Process Engineer - Melt Shop (Steel Manufacturing)

Gerdau • Petersburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Gerdau is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives within their Melt Shop. This role is for an engineering professional who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, optimizing processes, leading projects, and driving measurable results in a fast-paced steel production environment. As a key member of the operations team, the engineer will partner with production leaders, maintenance teams, and plant management to improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance. The role involves serving as a change agent, implementing best practices, standardization, and continuous improvement methodologies to support operational excellence. The opportunity is to drive improvements in a world-class manufacturing environment and build a career with a global leader known for having the lowest embodied carbon steel in the U.S. Gerdau values innovation, teamwork, safety, and continuous development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in steel manufacturing, heavy industrial, or process manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of steelmaking and Melt Shop operations.
• Experience in scrap processing, melting, casting, rolling, maintenance, finishing, or related manufacturing operations.
• Proven success leading continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.
• Experience managing or supporting CAPEX projects.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and quality improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication, presentation, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Ability to influence change and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on Melt Shop operations and performance.
• Analyze production and process data to identify trends, opportunities, and root causes of recurring issues.
• Reduce process variation and improve operational reliability through data-driven problem solving.
• Develop, implement, and maintain process standards, systems, and best practices.
• Manage and support CAPEX projects from planning through execution.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and leadership teams to improve equipment, processes, and overall plant performance.
• Facilitate employee training on continuous improvement methodologies and problem-solving techniques.
• Coach and develop employees on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, QIS, Failure Analysis, and other improvement tools.
• Support annual business planning, goal development, and strategic improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise and consulting to operations teams on process optimization and performance improvement.
• Promote and support a strong culture of safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1st day of hire
• Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
• 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
• Life/Accidental Life Insurance
• Health Advocate Services
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Career Path System and Training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior