Quick Answer

Yes, Steel Dynamics (SDI) hires people with felony convictions on an accessible, conditional case-by-case basis.

As a major steel manufacturer, SDI offers stable, high-paying industrial careers across Arkansas (Osceola, Blytheville). Employment is highly accessible for production and industrial maintenance roles, provided the conviction is non-violent and the applicant adheres to the absolute zero-tolerance drug and safety policy required in heavy industry.

Entry-level Production Worker roles start around $20.00–$25.00 per hour plus extensive profit sharing and shift premiums, with skilled Technicians and Mill Operators earning $35.00–$45.00+ per hour (total annual compensation often exceeds $90,000).

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

1. About Steel Dynamics

2. Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

3. Available Jobs

4. Background Check Process

5. Application Tips

6. Benefits and Compensation

7. Comprehensive FAQs

🟢 FELON-FRIENDLY SCORE CARD: STEEL DYNAMICS

✅ WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU APPLY (Eligibility Checklist)

This checklist is a mandatory gut-check for all applicants:

📃 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Most Roles)

• Age: 18 years or older.

• Physical Ability: Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts (common in 24/7 steel production).

• Screening: Willingness to pass a mandatory drug screen and conditional background check.

  
  

⚠️ REALISM CHECK: THE HEAT AND THE SCHEDULE ⚠️

Steel Dynamics offers some of the best hourly wages in Arkansas, but the work environment is physically intense it is extremely hot, loud, and physically demanding. Furthermore, the schedule often involves 12-hour rotating shifts (days and nights) with mandatory overtime. If you are not prepared for this demanding, 24/7 industrial pace, this career path will be difficult, regardless of your past history. Safety compliance is the price of entry.

1. About Steel Dynamics

Steel Dynamics (SDI) is one of the largest steel producers in the United States, operating highly modern and efficient electric arc furnace (EAF) mini-mills. They have massive industrial complexes in Northeast Arkansas (Osceola, Blytheville), serving the construction, automotive, and appliance industries.

The work environment is classic heavy industrial manufacturing: 24/7 operations, high safety risks, union-backed pay structures (often resulting in premium wages), and a culture that values efficiency, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

2. Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

SDI is known for offering highly competitive wages to attract and retain talent in often remote industrial areas, leading to a pragmatic hiring policy that is accessible for individuals with older, non-relevant convictions. They adhere to EEOC guidelines for individualized assessment.

What Steel Dynamics Considers

• Safety Focus: The number one priority. Any felony related to violence, weapons, or safety violations (especially reckless driving or drug distribution) is a major concern due to the inherent dangers of the mill (molten steel, massive equipment).

  
  

• Drug History: This is a zero-tolerance environment. A mandatory, high-sensitivity pre-employment drug screen is universal. Failure is an immediate disqualifier for all safety-sensitive roles.

  
  

• Skill Demand: High demand for skilled trades (Millwrights, Electricians, Crane Operators) means proven, certified expertise can mitigate an older, non-relevant felony (e.g., an assault from 10+ years ago).

  
  

• Integrity: Felonies involving theft or fraud are scrutinized, as employees handle valuable products and supplies. A clean recent history (7+ years) is necessary to demonstrate trustworthiness.

  
  

• Physical Stamina: The job requires workers who can reliably maintain focus and physical endurance during long, rotating shifts.

  
  

3. Available Jobs

SDI offers stable, high-wage careers centered on mill operations and industrial maintenance.

Industrial and Technical Roles (Hourly Pay)

Career Path Example: Mill Operations

The clear path to high income relies on consistent reliability and skill acquisition:

• Utility Person

• Production Operator Trainee

• Mill Operator (Rolling/Casting)

• Shift Lead

• Production Foreman (Salaried $75K+)

4. Background Check Process

SDI's background check is highly focused on safety and integrity due to the industrial environment.

1. Online Application: Submitted through the SDI careers portal.

2. Assessment Tests: Applicants must often pass industrial aptitude tests covering math, measurement, and mechanical reasoning.

3. Interview: Focuses heavily on safety scenarios, teamwork, and commitment to the shift schedule.

4. Conditional Offer: Contingent upon background and drug screen clearance.

5. Screening: Reviews criminal history for job relevance (past 7 years is the primary lookback, but severe crimes are scrutinized indefinitely). Focus is on safety violations and property crimes.

