Senior Automation & Controls Engineer II

About the Role: We’re looking for a highly experienced automation, and controls engineer to support and modernize the automation systems across our rolling mill operations. This role is ideal for someone who understands the fast‑paced, high‑precision nature of a rolling mill, enjoys solving complex control challenges, and wants to drive meaningful improvements in throughput, quality, and reliability. You’ll work with everything from legacy systems to advanced drive controls, thickness/shape control, and real‑time data analytics.

What We Offer: Competitive pay and annual bonus Day 1 Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage 401(k) with 100% Match up to 6% Life Insurance & Disability Insurance Paid Parental Leave & Tuition Reimbursement Career Pathing & Professional Development

What You’ll Do: Lead the design, programming, and optimization of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems across the rolling mill. Support and enhance automation for roughing stands, finishing stands, loopers, shears, cooling beds, and material handling systems. Work extensively with drive systems (AC/DC drives, VFDs, motor control centers) and coordinate with mechanical/electrical teams to ensure stable mill operation. Improve tension control, speed control, interstand coordination, and thickness/shape control through advanced automation strategies. Integrate sensors, instrumentation, and control systems with data platforms to improve visibility into mill performance, quality, and equipment health. Develop dashboards, KPIs, and analytics models to support operations, maintenance, and process engineering. Lead modernization projects, including migration from legacy systems to modern platforms. Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, reliability, and process engineering teams to ensure consistent, high‑quality production. What You Bring BS in Mechatronics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering and 3 years’ experience in industrial automation controls and object-oriented software development. Extensive experience in rolling mill automation or heavy industrial continuous processes. Strong PLC programming skills (Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens S7, or similar). Deep understanding of drive systems, speed/tension control, and interstand coordination. Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms, industrial networks, and communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC UA). Familiarity with data analytics tools (SQL, Python, Power BI, Ignition, etc.). Ability to lead projects, mentor technicians/engineers, and communicate effectively across departments. A strong focus on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement. Why This Role Stands Out Direct impact on mill performance, yield, and product quality. Opportunity to modernize systems and introduce advanced automation, IIoT, and analytics. A mix of hands‑on engineering and high‑level system design. Work in a critical operation where strong controls expertise is highly valued.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Manufacturing and Project Management Industries: Primary Metal Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Gerdau North America by 2x