Automation Engineer

Optimus Steel LLC, a leading Texas-based steel manufacturer, is seeking an Automation Engineer to support safe, reliable, and efficient mill operations. In this on-site role, you will design, program, and maintain PLC/HMI systems, drives, and instrumentation for rolling mill, reheating, and material-handling equipment. You will troubleshoot complex automation issues, support 24/7 production, and lead continuous improvement projects that enhance safety, quality, and throughput. Working closely with operations, maintenance, and safety teams, you'll help drive operational excellence and sustainable, high-quality steel production.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC- and HMI-based control systems for mill equipment

• Maintain and optimize automation, drives, and instrumentation to maximize uptime and product quality

• Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for control and electrical issues

• Lead and participate in continuous improvement and reliability projects across the plant

• Develop and maintain documentation, schematics, and standard operating procedures for control systems

• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and safety teams to implement safe, reliable automation solutions

• Support commissioning, startup, and upgrades of new or modified equipment

• Provide after-hours technical support as needed to sustain 24/7 operations Required Skills

• PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Siemens or similar)

• HMI/SCADA configuration and support

• Industrial networking (Ether

• Net/IP, Profibus, Modbus)

• AC and DC drives and motor control

• Industrial instrumentation and controls troubleshooting

• Electrical schematics reading and control panel design

• Root cause analysis and reliability engineering

• Process control in heavy manufacturing or steel mills

• Safety systems and lockout/tagout practices

• Data collection, analysis, and reporting from control systems