6. Drug Screening: Mandatory, high-sensitivity pre-employment drug screen is non-negotiable. Random testing is standard throughout employment.

7. Final Decision: Driven by the Plant Operations Manager and Safety department.

   
   

5. Application Tips

• Target the Shift: Steel mills run on 12-hour shifts (e.g., 7-7) with mandatory rotating days and nights. Emphasize your ability to commit to this challenging schedule.

• Focus on the Entry Point: The Production Worker/Utility Person role is the quickest way to get hired. It requires hard work but offers immediate exposure to internal training and the promotion ladder.

• Emphasize Safety: Frame your entire resume and interview around the "safety first" mentality. Mention any OSHA certifications or past safety awards.

• Get Certified: Having a basic welding certificate, OSHA-10, or a specialized technical course completion dramatically improves your chances for Maintenance roles.

• Be Honest and Direct: If your felony is older than 7 years, disclose it briefly (if asked) and pivot immediately to your impeccable work history since then, proving your reliability today.

  
  

6. Benefits and Compensation

SDI offers highly competitive compensation and benefits packages: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match, Extensive Paid Time Off (PTO), and a highly valuable Profit Sharing/Bonus Program tied to the mill's performance. The high hourly wages for shift work lead to significant annual income potential.

7. Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Does Steel Dynamics hire felons with recent theft charges?

A: A recent theft or fraud felony (under 7 years) is a major hurdle, as the mill handles high-value steel and equipment. If the crime is recent, denial is likely. If it is older than 7 years, you may be considered for entry-level utility roles.

Q: Is drug testing mandatory?

A: Yes, a mandatory pre-employment drug screen is strictly enforced for all positions due to the dangerous nature of working near molten steel and heavy machinery. Random testing is common.

Q: What is a Mill Operator?

A: A Mill Operator is a highly skilled worker who controls the machinery (like furnaces, casters, or rolling mills) that turn scrap metal into finished steel products. This is a skilled trade job reached through promotion from Production Worker.

Q: How long does the background check go back?

A: The standard check focuses on the last 7 years of criminal history. Convictions older than 7 years may still be reported in Arkansas but are assessed for job relevance and mitigation efforts.

Q: Can I still be hired if I have a violence felony on my record?

A: An old, single violence felony (7+ years) can be manageable. However, recent violence (under 5 years) is a serious risk in a heavy industrial setting and will likely be disqualifying for safety reasons.

Q: What are the shifts like at the steel mill?

A: Most mill workers are on a 12-hour rotating shift schedule (often 7 AM to 7 PM, or 7 PM to 7 AM). This schedule provides good blocks of time off but requires physical stamina for long shifts and quickly changing sleep patterns.

Q: Do I need a college degree to become a Mill Operator?

A: No, a degree is not typically required. The career path for an operator relies on demonstrating technical aptitude, safety adherence, and completing extensive on-the-job training (OJT) after starting as a Production Worker.

Q: Does Steel Dynamics offer tuition assistance?

A: Yes, SDI offers tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing technical education, certifications, or degrees relevant to the steel industry (e.g., electrical maintenance, metallurgy).

Q: What is a "Mobile Equipment Mechanic"?

A: This is a key skilled trade job responsible for maintaining and repairing the large vehicles, front-end loaders, and equipment used to move materials within the mill yard. High pay and high demand.

Q: Are there union jobs at Steel Dynamics?

A: Steel Dynamics is largely a non-union employer, but they offer highly competitive compensation packages and benefits designed to rival union pay scales in the steel industry.

Q: What is the benefit of working for a mini-mill like SDI?

A: Mini-mills tend to be more efficient and financially stable than older, integrated steel plants. They often rely on high-tech equipment, leading to higher pay per worker.

9. Final Thoughts and Strategy Summary

Steel Dynamics offers access to highly paid, stable industrial careers in Northeast Arkansas. Success in this environment depends on your grit, technical aptitude, and absolute commitment to safety.

Strategy for Success:

1. Safety is Non-Negotiable: Ensure zero recent drug use and a clean safety record. This is the single most important barrier to clear.

   
   

2. Physical Commitment: Apply for the Production Worker entry point and show up ready to work the long, strenuous rotating shifts without fail.

   
   

3. Advance with Skill: Use internal training programs to learn the high-paying Mill Operator or Maintenance Technician roles as quickly as possible.