Process Automation Software Engineer

Nucor•Apple Grove, WV

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Nucor Steel West Virginia is seeking a Process Automation Software Engineer. The Process Automation Software Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, information technology, and process automation teams to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the plant. This role is responsible for the Universal Middleware System (UMS), Nucor's in-house manufacturing execution and integration platform that connects level 2 automation systems with plant and enterprise systems. This is a hands-on software engineering role in a heavy industrial environment focused on designing, developing, testing, deploying, and supporting full-stack applications, APIs, databases, integrations, and web-based tools that enable reliable data collection, movement, and visibility across plant operations. The engineer owns solutions end-to-end, from understanding operational requirements and designing maintainable systems to troubleshooting production issues and supporting applications in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. A significant portion of the role involves system integration, including interfacing OEM automation systems, translating data between platforms, optimizing data flow, diagnosing communication issues, and ensuring end-to-end traceability of production data. The engineer will also support continuous improvement initiatives by building scalable solutions that improve plant performance while establishing a strong foundation for future reporting, analytics, process optimization, and AI-driven technologies. Success in this role requires strong software engineering fundamentals, system integration expertise, and a willingness to learn the steelmaking process. The most effective engineers spend time on the plant floor, understand what the data physically represents, collaborate directly with operations and maintenance teams, and use that knowledge to develop practical solutions that improve safety, quality, reliability, and productivity. Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

Requirements

Four-year degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
Demonstrated ability to develop, troubleshoot, and modify software applications, including supporting and enhancing existing code written by others.

Nice To Haves

2 years of experience developing software in industrial, manufacturing, or automation environments and collaborating closely with plant operations.
Minimum 2 years of experience developing software applications using object-oriented programming principles and common programming constructs.
Minimum 1 year of experience working with relational databases and SQL, including writing queries and understanding database design concepts.
Minimum 1 year of experience using version control systems, participating in code reviews, and troubleshooting software issues.
Design reliable, scalable, and maintainable software systems using sound engineering principles.
Develop and support C#/.NET applications, REST APIs, web interfaces, and automated testing solutions.
Design, optimize, and integrate relational and time-series databases.
Integrate systems using messaging, networking, and industrial communication standards.
Support CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, application monitoring, and deployment processes.
Maintain server infrastructure, virtualization platforms, networking systems, and cybersecurity controls.
Prepare operational data for analytics, AI, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.
Demonstrate ownership, strong communication, effective troubleshooting, and collaborative teamwork.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, test, deploy, and support full-stack applications, APIs, databases, integrations, and web-based tools.
Ensure reliable data collection, movement, and visibility across plant operations.
Own solutions end-to-end, from understanding operational requirements and designing maintainable systems to troubleshooting production issues and supporting applications in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
Integrate systems, including interfacing OEM automation systems, translating data between platforms, optimizing data flow, diagnosing communication issues, and ensuring end-to-end traceability of production data.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by building scalable solutions that improve plant performance.
Establish a strong foundation for future reporting, analytics, process optimization, and AI-driven technologies.
Initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards.