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Automation Technician - $1000 Sign on Bonus

Gerdau · Midlothian, TX

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Level
Technician
Team
Controls
Degree
Required (or equivalent experience)
Experience asked
10+ years
Industry
Metals
Posted
4 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level controls role at Gerdau (metals) in Midlothian, TX. In this role, you will be responsible for installing, programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and the industrial network infrastructure that connects them.

They ask for
10+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
Tools it names
PLC, Automation
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

How this role compares

Against 28 other live controls postings in Texas.

Experience asked
More than usual (10+ vs 3+)

Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 66%
  • ✓ PLC 59%
  • Welding 24%
  • Robotics 24%
  • Root cause 21%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 10+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coveragePromotion path mentioned

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls 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. 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. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 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. 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 Midlothian

2 other open roles at this site.

Full description from GerdauAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented PLC Programming & Network Technician to join our automation team. In this role, you will be responsible for installing, programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and the industrial network infrastructure that connects them. The ideal candidate bridges the gap between traditional industrial electrical automation and modern IT networking to maximize plant efficiency and uptime.

Position will work Day Shift on Weekdays.

Core

Responsibilities

  • ◆Program & Modify PLCs: Design, write, modify, and optimize control code (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Blocks) using platforms like [Rockwell Studio 5000 / Siemens TIA Portal].
  • ◆Manage Industrial Networks: Configure and maintain industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus) and manage switches, routers, and firewalls on the operational technology (OT) network.
  • ◆Troubleshoot & Repair: Diagnose hardware and software faults on live automation systems, sensors, actuators, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and networked assets.
  • ◆HMI/IBA Support: Develop and update graphics and alarms for HMIs and IBA system to ensure operators have clear visibility into plant processes.
  • ◆Commissioning: Perform I/O checkouts, point-to-point wiring verification, and loop tuning during machine installations and system upgrades.
  • ◆Document & Backup: Maintain up-to-date documentation of control schematics, network topology diagrams, and automated software code backups.

Education

  • ✓Associate degree in Industrial Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or equivalent trade school certifications.

Experience

  • ✓Minimum 10 years of experience working with industrial automated systems and operational technology (OT) networks.
  • ✓Technical Skills:
  • ✓Proficiency with PLC software suites (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
  • ✓Clear understanding of network networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DHCP, VLANs, managed switches).
  • ✓Ability to read and interpret electrical blueprints, P&ID diagrams, and control schematics.
  • ✓Exceptional troubleshooting ability under pressure, collaborative mindset, and strong communication skills for interfacing with both engineers and floor operators.
Show full description ↓

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.

We Offer

  • •$1,000 Sign-On Bonus (payable after 3 months of employment)
  • •Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Plans – Eligible upon 1st day of hire
  • •Health Savings Account with company contributions & Flex Spending Accounts
  • •100% Matching 401K up to 6%
  • •Paid Life Insurance
  • •Paid Parental Leave
  • •Employee Assistance Program
  • •Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • •Incentive programs that include bi-weekly production bonuses
  • •Career Progression System with Training & Development
  • •Paid uniforms and all PPE required
  • •Paid Holidays
  • •Paid Time Off

Job

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