Process Engineer - Mechanical

Gerdau; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision plans

401K with match

Annual bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

Job summary

Gerdau in Virginia seeks a Mechanical Process Engineer to lead improvement initiatives across mill operations. You will oversee CAPEX projects, develop data-driven solutions, and drive continuous improvement with a collaborative team of engineers and operators.

You will coach colleagues on Six Sigma and Lean practices, analyze performance trends, and help optimize material manufacturing processes and equipment in a dynamic steel fabrication environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Material Science.
• 3–5 years of mechanical experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of steel manufacturing methods and heavy mill machinery.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain goal and project databases and perform trend analysis on performance data.
• Facilitate training sessions on improvement methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Develop and coach employees on capabilities in continuous improvement.
• Collaborate on CAPEX standards, audits, 5S, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Identify and solve chronic problems and reduce process variation.
• Assist with Annual Action Plan development and implementation of CAPEX projects.
• Provide cost estimates for improvement projects and support daily improvement activities.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Leadership

Problem solving

Training/coaching

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CAPEX

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

Job description

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Process Engineer - Mechanical

Date: Jul 23, 2026

Are you ready to seize an exhilarating, hands‑on opportunity to leave your mark on a variety of process improvement projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment? Join Gerdau, the first North American steel company to achieve B Corp Certification, and contribute to producing steel bars with the lowest embodied carbon in the U.S. Elevate your career with Gerdau, where your curiosity, imagination, and expertise will drive our ongoing transformation into the future.

We Have:

• A strong global presence with mini‑mills that transform millions of metric tons of raw material to produce steel beams, flat‑rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire used by the automotive industry, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.
• A culture that welcomesdiversity, encourages innovation and creates products that serve humanity.
• An environment that values teamwork, safety, and sustainability.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and the belief that we can create a better future for our employees and our global community by investing in people, processes, and technology.

We Offer:

• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental,Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1stday of hire
• Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
• 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
• Annual Bonus
• Health Advocate Services
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Career Path System and Training
• An empowering and open culture with the opportunity to grow and create

Your Purpose:

As a Mechanical Process Engineer, you will be responsible for the oversight, contribution to, and support all the trainings and development activities for employees at the mill. You will be responsible for CAPEX projects and compiling and analyzing project data with a moderate scope of responsibility for material manufacturing processes as well as the equipment utilized in the manufacturing process.

Your Work:

• Maintain goal and project data bases. Perform trend analysis on the performance data as well as identify commonalities within the data.
• Participate and contribute to the achievement of department goals including goal setting.
• Facilitate training sessions for all employees on the improvement methodologies, tools, policies, practices, and processes.
• Develop and coach employees on capabilities and knowledge in the application of the Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with Routine Managers on subjects pertaining to the Gerdau processes, improve standards, CAPEX standards, audits, 5S initiatives, failure analysis, results management, QIS, FA, 6 Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Identify and solve chronic/repetitive problems and failures as well as reduce process variation.
• Assist with the development of the Annual Action Plan, and the administration of established policies, practices, and procedures.
• Prepare and approve standards from CAPEX and improvement initiatives.
• Implement and coordinate CAPEX projects, and Annual Action Plan Improvement Projects.
• Oversee, contribute to, and support daily improvement management activities, which include providing timely and accurate cost estimates on proposed improvement efforts.
• Provide consulting services to the departments on improvement methodologies and tools. Design new and revamp existing structures, systems, and equipment.
• Provide support in implementation, maintenance, and follow up on the vertical and horizontal help chain.
• Assist with all safety activities.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Material Science.
• 3 - 5 years of mechanical experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment. with exposure to standardization and production quality methods.
• Strong working knowledge of steel manufacturing methods and techniques involving the use of heavy mill machinery.
• Previous qualifying experience in scrap processing, melting, casting, rolling, maintenance, finishing, shipping/warehouse operations, and supervisory/facilitation a must.
• Ability to train, motivate, and serve as a coach to employees.
• Ability to articulate ideas, provide feedback, resolve conflicts, and identify areas in need of improvement.
• Strong problem-solving, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or other continuous improvement methodologies a plus.

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

If you are vision‑impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or [e-mail]