Industrial Controls Electrician — Metals Processing

Are you the go-to problem solver for complex controls?

If you thrive in high-energy environments and love bringing heavy equipment back to life, Gerdau Steel in Petersburg, VA wants to meet you. We’re a global steel leader focused on sustainability and operational excellence—now seeking an Industrial Controls Electrician to keep our metals processing operations running at peak performance.

Why this role stands out

• Earnings: First year earnings of $116,000/year to $125,000/year DOE which includes base pay, bi-weekly production bonus, shift premiums, and 354 hours of scheduled annual overtime.
• Benefits on day one: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, plus 100% 401(k) match up to 6%.
• Growth: Tuition reimbursement and clear advancement pathways.
• Culture: Supportive, respectful, and safety-focused from the ground up.

What you’ll do

• Track down and resolve faults in electrical/electronic control systems using a solid understanding of mechanical, fluid power, and electrical interactions.
• Conduct routine rounds to spot anomalies and verify equipment is within spec.
• Troubleshoot AC/DC motor controls, PLCs, electrical drives, and high-voltage systems at or below 480 volts—making sound, timely decisions.
• Inspect, service, and maintain shop machinery, mobile equipment, PLC networks, and cranes; replace worn parts as needed.
• Support electrical aspects of pumps, motors, cranes, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
• Lay out, install, and maintain electronically controlled equipment: rolling mill loop controls, secondary distribution centers, programmable sequences, and pulpit control panels.
• Balance electrical loads and execute complex circuit wiring.
• Employ diagnostic gear including digital voltmeters, multi-volt meters, paper recorders, and oscilloscopes.
• Document work performed, repair specifics, and materials consumption.
• Read and apply electrical schematics/blueprints at an intermediate level.
• Partner with maintenance and production teams to provide technical assistance.

Schedule

Dupont 4/3 schedule with 12 hr rotating shifts: days, nights, and two consecutive weekends.

What you bring

• Completion of Ramsey Electrical exam.
• 3–5 years of heavy manufacturing electrical maintenance experience.
• Expertise in AC/DC motor theory, PLC troubleshooting, and high-voltage systems.
• Ability to interpret schematics and utilize standard electrical maintenance tools.

Your tech toolkit

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
• HMI
• Digital voltmeter, multi-volt meter, paper recorder, oscilloscope

Core strengths

• Electrical Systems Diagnostics & Repair
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Electrical Repair
• Industrial Electrical Experience
• Electrical Systems & Diagnostics (Heavy Equipment)
• Electrical Schematic Reading
• AC/DC
• High Voltage

Take the next step

Ready to grow with a stable, global organization? Apply now to join Gerdau’s Petersburg, VA operation and turn your expertise into lasting impact.