Associate Process Control Engineer

AK Steel Corporation; Indiana, Northern (PA, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. in Burns Harbor, IN, seeks an Associate Process Control Engineer to support computer and automation control systems in a large-scale steel plant.

You will collaborate with operations and maintenance to drive production, quality, and environmental compliance while collecting data for continuous improvement. The role offers hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networking in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline as listed.
• Recent graduates or early-career candidates encouraged to apply.
• Basic programming and relational databases knowledge.
• Basic computer networking understanding.

Responsibilities

• Support daily production activities with operations and maintenance teams.
• Troubleshoot and maintain industrial computer systems, instrumentation, and automation equipment.
• Assist in enhancements to automation systems to improve safety, quality, reliability, and productivity.
• Develop, implement, and maintain process models used in steel manufacturing operations.
• Investigate technical issues affecting production performance or system reliability.

Skills

Programming basics

Relational databases

Networking concepts

Problem solving

Learning automation systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLCs

HMI systems

Industrial networking

Job description

Location: Burns Harbor, IN

Cleveland-Cliffs Steel has an immediate opening for an Associate Process Control Engineer at our Burns Harbor, Indiana operation. This position is part of the Maintenance, Environmental, and Utilities Division and offers an excellent opportunity for recent engineering graduates or early-career professionals to develop their skills in industrial automation and process control within a large-scale steel manufacturing environment.

In this role, you will work with experienced engineers and operations teams to support computer and automation control systems that help drive steel production, quality, environmental compliance, and data collection processes. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies while contributing to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to support daily production activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Assist in troubleshooting and maintaining industrial computer systems, instrumentation, process controls, and automation equipment.
• Support enhancements and modifications to existing automation systems to improve safety, quality, reliability, and productivity.
• Help develop, implement, and maintain process models used in steel manufacturing operations.
• Investigate and resolve technical issues that may affect production performance or system reliability.
• Participate in new equipment installations, modernization projects, and system upgrades.
• Assist with engineering activities including planning, design, programming, testing, and startup support.
• Monitor and support real-time process control systems and production data collection applications.
• Maintain and support operating systems, databases, and software applications used in manufacturing operations.
• Work with industrial networking technologies and communication systems.
• Learn and apply emerging technologies and best practices in automation and process control.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Recent graduates and candidates with internship, co-op, research, or project experience are encouraged to apply.
• Basic knowledge of programming languages and relational databases.
• Basic understanding of computer networking concepts.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to learn complex industrial control systems and automation technologies.
• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, academic project, or work experience in manufacturing, automation, controls, or industrial environments.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMI systems, industrial networking, or process control concepts.
• Interest in manufacturing technology, continuous improvement, and industrial automation.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to 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 [e-mail] or call 1-[phone] 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.