Automation Specialist

Index Search Group; Cayce, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Index Search Group is seeking an Automation Specialist for a large-scale steel manufacturing environment in Cayce, SC. The role focuses on maintaining automation equipment and supporting Level II process automation systems, interfaces with Level I PLCs, OWS, HMI, and SAP.

The candidate should have 5–10 years of automation experience, a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, and experience with Siemens 7 or Rockwell automation. On-site role with growth opportunities and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 5–10 years of automation experience in heavy industry/manufacturing.
• Minimum 2 years of Level II process automation experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support automation equipment including VFDs, PLCs, instrumentation, process computers, and HMIs.
• Support Level II automation systems and interfaces with Level I PLCs, OWS, HMI, and SAP.
• Program and maintain PLC systems; prefer Siemens 7 or Rockwell Automation.
• Maintain/modify HMI programs and interfaces; support database management and programming.
• Identify opportunities to improve consistency and efficiency with new automation solutions.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI systems

VFDs

Instrumentation

Process computers

SAP

Electrical engineering

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

2-year technical degree or military training + 4 years Level II automation

Tools

Siemens 7

Rockwell Automation

PLC software

HMI software

SAP environment

Job description

Our client is seeking an Automation Specialist to support automation and process control systems within a large-scale steel manufacturing environment in Cayce, South Carolina.

This role will focus on maintaining and supporting automation equipment and systems, including Variable Frequency Drives, Programmable Logic Controllers, instrumentation, process computers, Human-Machine Interfaces, and related equipment. The Automation Specialist will also support database management and programming while identifying opportunities to improve consistency and efficiency through new automation solutions.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on Level II process automation experience along with a strong electrical engineering foundation and the ability to work effectively within a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.

The Environment

This is an on-site position supporting a steel manufacturing operation in Cayce, South Carolina. The Automation Specialist will report to the Area Maintenance Manager for the Melt Shop and will work closely with appropriate departments and individuals across the operation.

The environment includes Level I and Level II PLC systems, OWS, HMI systems, SAP, process computers, instrumentation, and other industrial automation equipment. A general understanding of the steel mill process is important for success in the role.

This is an individual contributor position with no direct reports and no required travel.

Key Focus Areas

• Maintain and support Variable Frequency Drives, Programmable Logic Controllers, instrumentation, process computers, and related equipment.
• Support Level II process automation systems and their interfaces with Level I PLC systems, OWS, HMI systems, and SAP.
• Program and maintain PLC systems, with Siemens 7 or Rockwell Automation experience preferred.
• Maintain and modify Graphical User Interface programs and HMI systems.
• Support database management and programming activities.
• Develop and maintain automation-related systems and equipment.
• Proactively identify and implement new automation solutions that improve consistency and efficiency.
• Support the ongoing reliability and performance of automation systems within the manufacturing operation.
• Communicate effectively with the appropriate departments and individuals to address automation and process needs.
• Apply a general understanding of steel mill processes to automation and controls activities.
• Work with process automation systems and equipment in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role includes:

• Reliable operation and maintenance of automation and process control systems.
• Effective support of Level I and Level II automation systems and their interfaces.
• Automation issues identified and addressed before they negatively affect operations.
• HMI, PLC, instrumentation, and process computer systems maintained effectively.
• Automation solutions identified and implemented to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Strong communication and collaboration with teams across the manufacturing operation.
• A growing understanding of the steel mill process and how automation supports production.
• Continued development of automation capabilities within the operation.

Candidate Profile

• 5-10 years of automation experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of Level II Process Automation experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A 2-year degree or extensive military training in a related technical discipline may be considered with 4 years of Level II Process Automation experience.
• Experience in the steel industry is preferred.
• Candidates without steel experience should have experience in heavy industry, mining, or metals.
• Electrical engineering experience.
• PLC programming experience.
• Experience with PLC software, with Siemens 7 or Rockwell Automation preferred.
• Experience maintaining and modifying HMI systems.
• Experience working with Level II process automation systems and their interfaces with Level I PLC systems, OWS, HMI, and SAP.
• Ability to work with Variable Frequency Drives, instrumentation, process computers, and related equipment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with appropriate departments and individuals.
• General knowledge of steel mill processes.
• Ability to identify opportunities for automation improvements that increase consistency and efficiency.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder.
• Day 1 medical, vision, and dental coverage with low-cost options.
• Day 1 paid time off and vacation.
• 4.5% company 401(k) match.
• Competitive compensation and bonuses.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Training and advancement opportunities.
• Relocation assistance is available.