Process Engineer - Melt Shop (steel Manufacturing)

Gerdau North America; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Career path & training

Job summary

Gerdau North America in the Greater Richmond Region of south-central Virginia seeks a Process Engineer for Melt Shop Operations. You will partner with production leaders, maintenance, and plant management to improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance.

You will lead continuous improvement projects, analyze data to identify trends, standardize processes, and support CAPEX while coaching teams in Lean and Six Sigma for operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3–5 years in heavy industrial/process manufacturing.
• Experience in standardization and production quality methods.
• Knowledge of steelmaking and Melt Shop operations preferred.
• Experience with CAPEX projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects for Melt Shop operations.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and root causes.
• Reduce process variation and improve reliability with data-driven solutions.
• Develop and maintain process standards and best practices.
• Support CAPEX projects from planning to execution.
• Collaborate with teams to improve equipment and plant performance.
• Train employees in Lean, Six Sigma, and problem solving.
• Support annual planning and strategic improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical consulting on process optimization.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Leadership

QIS

Education

Engineering degree

Business Administration

Materials Science

High School Diploma/GED with 6-8 years experience

Job description

Process Engineer - Melt Shop Operations

Salary: $105,000-$121,000 + Annual Bonus

Driven by sustainability, Gerdau produces up to 96% of its North American steel from recycled scrap. We pair this environmental focus with financial strength, standing as a highly stable, dividend-paying company on the NYSE.

Located in Greater Richmond Region of south-central Virginia. Relocation Available within the U.S.

Your Mission

As a key member of the operations team, you will partner with production leaders, maintenance teams, and plant management to improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance. You will serve as a change agent, helping implement best practices, standardization, and continuous improvement methodologies that support operational excellence.

Why Gerdau?

You will have the opportunity to drive meaningful improvements in a world-class manufacturing environment while building your career with a global leader with the lowest embodied carbon steel in the U.S. We value innovation, teamwork, safety, and continuous development, and we're looking for professionals who are passionate about making a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on Melt Shop operations and performance.
• Analyze production and process data to identify trends, opportunities, and root causes of recurring issues.
• Reduce process variation and improve operational reliability through data-driven problem solving.
• Develop, implement, and maintain process standards, systems, and best practices.
• Manage and support CAPEX projects from planning through execution.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and leadership teams to improve equipment, processes, and overall plant performance.
• Facilitate employee training on continuous improvement methodologies and problem-solving techniques.
• Coach and develop employees on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, QIS, Failure Analysis, and other improvement tools.
• Support annual business planning, goal development, and strategic improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise and consulting to operations teams on process optimization and performance improvement.
• Promote and support a strong culture of safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.

We Offer

• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1st day of hire
• Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
• 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
• Life/Accidental Life Insurance/STD/LTD
• Paid Parental Leave
• 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

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Materials Science, or a related field with 3-5 years of relevant experience, OR a High School Diploma/GED with 6-8 years of relevant experience. Experience in heavy industrial, or process manufacturing environments.Knowledge of standardization and production quality methods required.
• Strong knowledge of steelmaking and Melt Shop operations preferred.
• Experience in scrap processing, melting, casting, rolling, maintenance, finishing, or related manufacturing operations.
• Proven success leading continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.
• Experience managing or supporting CAPEX projects.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and quality improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication, presentation, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Ability to influence change and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunities 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]