Process Engineer - Melt Shop
Gerdau · Petersburg, VA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Process
- Base pay
- $105k–$121k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Metals
- Posted
- 20 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at Gerdau (metals) in Petersburg, VA. Develop, implement, and maintain process standards, systems, and best practices.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, Casting
- Base pay
- $105k–$121k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Process Engineer roles in Virginia: typical posted base $90k–$110k. This one lists $105k–$121k.
Median of the low and high ends of 5 live postings that list pay, out of 15 process engineer openings in Virginia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 14 other live process postings in Virginia.
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 40%
- ✓ Lean 40%
- ✓ Six Sigma 27%
- Automation 20%
- ✓ Casting 20%
- Team leadership 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Gerdau
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Gerdau in Petersburg
8 other open roles at this site.
- Maintenance Reliability Engineer · Reliability
- Process Improvement Engineer - Rolling Operations · Lean / CI
- Controls Engineer · Controls
- Industrial Mechanic - Melt Shop · Reliability · Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Electrician · Reliability · Technician
- Industrial Electrician - Rolling Mill · Reliability · Technician
Full description from GerdauAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
Required
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Materials Science, or a related field with 3-5 years of relevant experience, OR a High School Diploma/GED with 6-8 years of relevant experience. Experience in heavy industrial, or process manufacturing environments.Knowledge of standardization and production quality methods required.
- ✓Strong knowledge of steelmaking and Melt Shop operations preferred.
- ✓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.
#EngineeringJobs #ProcessEngineer #Manufacturing #ManufacturingJobs #IndustrialEngineering #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #SixSigma #OperationsManagement #Steel #Casting
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
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At Gerdau, we empower our people to grow, thrive, and make a difference—together. With a culture built on trust and teamwork, we offer meaningful work, continuous development, and opportunities to shape your future. We invite you to come work with us, where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your career is forged with purpose
Process Engineer - Melt Shop Operations
Located in Greater Richmond Region of south-central Virginia / Relocation Available within the U.S. / Salary: $105,000-$121,000 + Annual Bonus
Driven by sustainability, Gerdau produces up to 96% of its North American steel from recycled scrap. We pair this environmental focus with financial strength, standing as a highly stable, dividend-paying company on the NYSE.
Your Mission
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/STD/LTD
- •Paid Parental Leave
- •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