Industrial Automation Controls Engineer

100Hires, Inc.; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) match

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Gerdau is seeking an Industrial Automation Controls Engineer to shape the future of their rolling mill operations. You will tune PLCs, refine HMIs, and collaborate with maintenance, production and leadership to drive uptime and throughput.

You will bring a BS in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of manufacturing automation, strong PLC and drive knowledge, and a hands-on, safety‑minded approach on the factory floor in Virginia.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering with 5+ years in manufacturing automation.
• Deep knowledge of AC/DC controls, motors, and drives.
• Fluency with PLC communication protocols (Profibus/Profinet preferred).

Responsibilities

• Own rolling mill automation: training, troubleshooting, backups, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance and leadership to ensure uptime and measurable improvements.
• Lead cross-functional work to enhance reliability and performance.

Skills

PLC programming

Ladder logic

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networking

Troubleshooting

Data analysis (IBA/PDA)

Communication

Problem solving

MS Office

Education

BS in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens S7/TIA

Allen-Bradley PLC

GE Genius

Rockwell Automation

Cimplicity / Ignition

WINCC / AVL

Job description

Shape the Future of Low-Carbon Steel as an Industrial Automation Controls EngineerPicture this: your day begins on the mill floor, shoulder-to-shoulder with production and maintenance teammates, where your PLC tweaks and HMI refinements keep a high-energy rolling operation moving. By midday, you're reviewing IBA data to squash a recurring alarm, and by afternoon, you’re scoping a controls upgrade that advances safety, stability, and throughput. That’s a typical day at Gerdau—North America’s first B Corp Certified steel producer—where we make steel bars with some of the lowest embodied carbon in the U.S. and invest in people, processes, and technology to build what’s next.What You’ll ImpactOwn rolling mill automation: training, troubleshooting major failures, software backups, and continuous improvement across electrical/electronic systems.Partner closely with production, maintenance, and leadership to ensure uninterrupted operation and meaningful, measurable improvements.Report to the Maintenance General Foreman while leading cross-functional work to enhance reliability and performance.Tools & Systems You’ll Work WithPLC platformsGE Innovation Series, RX3iToshiba NVSiemens S7/TIA (S7-1516)Allen‑Bradley PLCGE Genius Block I/O networksHMI/SCADAGE CimplicityIgnitionWIN CCRockwell AutomationElectrical, Networks, and DrivesIBA analytical tools and data acquisition (IBA/PDA)Computer networking; Cisco switch/router configurationABB LV and MV drivesPriority OutcomesElevate HMI usability based on operator needs and feedback.Strengthen automation stability and reduce downtime tied to automated processes.Improve alarm reporting and behavior for both operators and maintenance.Identify and deliver throughput gains, better instrumentation reliability, and faster control response.Collect, analyze, and present asset performance data; implement and sustain performance improvements.Recommend and execute major equipment modifications, installations, and replacements that enable continuous improvement.Support planning and scheduling for down-days and outages; contribute to Failure Analysis and Annual Action Planning.What You BringBS in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering plus 5 years of manufacturing experience programming PLCs (ladder logic on Rockwell and Siemens S7‑1516).Deep understanding of AC/DC controls, motors, and drives.Experience managing electrical projects from design and implementation to maintenance, with adherence to operational and safety standards.Fluency with PLC communication protocols (Profibus and Profinet preferred).Expert troubleshooting across automation, communications, and HMI to drive robust corrective actions.Comfort with MS Office and data tools (IBA/PDA preferred).Ability to work both in the office and hands‑on in the field; translate operator requests into clear automation solutions.Detail‑oriented, creative problem solver; strong communicator with operators, maintenance, and leadership.Where You’ll ThriveA global steel leader producing beams, flat‑rolled, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire supporting automotive, appliances, construction, machinery, and equipment sectors.A culture that welcomes diversity, fuels innovation, and builds products that serve society.A workplace grounded in teamwork, safety, and sustainability.Continuous improvement mindset backed by investments in people, processes, and technology.A defined Career Path System and robust training opportunities.Rewards & BenefitsMedical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage starting on day oneFlexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care100% 401(k) match up to 6%Life and accidental death insuranceShort‑term and long‑term disability insuranceAnnual bonusHealth Advocate servicesPaid parental leaveEmployee Assistance ProgramTuition reimbursementCareer Path System and trainingProficiencies That Will Help You ExcelPLC troubleshootingIndustrial/manufacturing engineering fundamentalsDiagnosing industrial automation equipmentHands‑on PLC programmingSCADA systems experienceMachine vision programmingElectrical/electronic systemsReading electrical schematicsMachines & Technologies You’ll UseSiemensAllen BradleyWork AuthorizationGerdau will only employ those who are legally eligible to immediately work in the U.S. without any current or potentially need for future sponsorship.