Automation Engineer

RiseMe; Ghent (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K and Roth accounts

Profit sharing

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Stock program

Job summary

Nucor Steel Gallatin LLC in Ghent, KY is seeking an Automation Engineer to strengthen the availability and performance of Process Control systems. You will enhance product quality, increase output, and reduce downtime through PLC/HMI development and maintenance.

The role requires diagnosing automation issues, maintaining control networks, and contributing to plant optimization while upholding safety standards in a leading North American steel manufacturer environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with emphasis in Computer/Electrical/Automation Technology or 3+ years of related experience.
• Able to diagnose PLC, HMI, and automation issues in manufacturing.
• Familiarity with SQL and relational databases.
• Working knowledge of virtualized environments and industrial networking concepts.
• Maintains control networks, servers, and related software.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Process Control infrastructure including networks, servers, and applications.
• Develop PLC programs and HMI applications and related software.
• Administer control servers, licensing tools, and vendor support contracts.
• Resolve PLC/HMI/SCADA issues and network problems on the plant floor.
• Create reports and analyze data to improve efficiency, quality, and uptime.
• Support automation initiatives and respond to off-hours needs.
• Stay current with automation tech and plant-floor networking.

Skills

PLC Troubleshooting

C++

C#

SQL

Relational Databases

Automation Knowledge

Education

Associate degree in related technical field

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering or related

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

SCADA

Virtualized environments

Job description

Job Details

Division: Nucor Steel Gallatin LLC

Location: Ghent, KY, United States

Other Available Locations: N/A

Welcome to Nucor, where our unique culture sets us apart. Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative sustainability practices and are the continent's largest recycler. Our vibrant culture, built on personal connections and teamwork, empowers every team member with the freedom to innovate and contribute to our collective success. Experience a workplace where safety, efficiency, and meaningful personal connections define every day, enriching both our teammates and the communities we serve.

Nucor supports its teammates with top-tier benefits like Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Insurance, 401K and Roth accounts, Profit sharing, Pay-for-performance bonuses, Paid parental leave, Tuition reimbursement, Stock program, Scholarships and more.

Basic Job Functions:

The Automation Engineer is responsible for strengthening the availability, reliability, and performance of Process Control systems to enhance product quality, increase output, and reduce downtime. Core responsibilities include:

• Maintaining Process Control infrastructure, including networks, servers, applications, and related support platforms.
• Developing process software, database tools, programmable logic controller (PLC) programs, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications.
• Administering control application servers, licensing tools, software maintenance agreements, vendor support contracts, and process databases.
• Resolving issues with PLC, HMI, SCADA, plant-floor networking, and manufacturing execution platforms.
• Creating reports, analyzing operating data, and identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, quality, reliability, and product performance.
• Contributing to automation and control initiatives that optimize plant processes.
• Responding to manufacturing system needs during off-hours as required.
• Staying current with advancements in automation technology, plant-floor networking, computer hardware/software, and steelmaking processes.

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree with a major emphasis in Computer Technology, Electrical Technology, Automation Technology, or a related technical field; OR three years of Process Control, automation, network administration, or computer systems experience.
• Ability to diagnose PLC, HMI, and automation issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with high-level programming languages and relational databases (e.g., C++, C#, SQL).
• Proficiency in SQL and PL/SQL with a solid understanding of database design principles.
• Working knowledge of virtualized environments and industrial networking concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain control networks, servers, and related software.

Selection Criteria:

• Leadership Presence/Courage: Willingness and confidence to engage in direct conversations regarding safety, teamwork, accountability, process changes, and organizational alignment.
• Initiative: Proactively identifies opportunities to strengthen equipment, workflows, and team execution while taking ownership of responsibilities and challenges.
• Teamwork: Works effectively with others to achieve common goals and support a positive team environment.
• Organizing, Planning, & Prioritizing Work: Develops specific goals and plans for prioritizing, organizing, and accomplishing individual and team objectives. Demonstrates effective time management and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Communication: Ability to actively listen, clearly communicate technical information, and effectively collaborate with operators, maintenance personnel, vendors, and leadership.
• Accountability & Dependability: Demonstrates reliability, ownership, and commitment to fulfilling obligations while holding self and others accountable for achieving results.
• Problem Solving & Judgment/Decision Making: Identifies issues, gathers and analyzes information, evaluates alternatives, and implements effective solutions in a timely manner.
• Maintenance Systems/Techniques: Knowledge of maintenance and reliability practices, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation to improve uptime and equipment performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Ability to program and configure PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable controllers.
• Background in building, configuring, and maintaining operator interface and SCADA applications.
• Hands-on involvement in process optimization initiatives.
• Strong understanding of plant electrical, mechanical, and automation controls.
• Knowledge of operational reporting, web-based applications, historian platforms, and data visualization tools.
• Working knowledge of code/version management tools (Git, Azure DevOps, or similar).
• Familiarity with communication protocols and networking technologies such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC, or similar.
• Background in maintaining virtualized server environments and control infrastructure.

Nucor is an Equal OpportunityEmployer and a drug-free workplace