Automation Engineer

Basic Job Functions:

The Automation Engineer is responsible for strengthening the availability, reliability, and performance of Process Control systems to enhance product quality, increase output, and reduce downtime. Core responsibilities include:

• Maintaining Process Control infrastructure, including networks, servers, applications, and related support platforms.
• Developing process software, database tools, programmable logic controller (PLC) programs, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications.
• Administering control application servers, licensing tools, software maintenance agreements, vendor support contracts, and process databases.
• Resolving issues with PLC, HMI, SCADA, plant-floor networking, and manufacturing execution platforms.
• Creating reports, analyzing operating data, and identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, quality, reliability, and product performance.
• Contributing to automation and control initiatives that optimize plant processes.
• Responding to manufacturing system needs during off-hours as required.
• Staying current with advancements in automation technology, plant-floor networking, computer hardware/software, and steelmaking processes.

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree with a major emphasis in Computer Technology, Electrical Technology, Automation Technology, or a related technical field; OR three years of Process Control, automation, network administration, or computer systems experience.
• Ability to diagnose PLC, HMI, and automation issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with high-level programming languages and relational databases (e.g., C++, C#, SQL).
• Proficiency in SQL and PL/SQL with a solid understanding of database design principles.
• Working knowledge of virtualized environments and industrial networking concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain control networks, servers, and related software.

Selection Criteria:

• Leadership Presence/Courage: Willingness and confidence to engage in direct conversations regarding safety, teamwork, accountability, process changes, and organizational alignment.
• Initiative: Proactively identifies opportunities to strengthen equipment, workflows, and team execution while taking ownership of responsibilities and challenges.
• Teamwork: Works effectively with others to achieve common goals and support a positive team environment.
• Organizing, Planning, & Prioritizing Work: Develops specific goals and plans for prioritizing, organizing, and accomplishing individual and team objectives. Demonstrates effective time management and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Communication: Ability to actively listen, clearly communicate technical information, and effectively collaborate with operators, maintenance personnel, vendors, and leadership.
• Accountability & Dependability: Demonstrates reliability, ownership, and commitment to fulfilling obligations while holding self and others accountable for achieving results.
• Problem Solving & Judgment/Decision Making: Identifies issues, gathers and analyzes information, evaluates alternatives, and implements effective solutions in a timely manner.
• Maintenance Systems/Techniques: Knowledge of maintenance and reliability practices, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation to improve uptime and equipment performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Ability to program and configure PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable controllers.
• Background in building, configuring, and maintaining operator interface and SCADA applications.
• Hands-on involvement in process optimization initiatives.
• Strong understanding of plant electrical, mechanical, and automation controls.
• Knowledge of operational reporting, web-based applications, historian platforms, and data visualization tools.
• Working knowledge of code/version management tools (Git, Azure DevOps, or similar).
• Familiarity with communication protocols and networking technologies such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC, or similar.
• Background in maintaining virtualized server environments and control infrastructure.