Heavy Manufacturing PLC & Drives Electrician

Build what matters. Power a sustainable future.

Gerdau Steel is a global force in steelmaking—thriving in diverse markets with a deep commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. We’re seeking a Heavy Manufacturing PLC & Drives Electrician in Petersburg, VA to safeguard reliability, elevate safety, and keep production moving.

Your impact

• Be the first line of defense for electrical and electronic controls—troubleshooting issues that involve mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems working together.
• Run proactive rounds to catch abnormalities early and ensure equipment remains within normal specifications.
• Diagnose AC/DC motor controls, PLCs, electrical drives, and high-voltage circuits at or below 480 volts—making informed, timely decisions.
• Maintain shop machinery, mobile equipment, PLC networks, and cranes; repair/replace components as needed.
• Service the electrical side of pumps, motors, cranes, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
• Design, install, and maintain complex, electronically controlled systems including rolling mill loop controls, secondary distribution centers, programmable sequences, and pulpit control panels.
• Balance loads and wire intricate circuits to standard.
• Leverage diagnostic instruments—digital voltmeters, multi-volt meters, paper recorders, oscilloscopes—to pinpoint faults.
• Keep clear records of work performed, repair details, and materials used.
• Interpret electrical schematics/blueprints (intermediate level) and support teammates with technical guidance.

Rewards you can count on

• 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.
• Day-one benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 100% 401(k) match up to 6%.
• Tuition reimbursement plus defined pathways for career advancement.
• A culture grounded in respect, support, and safety.

Schedule & environment

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

What you’ll need to succeed

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

Technologies you’ll work with

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

Core competencies

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

Make your move

Join Gerdau in Petersburg, VA and turn your technical mastery into tangible results for a company where your work truly matters. Apply today.