Automation Controls Engineer - PLC & HMI (Entry)

Socket.dev; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus opportunity

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Career development & advancement

Job summary

Gerdau is seeking a Controls Engineer - Level I to design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems in a highly automated rolling mill environment. You will lead automation initiatives, support HMI applications, and collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to improve reliability, safety, and throughput.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field and 3+ years of manufacturing automation experience, with strong problem-solving and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology, or equivalent automation experience.
• 3+ years of manufacturing automation or controls experience.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, motors, drives, and control circuits.
• Ability to troubleshoot automation, communication, and HMI‑related issues.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC‑based control systems.
• Support and improve HMI applications used by production and maintenance teams.
• Lead automation projects that improve reliability, safety, and productivity.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, networking, and communication issues.
• Develop and implement process improvements that reduce downtime and increase throughput.
• Analyze equipment performance and recommend automation improvements.
• Participate in major outages, capital projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with operators, maintenance personnel, and leadership teams to solve complex operational challenges.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting automation

HMI development

Industrial networking

Electrical systems understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology, or equivalent automation experience

Tools

Allen‑Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Ignition

GE Cimplicity

Industrial Ethernet Networks

ABB Drives

IBA Process Data Systems

Job description

Gerdau is seeking a Controls Engineer - Level I to design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems in a highly automated rolling mill environment. You will lead automation initiatives, support HMI applications, and collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to improve reliability, safety, and throughput.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field and 3+ years of manufacturing automation experience, with strong problem-solving and communication