duties responsibly and conscientiously. He excels in his professional knowledge and insight, and is an example of exceptional diligence, tenacity, and thoroughness. For him, solving problems is always a challenge to get better. He is a recognized expert and moral role model not only for his colleagues, but for everyone he has come into contact with in his professional and personal life. His contribution to the U. S. Steel Košice is recognizable through specific activities in the areas of improving work safety, quality, the environment, efficiency, and productivity."

Photo: Ján Kisucký