The Automation/Controls Engineer I supports the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation systems. This role partners with operations, maintenance, quality, and IT teams to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, analyze production data, and maintain Level 2 automation applications. The position provides opportunities to develop technical expertise in manufacturing systems, industrial networks, process automation, and steel production operations.
Responsibilities
- Follow all safety policies and procedures and actively participate in safety initiatives, risk assessments, and safe work practices.
- Troubleshoot Level 2 automation, software, and system issues, working with operations and maintenance teams to identify and resolve problems.
- Monitor process and equipment performance to identify opportunities for improvements in reliability, quality, throughput, and cost.
- Develop, test, implement, and document enhancements to Level 2 applications, data processing tools, and reporting solutions.
- Create and utilize SQL queries and reporting tools to validate data, investigate issues, and support operational decision-making.
- Assist with root cause analysis efforts and implement corrective actions to improve system performance.
- Maintain software, database, and configuration backups while following established change management procedures.
- Support HMI, visualization, dashboard, and reporting system development to improve operational visibility and user experience.
- Assist with configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial networks and communications, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, and Profinet environments.
- Participate in planned outages, system upgrades, and capital improvement projects, including testing and validation activities.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, standard work procedures, and system records.
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, IT, and engineering personnel to execute improvement initiatives and support production goals.
- Analyze operational and production data to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
- Support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, productivity, quality, and equipment reliability.
- Continue professional development through training, project participation, and exposure to manufacturing processes and automation technologies.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
- Basic knowledge of programming, databases, industrial automation, or manufacturing systems.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.
Preferred
- Internship, co-op, or project experience involving automation, controls, software development, industrial networking, or manufacturing systems.
- Experience with SQL, Python, C#, or similar programming languages.
- Exposure to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial communications, or process controls.
- Understanding of manufacturing operations and continuous improvement methodologies.
Steel Dynamics will not provide sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future for this role. This includes, but is not limited to, F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1, or any other work authorization that requires company sponsorship or the submission of immigration-related documentation to a government agency. Individuals who are found to require sponsorship now or in the future will be removed from consideration for employment for this position.
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
- Basic knowledge of programming, databases, industrial automation, or manufacturing systems
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a team-oriented manufacturing environment
- Internship, co-op, or project experience involving automation, controls, software development, industrial networking, or manufacturing systems
- Experience with SQL, Python, C#, or similar programming languages
- Exposure to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial communications, or process controls
- Understanding of manufacturing operations and continuous improvement methodologies
What We Do
Steel Dynamics is one of the largest domestic steel producers and metals recyclers in the United States, based on estimated annual steelmaking and metals recycling capability, with facilities located throughout the United States, and in Mexico. Steel Dynamics produces steel products, including hot roll, cold roll, and coated sheet steel, structural steel beams and shapes, rail, engineered special-bar-quality steel, cold finished steel, merchant bar products, specialty steel sections and steel joists and deck. In addition, the company produces liquid pig iron and processes and sells ferrous and nonferrous scrap.
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