Electrical and Automation Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionTitle: Electrical and Automation Engineer Location: Mojave, California Near Cities: Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, California Job Grade: 21 Pacific Steel Group is a leading independent reinforcing steel fabricator and placer with offices throughout the Western United States. Founded in 2014 by industry veterans, PSG brings the expertise and experience of a large fabricator/installer with unparalleled independence, flexibility, and responsiveness. Today, Pacific Steel Group is one of the largest reinforcing steel fabricators and placers in the United States with more than 1,500 employees. We are recruiting an Electrical and Automation Engineer to support the design, construction, and commissioning of the Mojave Micro Mill, and to transition into a key role supporting plant operations after startup. This greenfield facility integrates advanced automation, robotics, and modern power and energy systems to enable safe, efficient, and low-emission steel production. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute from project phase through full-scale operations, shaping the performance and reliability of a next-generation steel plant. Job Summary The Electrical and Automation Engineer will support the design, construction, and commissioning of the Mojave Micro Mill and will transition into a key operational role responsible for the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of all electrical and automation systems across the Meltshop, Rolling Mill, and auxiliary systems. Following plant startup, this role will be accountable for electrical system reliability, automation performance, troubleshooting, and optimization of plant operations, ensuring high equipment availability and process stability. 1. Steel Plant Design & Construction Phase • Participate and coordinate the electrical design strategy for the Meltshop, Rolling Mill, and auxiliary systems, ensuring alignment with production and operational objectives. • Collaborate with engineering teams and OEM vendors to develop electrical and automation solutions tailored to our steel manufacturing processes. • Oversee the selection and specification of electrical equipment, including power distribution systems, MCCs, drives, and field instrumentation. • Coordinate integration of Water Treatment, Fume Treatment, and other auxiliary systems. • Support design, installation, and commissioning of the plant electrical substation and power distribution infrastructure. • Support integration of renewable energy systems and interface with plant electrical distribution, ensuring stability and efficiency. • Provide technical oversight during installation, ensuring compliance with local codes, safety requirements, and constructability best practices. 2. Automation & Control Systems • Support the design, programming, and commissioning of automation systems including PLCs, HMI/SCADA, drives, and robotic systems. • Collaborate with automation and robotics specialists to integrate autonomous and robotic equipment into steel production processes. • Ensure reliable communication between control systems and field equipment. • Support integration between Level 1 automation (PLC/Drives) and Level 2 systems to ensure proper process control, data flow, and reporting. • Work with industrial communication networks (e.g., Profinet) to ensure robust and secure system architecture. • Contribute to automation strategies that improve safety, reduce manual intervention, and support 'no-people-on-the-floor' initiatives. 3. Commissioning & Startup • Support commissioning activities including system testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation. • Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and internal teams during startup activities. • Participate in development of commissioning procedures, functional testing, and system acceptance criteria. • Provide hands-on troubleshooting support during startup to stabilize operations and achieve production targets. 4. Operations, Reliability & Continuous Improvement (Post-Startup) • Own electrical and automation system performance, ensuring high equipment availability and reliability. • Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies in collaboration with Maintenance teams. • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) of electrical and automation failures and implement corrective actions. • Support CMMS implementation and ensure accurate asset data, maintenance plans, and failure tracking. • Optimize control systems, process parameters, and automation logic to improve productivity, yield, and process stability. • Support Level 2 systems and integration with MES/ERP platforms for production data and reporting. • Identify and implement continuous improvement and debottlenecking initiatives. • Provide ongoing technical support to Operations during production, including troubleshooting and system optimization. 5. Power Systems & Energy Management • Monitor and optimize plant electrical distribution, including load balancing, power quality, and system efficiency. • Support management of power factor, harmonics, and flicker in coordination with utility providers. • Assist in coordination with utility and support integration of renewable energy sources. 6. Project Management & Leadership • Support planning and execution of electrical and automation project activities. • Coordinate contractors, technicians, and OEM representatives during installation and commissioning. • Provide technical leadership and guidance to electrical and automation technicians. • Support training and development of operations and maintenance personnel on electrical and automation systems. 7. Safety & Compliance • Promote and enforce safety standards and regulatory compliance in all activities. • Ensure compliance with electrical codes and industrial safety standards. • Support safe integration and operation of advanced automation and robotic systems in heavy industrial environments. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field. • 5–10 years of experience preferred (3–7 minimum acceptable) in electrical and automation engineering within heavy industrial environments. • Experience with PLC systems, HMI/SCADA, drives and motion systems, and industrial networks. • Exposure to Level 2 systems, process control, or MES integration is highly desirable. • Familiarity with power distribution systems, MCCs, substations, and field instrumentation. • Understanding of power quality, power factor, and industrial electrical system performance is preferred. • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills. • Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and OEM vendors