Automation Specialist

Automation Specialist

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part of the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We're proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

About the Role

As an Automation Specialist at Zekelman Industries, you will support and optimize automated systems within manufacturing operations, with an initial focus on a newly developed automated warehouse system. This role is responsible for supporting automation initiatives, troubleshooting system issues, and improving operational efficiencies across manufacturing and warehouse environments.

You will collaborate closely with Operations, IT, Information Security, and external vendors to document processes, support system integrations, and ensure reliable automated system performance. This role is 70% remote with approximately 30% travel.

This role is ideal for a technically skilled, self-motivated professional who enjoys automation technologies, continuous improvement, and solving complex operational challenges in manufacturing environments.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support automated systems controls and standard operating procedures.
• Document warehouse management system processes and become a subject matter expert on automation integrations.
• Support integrations between warehouse management systems, packaging systems, manufacturing execution systems, and transportation management systems.
• Train and support onsite super users on troubleshooting and resolving automated system issues.
• Assist in developing monitoring dashboards to proactively identify and resolve system concerns.
• Coordinate and document integration activities, operating procedures, and issue resolution with internal and external vendors.
• Gather employee feedback regarding automation system functionality and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with Information Security teams to support OT security, disaster recovery, and business continuity best practices.
• Support change management processes including testing and approval activities for automation systems.
• Assist in commissioning, optimization, and testing of automated manufacturing systems and equipment.
• Support installation, maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting of hardware and software within automated environments.
• Contribute to automation strategies that align with organizational goals and operational objectives.
• Lead and promote healthy and safe work practices as required by regulatory agencies and Company policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Who You Are

• 3+ years of experience in automation, industrial control systems, MES, process design, or project management environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with PLCs, HMI programming, SCADA systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems, Warehouse Management Systems, or industrial automation technologies preferred.
• Basic understanding of automated systems design, maintenance, and instrumentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and process optimization skills.
• Ability to support installation, maintenance, and upgrades of automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of OT security and automation best practices preferred.
• Ability to connect automation initiatives with organizational goals and operational improvements.
• Willingness to participate in on-call support schedules.
• Ability to travel approximately 30% as required.
• Ability to maintain regular, full-time, predictable attendance.

What You'll Get

Zekeelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, loyalty awards, and much more:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus Plan & Profit-Sharing Opportunities
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Employee Loyalty Awards

Annual Comp Range - $84,000 - $95,000

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.