Automation Technician - $1000 Sign On Bonus

Gerdau Ameristeel Corp.; Midlothian (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Medical, Dental, Vision Plans

Health Savings Account

401K match up to 6%

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Production Bonuses

Training & Development

Uniforms & PPE

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Gerdau Ameristeel Corp. in Texas is seeking a skilled PLC Programming & Network Technician to join our automation team. You will install, program, maintain, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and OT networks to maximize plant efficiency and uptime.

The role requires a strong background in ladder logic, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, plus TCP/IP networking. You will work daytime shifts on weekdays, with competitive benefits and a sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Industrial Automation or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience with industrial automation and OT networks.
• Proficiency with PLC software suites (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Strong TCP/IP, DHCP, VLANs, and managed switch knowledge.
• Ability to read electrical drawings (P&ID, schematics) and troubleshoot under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and optimize PLCs using Rockwell Studio 5000 or Siemens TIA Portal.
• Configure and maintain industrial networks, switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Diagnose hardware/software faults on automated systems, sensors, VFDs.
• Develop HMIs and alarms for operators to monitor processes.
• Perform I/O checks, wiring verification, and loop tuning during installs.
• Document control schematics, network topology, and backup software.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial OT networks

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

Siemens

HMI/SCADA

Networking fundamentals

Documentation

Education

Associate degree in Industrial Automation or related

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal

EtherNet/IP

PROFINET

Job description

At Gerdau, we empower our people to grow, thrive, and make a difference—together. With a culture built on trust and teamwork, we offer meaningful work, continuous development, and opportunities to shape your future. We invite you to come work with us, where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your career is forged with purpose.

We Offer:

• $1,000 Sign-On Bonus (payable after 3 months of employment)
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1st day of hire
• Health Savings Account with company contributions & Flex Spending Accounts
• 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Incentive programs that include bi-weekly production bonuses
• Career Progression System with Training & Development
• Paid uniforms and all PPE required
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

Job Responsibilities:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented PLC Programming & Network Technician to join our automation team. In this role, you will be responsible for installing, programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and the industrial network infrastructure that connects them. The ideal candidate bridges the gap between traditional industrial electrical automation and modern IT networking to maximize plant efficiency and uptime.

Position will work Day Shift on Weekdays.

Core Responsibilities:

• Program & Modify PLCs: Design, write, modify, and optimize control code (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Blocks) using platforms like [Rockwell Studio 5000 / Siemens TIA Portal].
• Manage Industrial Networks: Configure and maintain industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus) and manage switches, routers, and firewalls on the operational technology (OT) network.
• Troubleshoot & Repair: Diagnose hardware and software faults on live automation systems, sensors, actuators, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and networked assets.
• HMI/IBA Support: Develop and update graphics and alarms for HMIs and IBA system to ensure operators have clear visibility into plant processes.
• Commissioning: Perform I/O checkouts, point-to-point wiring verification, and loop tuning during machine installations and system upgrades.
• Document & Backup: Maintain up-to-date documentation of control schematics, network topology diagrams, and automated software code backups.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Associate degree in Industrial Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or equivalent trade school certifications.

Experience:

1. Minimum 10 years of experience working with industrial automated systems and operational technology (OT) networks.
2. Technical Skills:
3. Proficiency with PLC software suites (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
4. Clear understanding of network networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DHCP, VLANs, managed switches).
5. Ability to read and interpret electrical blueprints, P&ID diagrams, and control schematics.
6. Exceptional troubleshooting ability under pressure, collaborative mindset, and strong communication skills for interfacing with both engineers and floor operators.