Process Control Engineer

AK Steel Corporation; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is seeking a Process Control Engineer in Cleveland, OH to support Level-2 supervisory computer systems for steel production.

You will develop applications in C/C#/Java/Python within Windows environments, interface with external systems, and help improve safety, quality, reliability, and productivity. The role emphasizes software development, database integration, and industrial automation rather than PLC programming, with potential 24/7 shift support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Completed at least five computer-related courses, including three software programming courses.
• Experience developing software using languages such as C, C#, C++, VB.NET, Java, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for real-time supervisory computer systems used in steel mill processes, including hardware, OS, databases, and custom software.
• Develop and maintain applications to interface with external systems, execute process models, generate PLC setpoints, track production and quality, and support reporting and HMI functions.
• Design, implement, and maintain database systems supporting both custom-built and third-party applications.
• Participate in cross-functional projects with operations, engineering, maintenance, and vendors on automation initiatives.
• Investigate performance issues and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Support virtualization, networking, storage, and cybersecurity systems in the infrastructure.
• Build relationships with union personnel, contractors, leadership, and team members.

Skills

C

C#

C++

Java

Python

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

VMware

Windows Server

SQL/databases

VB.NET

Job description

Location: Cleveland, OH

Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opening for a Process Control Engineer at our Cleveland, OH operation. This role supports the development, enhancement, and maintenance of Level-2 supervisory computer systems used in the production of flat-rolled steel. The Process Control Engineer contributes to improving safety, quality, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency through advanced automation and computer-based control systems.

The ideal candidate possesses strong programming and problem-solving skills with experience developing applications in high-level programming languages such as C, C#, C++, Java, or Python within Windows-based environments. This role focuses on software development, database integration, and supervisory computer systems that support industrial automation and manufacturing processes, rather than PLC programming. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced industrial environment and enjoy solving complex technical challenges.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Provide support for real-time supervisory computer systems utilized in steel mill processes, including hardware, operating systems, databases, and custom-developed software.
• Develop and maintain custom applications to interface with external systems, execute process models, generate PLC setpoints, track production and quality, and support reporting and HMI functions.
• Design, implement, and maintain database systems supporting both custom-built and third-party applications.
• Participate in cross-functional projects, partnering with operations, engineering, maintenance, and vendors on capital improvement and automation initiatives.
• Investigate production and system performance issues, implement corrective actions, and recommend improvements to enhance reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support infrastructure technologies including virtualization, networking, storage, and cybersecurity systems.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and system reliability.
• Build and maintain working relationships with union personnel, contractors, leadership, and team members.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Completion of at least five (5) computer-related courses, including three (3) software programming courses.
• Coursework, internship, co-op, or professional experience developing software using languages such as C, C#, C++, VB.NET, Java, or Python.
• Experience with Windows operating system management, including installation, configuration, scripting, backup, and administration activities.
• Working knowledge of networking concepts and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including occasional off-hours support as needed.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree from an ABET-accredited engineering or technical program.
• Three (3)+ years of software development experience.
• Experience developing applications in high-level programming languages such as C, C#, C++, Java, or Python within Windows-based environments.
• Two (2) or more years of server operating system support experience in a 24/7 environment.
• One (1)+ year of SQL/database experience, including reporting tools.
• Experience interfacing with PLC or DCS systems, including data exchange between supervisory computer systems and control platforms, as well as experience with process modeling or industrial automation technologies.
• Familiarity with VMware, VMS, Linux, or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of control theory and project management principles.

Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.

The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $105,000. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location and business or organizational needs.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call 1-[phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.