SMS group USA logo

Automation Engineer - Level 1 Systems Rolling Mills

SMS group USA • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

remotefull-time
Posted Sep 8, 2026Apply by Oct 9, 2026

Role & seniority: ** Level 1 Control Systems Engineer (Flat Rolling); ~5+ years** experience (mid-level).

**Stack/tools: **

  • PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers)

  • Level 1 rolling mill control system design/programming (project standards/SMS reference projects)

  • Integration testing; commissioning/startup tooling typical to industrial control systems

  • Top 3 responsibilities:

    1. Design and implement Level 1 control systems for Hot/Cold Rolling Mills using project requirements and standards.

    2. Program Level 1 PLC-based control systems from functional descriptions and participate in system integration testing.

    3. Commission/Support: lead on-site commissioning/startup; train customers; provide remote and on-site service for existing installations.

  • Must-have skills:

    • Bachelor’s/Master’s in Electrical Engineering (or related)

    • PLC programming experience

    • Strong troubleshooting/problem-solving under time pressure (commissioning)

    • Effective written/oral communication and collaboration in multicultural teams

    • Travel willingness for site work

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • Prior experience in metals industry and/or rolling mill automation

    • Experience training customer personnel and leading commissioning activities

  • Location & work type:

    • Office + industrial site environments (loud, moving machinery, electrical shock risk)

    • Travel required for pro

Full Description

Summary

Support, program, test, and commission Level 1 control systems for new and existing installations of Hot and Cold Rolling Mills.

As a flat rolling Level 1 Engineer, you will play a critical role in delivering and supporting world-class automation solutions for rolling mill installations across global markets, working within a collaborative engineering team at the forefront of metals industry technology.

Why SMS group?

At SMS group, you'll be part of an international team shaping the future of the metals industry through innovative engineering. We offer opportunities for professional growth, global project exposure, and mentorship from experienced engineers — all within a collaborative, forward-thinking culture.

Duties And Responsibilities

Design and implement Level 1 control systems based on project requirements, SMS standards, and reference projects Program Level 1 control systems from detailed function descriptions for project-specific equipment Gain hands-on mentorship from industry veterans while building specialized expertise in rolling technology and control system design Collaborate with project management, mechanical engineering, and Level 2 engineering teams Participate in integration testing to ensure system readiness before shipment to the job site Lead on-site commissioning and startup of Level 1 control systems for new plant installations Train customer personnel in maintenance and troubleshooting best practices Provide remote and on-site service support for existing systems, partnering with engineers across the organization Operate with autonomy — take ownership of broad objectives and apply your expertise independently

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an engineering role in metals or a similar industry Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers Be willing to travel to support the project work. Strong problem solving skills especially while under time pressure during commissioning Ability to work effectively in multicultural, international environments Excellent oral and written communication skills

Physical Demands

General office work Ability to travel to support project work Frequently required to stand, walk and sit Frequently required to reach with hands and arms Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Work Environment

Office conditions

Varying site conditions that could include

  • Exposure to moving mechanical parts
  • Possible risk of electrical shock
  • The noise level in the work environment usually is loud

Ready to bring your controls engineering expertise to a global stage? Apply today.

What We Offer

Competitive compensation, medical/dental/vision coverage, paid vacation, paid holiday time, 401k with a company match, training, a tuition reimbursement program and more!

What We Do

SMS group is the leading partner in the world of metals. We are an original equipment supplier offering comprehensive maintenance and spare part services for metals production, continuous casting and rolling (flat and long products), tubes, welded pipes, forging, non-ferrous technology, and heat treatment plants - all from a single source.

SMS group Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity or other categories protected by law. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen and physical capacity profile test.

Level 1 Control SystemsPLC ProgrammingCommissioningSystem Integration TestingRolling Mill TechnologyElectrical EngineeringTroubleshootingProject Management CollaborationTechnical TrainingRemote Supportmulti-locationreview:company

Cookies & analytics consent

We serve candidates globally, so we only activate Google Tag Manager and other analytics after you opt in. This keeps us aligned with GDPR/UK DPA, ePrivacy, LGPD, and similar rules. Essential features still run without analytics cookies.

Read how we use data in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.