Are you the engineer who turns data into safer, faster, cleaner melt shop operations?
Where you’ll work: Greater Richmond Region, south-central Virginia
Relocation: U.S. relocation support available
Pay: $105,000–$121,000 base + Annual Bonus
Why Gerdau?
- Up to 96% of our North American steel is made from recycled scrapleading the way on sustainability and low embodied carbon.
- Financially strong, dividend-paying NYSE-listed company.
- Global scale, local impact, and a team-first culture focused on safety and innovation.
What you’ll tackle
- Lead targeted continuous improvement initiatives to elevate melt shop safety, quality, reliability, and cost performance.
- Analyze production/process data to spot trends, quantify opportunities, and eliminate recurring issues.
- Cut process variation using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured root cause analysis.
- Build and sustain process standards, systems, and best practices.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute CAPEX projects from scoping through start-up.
- Partner with production, maintenance, and leadership to optimize equipment and processes across the plant.
- Deliver training on continuous improvement tools and problem-solving techniques.
- Coach teams in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, QIS, and Failure Analysis.
- Contribute to annual business planning, goal deployment, and strategic improvement roadmaps.
- Serve as a technical resource for process optimization and performance improvement.
- Advance a culture of safety and environmental compliance.
Do you have what it takes?
- Degree: Bachelor’s in Engineering, Business Administration, Materials Science, or related field with 3–5 years of relevant experience; OR High School Diploma/GED with 6–8 years’ relevant experience.
- Industry: Heavy industrial or process manufacturing experience with knowledge of standardization and production quality methods.
- Plus: Steelmaking and melt shop background preferred; experience in scrap processing, melting, casting, rolling, maintenance, or finishing.
- Proven: Track record leading CI and process optimization projects; CAPEX planning/support experience.
- Toolbox: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and quality improvement methodologies.
- Influence: Strong communication, presentation, coaching, and leadership skills with cross-functional partners.
Tools and methods you’ll use
- Data Analysis and Manipulation
- Continuous Improvement
- Troubleshooting Skills
- Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram)
- Process Engineering
- Production Optimization
- Lean Manufacturing Principles
- Six Sigma Experience
- Investment Casting (Foundry Operations)
- Process Development
- CAPEX
- Operational reliability
- Root cause
Systems you’ll touch
Benefits you can count on (Day 1 eligibility for
medical/dental/vision)- Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision plans
- Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 100% 401(k) match up to 6%
- Life/AD&D Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Health Advocate Services and an Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Structured Career Path and Training
- An empowering, open culture with room to grow and create
Make your mark
Apply if you’re ready to lead change, solve complex challenges, and help shape the future of steel manufacturing.
