The Lead Electrical/Controls Engineer provides technical expertise to optimize highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes through visual systems, automation and advanced levels of process control. The role also develops, plans, organizes, and leads reliability, and improvement projects in the plant. This position provides technical support to Operations and the Maintenance team at our Bellwood Virginia aluminum extrusion and tube mill plant on the south side of Richmond.
What you will work on:
- Design, development and implementation of visual systems to help reduce errors and reduce cost through increased manufacturing efficiency
- Provide technical support to operations as necessary
- Combine theoretical and practical knowledge toward innovation of new products and processes
- Work independently on smaller projects from conception to completion. This work will include "hands-on" type projects
- Work in cross-functional teams to support business goals and objectives
- Thoroughly document all technical work that is completed
- Function as a shared resource within the production value streams for assistance in difficult problem solving
- Lead and/or contribute to continuous improvement and six sigma project teams
- Support plant safety initiatives through active involvement in the safety process
- Support and lead plant industrial electrical systems
- Leading and participating in process improvements with multi-discipline technical staff, maintenance and production.
Mentoring employees to increase their knowledge of equipment and process.
Working to eliminate waste through reliability improvements and monitoring processes, ensuring they are in control and meeting expectations.
What you will bring to the role:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a related technical degree is preferred.
- A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related technical degree, is preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing operation.
- High level of competency with Allen-Bradley PLC (Control Logix 5000), HMI (Allen Bradley ME and SE), and Allen-Bradley motor drives.
Other skills:
- Excellent equipment troubleshooting abilities is essential.
- Strong analytical problem-solving and organization skills.
- PC proficiency including, but not limited to, the use of Word, Excel, and Power Point.
- Solid interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication.
- Proven ability to work in a low supervision environment while successfully meeting goals.
- Willingness to work around large manufacturing equipment and furnaces.
- Experience with technical projects/initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong PC skills, including Windows, Word, Excel, various data collection and analysis packages.
- Proven ability to work in teams.
- Robotics experience is a plus.
- AutoCAD Electrical.
- Industrial networking.
No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in a related technical field
- 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing operation
- Competency with Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI systems
- Excellent equipment troubleshooting skills
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills
Kaiser Aluminum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Kaiser Aluminum and has not been reviewed or approved by Kaiser Aluminum.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Incentive earnings through monthly profit-sharing/bonuses and abundant overtime are highlighted as meaningful additions to base pay. Feedback suggests this makes it possible to earn a substantial income when extra hours are available.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is offered to employees working 30+ hours, alongside wellness programs, an EAP, and Health Advocate support. First‑day eligibility for many benefits reinforces perceived breadth of core health offerings.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) savings with company matching is available, with vesting beginning quickly in many cases. Union settings at some facilities also reference pension features that strengthen long‑term retirement security.
Kaiser Aluminum Insights
What We Do
Safety. Innovation. Sustainability. Teamwork. Integrity. At Kaiser Aluminum, these words mean something to us. They are words that describe our culture and the manner in which we conduct business. They are the reason Kaiser Aluminum is Making it Possible. We produce semi-fabricated aluminum mill products engineered to outperform in strength, quality, and recyclability and make a safer and more sustainable world possible. Our coated sheet products protect and preserve the food and beverages your family consumes every day. Our lightweight, high-strength, energy-absorbing automotive extrusions improve your car’s fuel efficiency and performance while protecting your passengers on the road. From nose to tail and wing tip to wing tip, aerospace manufacturers rely on our products to make both commercial and military planes lighter, stronger, and more maneuverable for those who travel and those who protect our nation. We know that customer-focused, innovative solutions that move our industry and our world forward are made possible through the teamwork of a diverse workforce of technical, operational, and business professionals focused on mutual goals. We know that our success is a shared outcome that makes the future possible. At Kaiser Aluminum, we are looking for individuals who share the values that have guided us for more than 75 years. The future belongs to innovators and big thinkers – and Kaiser Aluminum is helping make that future possible. At Kaiser, it’s not just a job, it’s a career. Check out our current opportunities today.
