Project Engineer - Manufacturing & Capital Projects

Gerdau; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision starting day 1

401(k) with company match up to 6%

Annual Bonus Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Career Development and Training

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

Gerdau Ameristeel Corp. is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to manage capital projects from concept through commissioning in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will lead equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and process enhancements to support long-term growth while collaborating with operations and maintenance teams on the plant floor. The role focuses on owning projects from planning to startup, with emphasis on safety, schedule adherence, and budget control in North

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• 2+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or related industries.
• Experience managing projects, process improvements, or capital upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Lead CAPEX projects from planning through startup and closeout.
• Develop scope, schedules, budgets, and justifications.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Track costs, timelines, risks, and deliverables; ensure safety and budget adherence.
• Support equipment upgrades and startup activities in the plant.

Skills

Project management

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Project

MS Office

Job description

At Gerdau, we empower our people to grow, thrive, and make a difference—together. With a culture built on trust and teamwork, we offer meaningful work, continuous development, and opportunities to shape your future. We invite you to come work with us, where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your career is forged with purpose

Project Engineer - Manufacturing & Capital Projects

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 closeoutDevelop project scope, schedules, budgets, and business justificationsCoordinate contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholdersTrack project costs, timelines, risks, and deliverablesEnsure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget

Improve Manufacturing Operations

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and operational performanceSupport process improvements and productivity initiativesTroubleshoot equipment and process issues alongside operations and maintenance teamsEvaluate new technologies and best practices for implementation

Drive Engineering Solutions

• Develop equipment specifications and technical bid packagesSupport equipment selection, installation, and commissioning activitiesReview engineering drawings and project documentationManage contractor activities and construction projects within the plant

Support Long-Term Growth

• Participate in annual capital planning activitiesEvaluate future facility and equipment needsRecommend projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance

Why Engineers Join Gerdau

• Own projects from concept through commissioningWork on high-impact manufacturing and infrastructure projectsGain exposure to multimillion-dollar capital investmentsPartner directly with plant leadership and operations teamsBuild broad experience across engineering, maintenance, operations, and project managementStrong 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 discipline2+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial, energy, mining, chemical, metals, paper, food processing, utilities, or related industriesExperience managing projects, process improvements, equipment installations, or capital projectsWorking knowledge of AutoCAD or similar design softwareProficiency with Microsoft Office and project management toolsStrong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred

• Experience with industrial manufacturing equipment and systemsExperience managing contractors and construction activitiesKnowledge of capital project management practicesExperience in heavy industrial or steel manufacturing environmentsFamiliarity 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. All external applicants must be legally eligible to immediately work in the country of hire without current or future sponsorship.