INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SPECIALIST

Gerdau•WILTON, IA

171d

About The Position

At Gerdau, the Industrial Automation Specialist installs, maintains, and replaces automation systems throughout the production process. The role troubleshoots component parts and services and repairs industrial process control systems, instrumentation, robotic assembly devices, and computer-controlled equipment designed to reduce human interaction. The work includes installation, modification, and programming of complex closed-loop and digital electronic equipment. The specialist serves as a subject matter expert in PLC programming, primarily Rockwell and ABB, and HMI systems, as well as automation and instrumentation such as motion sensors, control components, load cells, VFDs, photosensors, and camera systems. The role also advises leadership and key decision-makers by reporting on current automation capabilities and future opportunities. The position supports reliable production operations, works with engineers and plant leadership on equipment projects, coordinates troubleshooting support, trains personnel, and follows applicable PPE and safety requirements. The job requires working a shift schedule that includes days, nights, and weekends, and responding to emergency call-ins when the plant is down. The work may involve extreme temperatures, cramped quarters, heights, and noise levels up to 120 decibels.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Experience working in an industrial environment.
Working knowledge of computer science, mechanics, electronics, machinery, human-machine interfaces, and process controls.
Strong math, computer, and electrical skills.
Familiarity with a variety of hand tools and strong problem-solving ability.
Thorough understanding of equipment including motors, drives, pneumatics, and hydraulics.
Ability to read blueprints.
Advanced knowledge and verifiable training and/or work experience in AC/DC motor theory, PLC programming and network configuration, Factory Talk HMI system configuration, drives, ABB and Rockwell electrical controls, data acquisition systems, process cameras, and HMI interfaces.
Ability to climb stairs and ladders, reach, squat, tolerate prolonged standing or walking, balance, bend, operate mobile equipment, crawl, kneel, and push and pull objects.
Ability to tolerate prolonged sitting and lift up to 35 pounds.
Ability to work in temperatures up to 160°F, cramped quarters, and at heights.
Ability to work a shift schedule that includes days, nights, and weekends and to work emergency call-ins when the plant is down.
Ability to tolerate work areas where noise levels can reach 120 decibels.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, automation technology, robotics, or a closely related technical field.
10 years of heavy industrial electrical maintenance experience.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced PLC and HMI programming, networking, and troubleshooting; set up and install hardware; and evaluate equipment and recommend design changes or improvements.
Modify ancillary systems and equipment used with PLCs, including operating systems, software packages, drives, and data acquisition systems, and identify root causes of equipment failures.
Check and calibrate plant instrumentation and routinely inspect plant equipment, reheat furnace systems, melt shop electronic systems, and other instrumentation.
Document testing of emergency systems for compliance purposes and use analytic software, calculators, meters, and electronic probes to diagnose circuitry faults.
Interpret schematics and blueprints at an expert level.
Research, specify, and help source equipment, parts, and digital solutions.
Use diagnostic equipment such as digital voltmeters, multi-voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and other electronic tools.
Plan and assist engineers and plant leadership with equipment installation or modification projects.
Help coordinate maintenance employees and contractors and troubleshoot assigned projects.
Follow PPE requirements and safety rules and guidelines for all tasks.
Train other personnel on electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, networks, and process changes.
Perform other duties as assigned.