Controls Specialist
ZekelmanYou may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part 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 a Controls Specialist at Wheatland Tube a division of Zekelman Industries, Blytheville, AR, you will play a key role in improving and maintaining plant electrical and control systems to enhance safety, productivity, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role is responsible for advancing machinery design, leading strategic electrical projects, and maintaining plant software and backup systems for MES and PLC platforms. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on industrial environment and demonstrates strong leadership and troubleshooting capabilities.
What You’ll Do
Monitor plant systems, analyze performance, and initiate improvements to support safety, productivity, and cost objectives.
Study site conditions and gather data necessary for capital and continuous improvement projects.
Perform custom PLC and drive programming for Allen Bradley, SAF, and Rexroth components.
Address mill hazards, electrical issues, and programming concerns to maintain safe operations.
Specify and integrate control devices including PLCs, sensors, transmitters, relays, VFDs, and operator interface devices.
Prepare bills of material, purchase requisitions, as-built drawings, and project specifications for approval.
Lead or assist employees and contractors during construction, verification, and start-up activities.
Review project proposals, RFQs, and supplier bids and provide recommendations to leadership.
Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues.
Maintain, monitor, and improve plant-wide PLCs, drives, and production control equipment.
Manage records of system software changes and communicate updates to affected employees.
Support shift work requirements as needed.
Promote health and safety work practices in accordance with regulatory agencies and company policy.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Who You Are
Minimum of 5 years of full-time experience in electrical controls or industrial automation.
Strong leadership, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Strong working knowledge of ESA Code.
Proficient in AutoCAD with the ability to create and modify drawings and interpret prints.
Strong computer skills.
Advanced PLC programming ability (Allen Bradley) and HMI experience (PanelView/Wonderware).
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
Regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance required.
Physical Abilities
Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and access equipment throughout the facility.
Ability to lift tools and components as required for electrical and control system maintenance.
What You’ll Get
Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we offer:
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
Zekelman 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, immediate vesting, and much more.
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.