Production Control Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Production Control Specialist supports the Production Control team in planning, tracking, and moving structural steel work through the shop on time and on budget. This role is the bridge between the office and the shop floor: keeping production data accurate, turning how we work into clear written procedures, and leading the practical use of software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make production control faster, more accurate, and less dependent on manual effort.

The ideal candidate is strongly computer-literate, disciplined about following established procedures, and motivated to improve them. They understand that S&S Steel’s automated equipment and experienced crews perform best when the information feeding them is right the first time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Control Support

■ Maintain job, sequence, piece, and assembly status in the production management system so the schedule reflects actual shop progress.

■ Prepare and release work packages, cut lists, CNC files, shop drawings, and travelers to the floor according to established release procedures.

■ Track material availability against purchase orders, receiving records, and bills of lading; flag shortages and heat-number or mill-cert discrepancies before they stop production.

■ Support load planning and shipping by confirming piece completion, coating status, and shipping lists.

■ Coordinate with foremen and the Shop Superintendent on daily priorities, bottlenecks, and work-in-process; communicate changes from Project Management and Detailing to the floor promptly.

■ Support CNC and automated-line workflows (e.g., Peddinghaus robotic and beam-drill lines) by verifying that files, part data, and nesting information are current and correctly revised.

Procedures & Standard Work

■ Follow company procedures, revision control, and quality requirements consistently and accurately.

■ Document current processes and write clear, usable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), checklists, and work instructions for production control and shop-support tasks.

■ Identify gaps, rework, and duplicated effort; recommend and pilot procedure improvements with the Production Control Manager.

■ Maintain a controlled, organized library of procedures and forms so the current version is always easy to find.

■ Train shop and office personnel on new or revised procedures and verify they are being followed.

AI & Digital Tools Implementation

■ Evaluate, pilot, and implement AI tools and automation that reduce manual data entry, speed reporting, and improve schedule and material visibility.

■ Build and maintain practical AI-assisted workflows, such as drafting procedures, summarizing drawing revisions and RFIs, extracting data from packing lists and mill certs, and generating status reports.

■ Write and refine prompts, templates, and guidelines so others can use AI tools consistently and safely.

■ Verify AI-generated output against source documents before it is used for production decisions; protect customer drawings and proprietary data in line with company policy.

■ Measure results (time saved, errors reduced) and report findings and recommendations to management.

■ Serve as a go-to resource for shop and office staff adopting new software and digital tools.

Data, Reporting & Systems

■ Produce daily and weekly production reports (tonnage, hours, throughput, WIP, and schedule status) using spreadsheets, dashboards, and system reports.

■ Audit production data for accuracy and completeness; correct errors at the source.

■ Support integration and clean data flow between detailing, estimating, production management, inventory, and timekeeping systems.

■ Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

■ High school diploma or equivalent.

■ Strong computer skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel (formulas, lookups, pivot tables), Word, Outlook, and file/document management.

■ Hands-on experience using AI tools (such as Claude, ChatGPT, or Copilot) for work tasks, with sound judgment about checking results.

■ Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures precisely and to write clear, step-by-step instructions for others.

■ Ability to read and interpret structural steel shop drawings, bills of material, and job documentation (or the ability to learn quickly).

■ Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through; comfortable managing multiple jobs and shifting priorities.

■ Clear, respectful communication with shop crews, foremen, and office staff.

Preferred

■ Associate or bachelor’s degree in operations, industrial technology, construction management, information systems, or related field — or equivalent experience.

■ 1–3 years of experience in production control, scheduling, planning, or operations support in steel fabrication, manufacturing, or construction.

■ Experience with steel fabrication production management software (e.g., Tekla PowerFab/FabSuite, StruMIS, or similar) and CNC/automated equipment data.

■ Experience building automations, AI workflows, dashboards (e.g., Power BI), or scripts.

■ Familiarity with AISC quality requirements, ASTM A6 material standards, and lean or continuous-improvement methods.

CORE COMPETENCIES

■ Process Discipline: Turns messy, informal processes into simple, repeatable standard work.

■ Technical Curiosity: Adopts new technology quickly and helps others do the same.

■ Accuracy & Judgment: Trusts data only after verifying it; catches problems before they reach the floor or the field.

■ Collaboration: Earns credibility with both the shop floor and the office.

■ Ownership: Takes initiative to find better ways of working, then proves them out.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

■ Work is divided between an office setting and an active fabrication shop with exposure to noise, overhead cranes, welding and cutting operations, dust, and seasonal temperatures.

■ Required PPE (safety glasses, hard hat, steel-toed boots, hearing protection) must be worn in production areas.

■ Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods, walk the shop floor regularly, climb stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs.

■ Must follow all S&S Steel safety rules and procedures.

Pay: $18.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• AI: 1 year (Required)
• Structural steel shop drawings: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $26