Process Engineer - Melt Shop (Steel Manufacturing)

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Date: Jul 24, 2026

Location: Petersburg, Virginia, US, 23803

Company: Gerdau

Ready to make a direct impact on steelmaking operations? Gerdau is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives within our Melt Shop. This role is ideal 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, you will partner with production leaders, maintenance teams, and plant management to improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance. You will serve as a change agent, helping implement best practices, standardization, and continuous improvement methodologies that support operational excellence.

Why Gerdau?

You will have the opportunity to drive meaningful improvements in a world-class manufacturing environment while building your career with a global leader with the lowest embodied carbon steel in the U.S. We value innovation, teamwork, safety, and continuous development, and we're looking for professionals who are passionate about making a lasting impact.

We Offer:

  • 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 
  • An empowering and open culture with the opportunity to grow and create 

 Key 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.

Qualifications Required:

  • 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.

Apply today if you are ready to lead change, solve complex challenges, and help shape the future of steel manufacturing.

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Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunities related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. 

If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com

 


Nearest Major Market: Richmond

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