Rolling Mill Automation & Controls Engineer
Imagine stepping into a mill where your ingenuity keeps steel—and careers—moving. At Gerdau, a B Corp Certified leader producing steel bars with some of the lowest embodied carbon in the U.S., you’ll turn complex control challenges into safer, faster, and smarter operations. Your work will help teammates thrive, customers succeed, and communities grow.
Mission
Lead the automation heartbeat of our rolling mill—advancing training, troubleshooting, software stewardship, R&D, and continuous improvement across electrical/electronic systems—while collaborating with production, maintenance, and leadership. This role reports to the Maintenance General Foreman.
Build. Improve. Support.
Build
- Design and modify PLC logic to align with operational goals and safety standards.
- Develop and refine HMIs that simplify operator decision‑making.
- Recommend and implement major equipment modifications, renovations, installations, additions, and replacements.
Improve
- Increase throughput and strengthen instrumentation reliability.
- Enhance control responsiveness to instrument feedback.
- Elevate alarm reporting and functionality for operators and maintenance.
- Stabilize automation to reduce delays caused by automated processes.
Support
- Lead troubleshooting of major failures; maintain software backups.
- Collect, analyze, and communicate asset performance data; implement and sustain gains.
- Contribute to planning and scheduling for down‑days and outages.
- Participate in Failure Analysis and Annual Action Planning.
Technology Ecosystem
PLC
- GE Innovation Series; RX3i
- Toshiba NV
- Siemens S7/TIA (S7‑1516)
- Allen‑Bradley PLC
- GE Genius Block I/O networks
HMI/SCADA
- GE Cimplicity
- Ignition
- WIN CC
- Rockwell Automation
Electrical, Networks, and Drives
- IBA analytical tools and data acquisition (IBA/PDA)
- Computer networking; Cisco switching/router configuration
- ABB LV and MV drives
Your Background
- Bachelor’s in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering and 5+ years in manufacturing programming PLCs, including ladder logic in Rockwell and Siemens S7‑1516.
- Proficient with AC/DC controls, motors, and drives.
- Experienced delivering electrical projects from design through implementation and maintenance while meeting operational and safety standards.
- Knowledge of PLC communication protocols (Profibus and Profinet preferred).
- Versed in diagnosing automation, communication, and HMI issues and implementing durable fixes.
- Comfortable with MS Office; exposure to IBA/PDA or similar data tools.
- Equally effective in office and field settings; able to convert operator requests into actionable control changes.
- Detail‑driven, creative, and collaborative with operators, maintenance, and leaders.
What Sets Gerdau Apart
- Global footprint transforming millions of metric tons into beams, flat‑rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire serving auto, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment markets.
- Inclusive culture that champions diversity, sparks innovation, and creates products that serve society.
- Team‑first environment built on safety and sustainability.
- Commitment to continuous improvement with investments in people, processes, and technology.
- Clear Career Path System with extensive training.
Compensation & Benefits
- Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with coverage beginning day one
- Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 100% 401(k) match up to 6%
- Life and accidental life insurance
- Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
- Annual bonus
- Health Advocate services
- Paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Career Path System and training
Core Competencies
- PLC troubleshooting and programming
- Industrial/manufacturing engineering
- Troubleshooting industrial automation assets
- SCADA experience
- Machine vision programming
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Electrical schematic reading
Machines & Technologies
Work Authorization
Gerdau will only employ those who are legally eligible to immediately work in the U.S. without any current or potentially need for future sponsorship.