Steelmaking Process Optimization Engineer; Melt Shop

Position: Steelmaking Process Optimization Engineer (Melt Shop)
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 scrap—leading 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 useData 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 DevelopmentCAPEXOperational reliability

Root cause

Systems you’ll touchSAPBenefits 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.