PLC/SCADA Systems Engineer (Manufacturing)

Gerdau Steel - USA; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Career Path System

Job summary

Gerdau Steel - USA in Petersburg, VA seeks a PLC/SCADA Systems Engineer to advance rolling mill automation, perform troubleshooting, backups, and continuous improvement across control systems.

You will modify ladder logic for Rockwell and Siemens PLCs, enhance HMIs, and analyze asset performance with IBA/PDA tools while coordinating with production, maintenance, and leadership for efficient operations.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering and 5+ years in manufacturing with PLC programming experience.
• Strong grounding in AC/DC controls, motors, and drives.
• Knowledge of Profibus and Profinet preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive rolling mill automation—training, major failure troubleshooting, software backups, R&D, and continuous improvement.
• Modify and optimize PLC logic to support operations.
• Enhance HMIs for clarity, speed, and operator effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives to stabilize automation and remove delays tied to automated processes.
• Improve alarm reporting and functionality for operators and maintenance.
• Analyze asset performance (IBA/PDA) and implement improvements that stick.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and leadership; report to Maintenance General Foreman.

Skills

PLC programming

AC/DC controls

Industrial protocols

Automation troubleshooting

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

HMI software (Cimplicity, Ignition)

Rockwell Automation

Siemens S7/TIA

GE Genius Block I/O networks

Job description

PLC/SCADA Systems Engineer (Manufacturing)Do you enjoy turning complex manufacturing challenges into reliable, elegant control solutions? Are you fluent in ladder logic and comfortable moving from a controls cabinet to a conference room in the same hour? Join Gerdau—the first North American steelmaker to earn B Corp Certification—where we produce steel bars with exceptionally low embodied carbon and push the boundaries of automation in a dynamic rolling mill environment.Why Gerdau?Global reach: beams, flat‑rolled, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire for automotive, appliances, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.A culture of inclusion, innovation, and purpose—our products serve people and communities.Teamwork, safety, and sustainability at the core of how we work.Investments in people, processes, and technology—plus a clear Career Path System and training.What You’ll DoDrive rolling mill automation—training, major failure troubleshooting, software backups, R&D, and continuous improvement.Modify and optimize PLC logic to support operations.Enhance HMIs for clarity, speed, and operator effectiveness.Lead initiatives to stabilize automation and remove delays tied to automated processes.Improve alarm reporting and functionality for operators and maintenance.Analyze asset performance (IBA/PDA) and implement improvements that stick.Recommend and deliver equipment modifications, renovations, and installations to advance performance.Support planning/scheduling for down‑days and outages; participate in Failure Analysis and Annual Action Planning.Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and leadership; report to the Maintenance General Foreman.Tech StackPLCGE Innovation Series; RX3iToshiba NVSiemens S7/TIA including S7‑1516Allen‑Bradley PLCGE Genius Block I/O networksHMI/SCADAGE CimplicityIgnitionWIN CCRockwell AutomationElectrical, Networks, DataIBA analytical tools and data acquisitionComputer networking; Cisco switching/router configurationABB low‑ and medium‑voltage drivesWhat You BringBS in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering and 5+ years in manufacturing with PLC programming experience (Rockwell and Siemens ladder logic, including S7‑1516).Strong grounding in AC/DC controls, motors, and drives.Ability to plan and execute electrical projects from design through maintenance while upholding operational and safety standards.Knowledge of industrial protocols (Profibus and Profinet preferred).Skilled at diagnosing automation, communication, and HMI issues and applying durable corrective actions.Proficiency with MS Office; familiarity with data acquisition software (IBA/PDA preferred).Comfortable splitting time between office and field; able to translate operator needs into actionable automation changes.Detail‑minded, inventive, and an effective communicator across operators, maintenance, and leadership.Benefits That Start EarlyMedical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first dayHealth and Dependent Care FSAs100% 401(k) match up to 6%Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment insuranceShort‑Term and Long‑Term DisabilityAnnual bonus opportunityHealth Advocate servicesPaid parental leaveEmployee Assistance ProgramTuition reimbursementCareer Path System and trainingProficiency ChecklistPLC troubleshooting and programmingIndustrial and manufacturing engineering principlesTroubleshooting industrial automation equipmentSCADA systemsMachine vision programmingElectrical/electronic systemsElectrical schematic interpretationMachines & TechnologiesSiemensAllen 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.