Project Engineer - Manufacturing & Capital Projects

Gerdau North America; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance Available

Tuition Reimbursement

Annual Bonus Program

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Gerdau North America is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to manage capital projects from concept through commissioning in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will own equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and major capital initiatives that advance safety, reliability, and productivity.

In this role, you will collaborate with operations and maintenance teams, coordinate contractors, and guide projects from planning to startup while ensuring safety and budget adherence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 2+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial, energy, mining, chemical, metals, paper, food processing, utilities, or related industries.
• Experience managing projects, process improvements, equipment installations, or capital projects.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or similar design software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead CAPEX projects from planning through startup and project closeout.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Develop equipment specifications and technical bid packages; support installation and commissioning.
• Participate in annual capital planning and evaluate future facility needs.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Project management tools

Job description

Build the Future of Steel Manufacturing

At Gerdau, you'll do more than manage projects. You'll lead capital investments that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and performance at one of North America's largest steel manufacturers.

We're seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to manage capital projects from concept through commissioning in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working closely with operations and maintenance teams, and seeing projects come to life on the plant floor.

In this role, you'll have direct ownership of equipment upgrades, facility improvements, process enhancements, and major capital projects that support our long-term growth strategy.

What You'll Do

Lead Capital Projects

• Manage CAPEX projects from planning through startup and project closeout
• Develop project scope, schedules, budgets, and business justifications
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders
• Track project costs, timelines, risks, and deliverables
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget

Improve Manufacturing Operations

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and operational performance
• Support process improvements and productivity initiatives
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues alongside operations and maintenance teams
• Evaluate new technologies and best practices for implementation

Drive Engineering Solutions

• Develop equipment specifications and technical bid packages
• Support equipment selection, installation, and commissioning activities
• Review engineering drawings and project documentation
• Manage contractor activities and construction projects within the plant

Support Long-Term Growth

• Participate in annual capital planning activities
• Evaluate future facility and equipment needs
• Recommend projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance

Why Engineers Join Gerdau

• Own projects from concept through commissioning
• Work on high-impact manufacturing and infrastructure projects
• Gain exposure to multimillion-dollar capital investments
• Partner directly with plant leadership and operations teams
• Build broad experience across engineering, maintenance, operations, and project management
• Strong career growth opportunities within one of North America's largest steel producers

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering discipline
• 2+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial, energy, mining, chemical, metals, paper, food processing, utilities, or related industries
• Experience managing projects, process improvements, equipment installations, or capital projects
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or similar design software
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred

• Experience with industrial manufacturing equipment and systems
• Experience managing contractors and construction activities
• Knowledge of capital project management practices
• Experience in heavy industrial or steel manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with commissioning, startup, and equipment optimization

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Starting Day One
• 401(k) with 100% Match up to 6%
• Annual Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Development and Training Opportunities
• Relocation Assistance Available

About Gerdau

Gerdau is a leading producer of long steel products and one of the largest recyclers in North America. Through a network of steel mills, recycling facilities, and downstream operations, we supply essential products used in infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, and countless industries that support everyday life.

Join a team that values safety, innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

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]