Manufacturing Automation Engineer

U. S. Steel Tubular Products delivers high‑quality seamless pipe that powers America’s energy market and supports multiple industries across the USA.  Backed by more than a century of steelmaking and now part of the third largest steel company in the world, U. S. Tubular Products represents a culture of innovation, our team builds premium connections and partners with customers to tackle their toughest challenges, keeping energy and industry moving forward.

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Automation Engineer at our Fairfield, Alabama plant to design, program, and optimize automated manufacturing systems in a high-volume industrial environment. The role requires deep experience in robotics, PLC/HMI systems, and G-code CNC programming, with strong knowledge of machining and cutting processes. Exposure to OCTG premium connections, laser and optical measurement systems, and Lean Six Sigma practices is a strong plus.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deploy robotic cells, CNC automation, and PLC‑controlled systems.
• Program and debug PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC G‑code programs for OCTG threading operations.
• Support machine cutting processes—including tooling selection, feeds/speeds, fixtures, and workholding.
• Integrate sensors, vision systems, and laser/optical metrology tools into manufacturing processes.
• Lead troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Provide hands‑on support to production in a fast‑paced, high‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and safety teams to ensure safe, capable, and efficient processes.

Requirements:

• Relevant experience, Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred.  
• 5 years of manufacturing automation experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with robotics, PLCs, and CNC G‑code programming.
• Experience with machining and industrial cutting processes.
• Industrial robotics programming (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or similar).
• PLC/HMI programming (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens).
• CNC G‑code programming for lathes and mills; Siemens NX CAM experience is a plus.
• Strong machining‑process knowledge and tooling optimization capability.
• Competence in metrology, SPC, and process‑capability analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizing, planning, and execution discipline.
• Effective communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to perform well in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented mindset.
• Continuous‑improvement focus with a drive for operational excellence.

Preferred but Not Required Experience:

• Exposure to OCTG premium connections.
• Experience with laser and optical measurement systems.
• Lean Six Sigma training or certification.
• Experience working with high‑speed manufacturing lines.