Project Engineer - Level 1 Automation

SSAB; Montpelier (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Health insurance

Profit sharing

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Job summary

SSAB is seeking an Automation Engineer in Montpelier, Iowa. This role involves improving plant operations through software and control strategies, requiring expertise in ControlLogix and industrial automation systems. Key responsibilities include analyzing process performance, leading improvements, and providing technical support across multiple manufacturing areas. The position offers full-time hours, a range of benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) plan with employer match, and requires strong problem-solving skills and relevant experience in engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years experience with ControlLogix and Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of process interactions in steel manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced automation methods to improve product quality.
• Design and manage Level 1 process control systems.
• Analyze process performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Skills

Process automation improvement

ControlLogix programming

Technical troubleshooting

Process performance analysis

HMI application development

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

ControlLogix

FactoryTalk View

Multimeter

Job description

Position Purpose

The Automation Engineer is responsible for a wide range of software and process engineering activities that support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. This role focuses on analyzing process performance, identifying and prioritizing improvement opportunities, and designing and implementing effective solutions to enhance productivity, quality, and system reliability. Key responsibilities include developing and modifying control strategies, optimizing automation systems, and leading the execution of process improvements from concept through commissioning. The Automation Engineer also maintains and supports all Level 1 and Level 1.5 hardware and control platforms, ensuring their integrity, availability, and performance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methods and best practices to improve product quality, expand product capabilities, and reduce manufacturing costs through the effective use of advanced automation technologies.
• Design, develop, and manage Level 1 process control systems and related engineering projects to optimize production efficiency, improve yield, and enhance overall product quality.
• Analyze process performance using data‑driven approaches, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting, technical guidance, and hands‑on support to Maintenance and Operations teams, including Level 1.5 EMO personnel within the Rolling Mill.
• Maintain, support, and continuously improve all Level 1 electrical and control systems to ensure high reliability, performance, and compliance with applicable industrial standards.
• Deliver specialized technical support for process control systems and software across the Rolling Mill and Finishing Area, ensuring stable and efficient operation.
• Perform preventive and time‑based maintenance on automation and control system hardware to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Identify, evaluate, and replace obsolete or failing field components to maintain system integrity and minimize downtime.
• Manage and maintain I/O interface cabling and associated hardware to ensure accurate and reliable signal transmission.
• Monitor system performance, including diagnostics, fault detection, and recovery, to support continuous and stable operations.
• Monitor automation and control applications to ensure accurate, stable, and efficient operation across all platforms.
• Manage and maintain system backups, including administration of the FactoryTalk AssetCentre server, to ensure data integrity and disaster recovery readiness.
• Analyze, diagnose, and troubleshoot operating systems and application software to resolve issues and minimize downtime.
• Perform maintenance programming and configure system and application software to support ongoing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Plan, design, develop, implement, and maintain HMI applications to support safe, efficient, and user‑friendly operation of process equipment.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure interfaces are intuitive, standardized, and aligned with operational needs.
• Maintain and enhance HMI standards, including graphics, alarms, and navigation, to ensure consistency and effectiveness across systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize HMI performance to ensure reliability, responsiveness, and accurate real‑time data visualization.
• Develop, organize, and maintain accurate technical documentation, including system configurations, historical records, and change logs.
• Create and update user guides, operating procedures, and “help” documentation to support Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Analyze and reverse‑engineer existing systems, when required, to reconstruct and document software specifications and functionality.
• Respond to operator requests and provide timely resolution of automation and control system issues to support continuous operations.
• Provide 24/7 on‑call support for critical systems, ensuring rapid response and minimal disruption to production.
• Train and support Electrical EMO personnel on new software, system updates, and control system enhancements.
• Provide expert‑level technical support, troubleshooting, and hands‑on assistance for critical process and automation systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications and applicable industrial standards.
• Support and maintain process control systems for the Reheat Furnace, Rolling Mill, and Finishing areas to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot electrical and automation systems, with a strong focus on Allen‑Bradley platforms and associated hardware.
• Support and integrate specialized human‑machine interfaces (HMI), business system networks, and supplier system connections to ensure seamless data flow and system interoperability.

Education, Experience, and Competencies

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and technical experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with ControlLogix and other Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of process interactions between control systems and physical processes within a steel plate manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound engineering and economic judgment in process control decision‑making.
• In‑depth knowledge of industrial automation systems, including control system hardware, industrial computers, multitasking operating systems, real‑time communication networks, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), with the ability to integrate these into effective process control solutions.
• Proficiency in ControlLogix and FactoryTalk View programming environments.
• Solid understanding of mathematical principles supporting closed‑loop, real‑time control systems.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience troubleshooting industrial electrical and electronic systems in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Formal training in computer hardware, software systems, or related disciplines.
• Strong computer skills, including database management, networking concepts, and experience with software development languages or industrial software suites.
• Proficiency in programming, configuring, and tuning AC and DC digital drive systems.
• Solid understanding of DC motor theory, operation, and control principles.
• Knowledge of mill stand control systems and winder applications within a steel manufacturing environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Twist at the waist and reach above shoulder level, as well as at or below waist level.
• Handle, grip, hold, and grasp objects using one or both hands.
• Finger and feel objects with one or both hands, including the ability to sense temperature and texture.
• Drive or travel by automobile or airplane as part of job responsibilities.
• Balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or climb as required in industrial environment.
• Push, pull, lift, and/or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Sitting 0–8 hours (average 5 hours) and standing 0–8 hours (average 2 hours) per day.
• Walking 0–8 hours (average 1 hour) per day, with alternate sitting and standing as needed.
• Operations in indoor, extreme heat and cold, wet and humid conditions, amid fumes, dust, dirt, and smoke, confined areas and high places, around moving equipment, noise, mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards, and near industrial magnets.
• Use of desktop computer, control software, multimeter, and database tools.

Position Type, Work Hours, and Travel Requirements

• Full‑time, exempt position.
• Day shift, Monday through Friday – additional overtime as needed.
• Office presence required.
• Limited travel.

Benefits

• Excellent pay with additional bonus.
• Affordable health insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match – 5%.
• Profit sharing.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Company paid life insurance, STD and LTD.
• Optional life, hospital indemnity, critical illness.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance program.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The company is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status.