Process Improvement Engineer - Rolling Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Day-one medical

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Career advancement

Sustainability-focused organization

Job summary

Gerdau North America is seeking a manufacturing engineer to drive continuous improvement, lead capital projects, and partner with operations to enhance safety, quality, throughput, and reliability. You will analyze data, lead root-cause investigations, and cultivate standard work across teams.

The role emphasizes Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, operational excellence, and mentoring team members, with relocation available within the U.S. and a salary range of $105,000–$121,000 plus annual bonus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering, or HS/GED with 6–8 years of equivalent industrial experience.
• 3+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, metals, chemical, paper, mining, energy, automotive, or heavy industrial environments.
• Experience leading process improvement or operational excellence initiatives.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, SPC, or similar methodologies.
• Experience supporting capital projects preferred.
• CAD experience preferred.
• Rolling mill or steel experience is a plus, not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, yield, and cost reduction.
• Analyze operational and production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Manage and support capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop and maintain operating standards, work procedures, and training materials.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams to improve equipment and process performance.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Support employee development through coaching and technical training.
• Promote a strong culture of safety and operational excellence.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

SPC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering OR HS/GED with 6–8 years of experience

Tools

CAD

Job description

Located in Greater Richmond Region of south-central Virginia

Relocation Available within the U.S.

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 and B3.

Your Purpose

You will solve complex manufacturing problems, lead continuous improvement initiatives, manage capital projects, and work directly with operations teams to improve safety, quality, throughput, and reliability.

What You'll Do

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, yield, and cost reduction.
• Analyze operational and production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Manage and support capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop and maintain operating standards, work procedures, and training materials.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams to improve equipment and process performance.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Support employee development through coaching and technical training.
• Promote a strong culture of safety and operational excellence.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or related discipline OR HS/GED and 6-8 years of equivalent industrial experience.
• 3+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, metals, chemical, paper, mining, energy, automotive, or heavy industrial environments.
• Experience leading process improvement or operational excellence initiatives.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, SPC, or similar methodologies.
• Experience supporting capital projects preferred.
• CAD experience preferred.
• Rolling mill or steel experience is a plus, not required.

Why Join Gerdau?

• Day-one medical, dental, and vision
• 401(k) with 100% match up to 6%
• Tuition reimbursement & paid parental leave
• Career advancement opportunities
• Sustainability-focused organization with long-term growth
• 25 minutes from Richmond, VA
• Affordable housing and lower cost of living than the national average

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]