Automation / Controls Engineer

Steel Dynamics; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Steel Dynamics in Columbus, MS is seeking an Automation / Controls Engineer I to support reliability and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation systems. The role partners with operations, maintenance, quality, and IT to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, analyze production data, and maintain Level 2 automation applications, dashboards, and reporting tools.

Candidates will develop expertise in industrial networks, process automation, and steel production operations while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical/Automation Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Basic knowledge of programming, databases, industrial automation, or manufacturing systems.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety policies and participate in safety initiatives.
• Troubleshoot Level 2 automation, software, and system issues with operations and maintenance.
• Monitor process and equipment performance to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop, test, implement, and document enhancements to Level 2 apps and data tools.
• Create and use SQL queries and reporting tools to validate data.
• Assist with root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain backups and follow change management procedures.
• Support HMI, dashboards, and reporting system development.
• Assist with industrial networks configuration (Ethernet, TCP/IP, Profinet).
• Participate in outages, upgrades, and capital projects.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and standard work.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements.
• Analyze data to identify trends and process improvements.
• Pursue continuous professional development.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Team player

Programming basics

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

SQL

Python

C#

PLC/SCADA exposure

HMIs / industrial networks

Job description

Automation / Controls Engineer

Job Locations: US-MS-Columbus

ID: 2026-7583

Pos. Category: Production

Overview

The Automation/Controls Engineer I supports the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation systems. This role partners with operations, maintenance, quality, and IT teams to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, analyze production data, and maintain Level 2 automation applications. The position provides opportunities to develop technical expertise in manufacturing systems, industrial networks, process automation, and steel production operations.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety policies and procedures and actively participate in safety initiatives, risk assessments, and safe work practices.
• Troubleshoot Level 2 automation, software, and system issues, working with operations and maintenance teams to identify and resolve problems.
• Monitor process and equipment performance to identify opportunities for improvements in reliability, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Develop, test, implement, and document enhancements to Level 2 applications, data processing tools, and reporting solutions.
• Create and utilize SQL queries and reporting tools to validate data, investigate issues, and support operational decision-making.
• Assist with root cause analysis efforts and implement corrective actions to improve system performance.
• Maintain software, database, and configuration backups while following established change management procedures.
• Support HMI, visualization, dashboard, and reporting system development to improve operational visibility and user experience.
• Assist with configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial networks and communications, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, and Profinet environments.
• Participate in planned outages, system upgrades, and capital improvement projects, including testing and validation activities.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, standard work procedures, and system records.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, IT, and engineering personnel to execute improvement initiatives and support production goals.
• Analyze operational and production data to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, productivity, quality, and equipment reliability.
• Continue professional development through training, project participation, and exposure to manufacturing processes and automation technologies.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Basic knowledge of programming, databases, industrial automation, or manufacturing systems.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Internship, co-op, or project experience involving automation, controls, software development, industrial networking, or manufacturing systems.
• Experience with SQL, Python, C#, or similar programming languages.
• Exposure to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial communications, or process controls.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and continuous improvement methodologies.

Steel Dynamics will not provide sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future for this role. This includes, but is not limited to, F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1, or any other work authorization that requires company sponsorship or the submission of immigration-related documentation to a government agency. Individuals who are found to require sponsorship now or in the future will be removed from consideration for employment for this position.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.