Automation Apprentice Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Superintendent, Steelmaking, the Area Manager - Melt Shop at Rocky Mountain Steel Mills (RMSM) is responsible for leading the safe, efficient, and high-quality operation of melt shop activities, including Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking, Ladle Refining Furnace (LRF) and Vacuum Tank Degaser (VTD). This role ensures production targets, metallurgical quality standards, and cost objectives are consistently achieved while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

The area manager provides direct leadership to melt shop supervisors and bargaining unit employees, administering the collective bargaining agreement, managing workforce performance, and fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. This position plays a critical role in troubleshooting operational issues, driving Lean/RMSM Business System initiatives, and collaborating with Maintenance, Reliability and Technical teams to improve equipment reliability and process performance.

Rocky Mountain Steel Mills is committed to maintaining and promoting a safe, healthy and injury-free environment. It is required for all jobs.

Compensation

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Production Management & Process Optimization - Direct and coordinate daily melt shop operations (EAF, LRF, and VTD) to meet production schedules, tonnage targets, and product specifications. Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, collaborate in root cause failure analysis of defects, delays, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize melt shop performance.
• Safety, Compliance & Work Environment - Promote and enforce RMSM's safety-first culture by ensuring strict adherence to all safety policies, PPE requirements, job hazard analyses, and environmental regulations. Lead by example in maintaining a safe work environment for all melt shop employees and contractors.
• Quality Control & Metallurgical Standards - Ensure molten steel meets required chemical composition, temperature, and metallurgical standards through effective control of refining practices and process parameters. Coordinate with internal lab teams to review test results, make process adjustments, and ensure compliance with customer and RMSM quality specifications.
• Labor Relations & Team Leadership - Supervise and develop bargaining unit employees in alignment with the collective bargaining agreement. Administer union agreements, manage grievances (Step 1 and 2), monitor attendance, assign work, and foster a high-performance, team-oriented culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Cost Management - Manage melt shop operating costs, including alloys, electrodes, refractories (EAF and Ladle), consumables, and utilities. Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining safety, quality, and production requirements.
• Maintenance Coordination & Equipment Reliability - Partner with maintenance and reliability teams to troubleshoot equipment issues, schedule repairs, and improve reliability of EAF, LRF, VTD and supporting systems. Focus on minimizing downtime and maximizing equipment uptime.
• Capital Projects & Operational Improvements - Support and lead capital projects (AFEs) related to melt shop, automation, and quality improvements. Provide frontline input to ensure projects align with operational needs and drive measurable performance gains.
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associates degree required, bachelor's degree preferred in metallurgical engineering, materials sciences, mechanical engineering or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in heavy manufacturing, steel manufacturing preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in melt shop operations preferred
• Experience leading teams in a unionized environment preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• In-depth understanding of EAF steelmaking, and secondary metallurgy.
• Working knowledge of metallurgical principles, steel chemistry, and quality standards
• Strong leadership, communication, and labor relations skills, including experience administering collective bargaining agreements
• Ability to drive a safety-first culture and ensure regulatory compliance
• Proficiency in production planning, cost control, and performance metrics management

Compensation: $120,000 - $150,000

Our total compensation package includes amazing benefits!

• Competitive wages and bonus opportunities
• Family medical, dental, and prescription coverage at minimal employee cost
• Short and long term disability programs
• Competitive retirement plans
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Employer-provided and Voluntary Life Insurance options
• Paid vacation and recognized statutory holidays
• Apprenticeship and career advancement within the company
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness program

All applicants must be eligible to work in the USA.

While we thank all those who apply, only those being actively considered for employment will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Orion Steel Group, L.L.C. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Orion Steel Group, L.L.C. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail careers@orionsteel.com or call: (312) 533-3577. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Join a team that manufactures excellence, drives success and builds careers!