Find & Apply For Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Petersburg, Virginia

Shape the Future of Low-Carbon Steel as an Industrial Automation Controls Engineer Picture this: your day begins on the mill floor, shoulder-to-shoulder with production and maintenance teammates, where your PLC tweaks and HMI refinements keep a high-energy rolling operation moving. By midday, you're reviewing IBA data to squash a recurring alarm, and by afternoon, you're scoping a controls upgrade that advances safety, stability, and throughput. That's a typical day at Gerdau—North America's first B Corp Certified steel producer—where we make steel bars with some of the lowest embodied carbon in the U.S. and invest in people, processes, and technology to build what's next. What You'll Impact Own rolling mill automation: training, troubleshooting major failures, software backups, and continuous improvement across electrical/electronic systems. Partner closely with production, maintenance, and leadership to ensure uninterrupted operation and meaningful, measurable improvements. Report to the Maintenance General Foreman while leading cross-functional work to enhance reliability and performance. Tools & Systems You'll Work With PLC platforms GE Innovation Series, RX3i Toshiba NV Siemens S7/TIA (S7-1516) Allen‑Bradley PLC GE Genius Block I/O networks

HMI/SCADA GE

Cimplicity Ignition WIN CC Rockwell Automation Electrical, Networks, and Drives IBA analytical tools and data acquisition (IBA/PDA) Computer networking; Cisco switch/router configuration ABB LV and MV drives Priority Outcomes Elevate HMI usability based on operator needs and feedback. Strengthen automation stability and reduce downtime tied to automated processes. Improve alarm reporting and behavior for both operators and maintenance. Identify and deliver throughput gains, better instrumentation reliability, and faster control response. Collect, analyze, and present asset performance data; implement and sustain performance improvements. Recommend and execute major equipment modifications, installations, and replacements that enable continuous improvement. Support planning and scheduling for down-days and outages; contribute to Failure Analysis and Annual Action Planning. What You Bring BS in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering plus 5 years of manufacturing experience programming PLCs (ladder logic on Rockwell and Siemens S7‑1516). Deep understanding of AC/DC controls, motors, and drives. Experience managing electrical projects from design and implementation to maintenance, with adherence to operational and safety standards. Fluency with PLC communication protocols (Profibus and Profinet preferred). Expert troubleshooting across automation, communications, and HMI to drive robust corrective actions. Comfort with MS Office and data tools (IBA/PDA preferred). Ability to work both in the office and hands‑on in the field; translate operator requests into clear automation solutions. Detail‑oriented, creative problem solver; strong communicator with operators, maintenance, and leadership. Where You'll Thrive A global steel leader producing beams, flat‑rolled, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire supporting automotive, appliances, construction, machinery, and equipment sectors. A culture that welcomes diversity, fuels innovation, and builds products that serve society. A workplace grounded in teamwork, safety, and sustainability. Continuous improvement mindset backed by investments in people, processes, and technology. A defined Career Path System and robust training opportunities. Rewards & Benefits Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care 100% 401(k) match up to 6% Life and accidental death insurance Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance Annual bonus Health Advocate services Paid parental leave Employee Assistance Program Tuition reimbursement Career Path System and training Proficiencies That Will Help You Excel PLC troubleshooting Industrial/manufacturing engineering fundamentals Diagnosing industrial automation equipment Hands‑on PLC programming SCADA systems experience Machine vision programming Electrical/electronic systems Reading electrical schematics Machines & Technologies You'll Use Siemens Allen Bradley Work Authorization Gerdau will only employ those who are legally eligible to immediately work in the U.S. without any current or potentially need for future sponsorship.