Automation and Instrumentation Engineer

Job Title: Automation and Instrumentation Engineer

Location: Petersburg, VA

Job Type: Direct Hire

Salary: $80,000 - $120,000 (Depending on Experience)

Job Description:

The Automation & Instrumentation (A&I) Engineer is responsible for rolling mill automation, troubleshooting major failures, software backup, research, development, improvement, and testing of electrical/electronic components, equipment, and systems. This role works closely with production and maintenance personnel, as well as management, to ensure continuous operation and improvement of equipment and processes. The A&I Engineer reports to the Maintenance General Foreman.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead initiatives to improve HMI based on operational needs.
• Enhance automation stability and address system delays.
• Identify and implement opportunities for increased throughput and improved instrumentation reliability.
• Develop and optimize alarm reporting for operators and maintenance teams.
• Collect, analyze, and report asset performance while implementing efficiency improvements.
• Provide recommendations for major equipment modifications, renovations, and replacements.
• Support planning and scheduling processes for maintenance downtime and outages.
• Participate in failure analysis for maintenance and operational issues.
• Assist in the development and execution of annual action planning.

Requirements:

• Education: BS in Electronics, Networking, Automation, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: 5 years of relevant experience, with preference for steel industry background.
• Strong knowledge of AC/DC controls and motors.
• Experience programming PLCs in a manufacturing setting.
• Solid understanding of computer programming and software development.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests.
• Proficiency in MS Office, SAP, IBA, and CAD.
• Willingness to work in both office and field settings.
• Ability to translate operator requests into actionable automation tasks.

Desired Skills:

• Advanced programming experience with: GE Innovation Series Controllers, Toshiba NV Controllers, RX3i Controllers, GE Genius Block I/O Networks, IBA Analytical Tools, Siemens S7/TIA
• Commissioning systems expertise.
• Knowledge of A/C motor tuning and high/medium voltage GE & ABB drives.
• Familiarity with networking, including Cisco switching/router configuration.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with operators, maintenance, and leadership teams.

Subject to a pre-employment drug test and/or background check.