Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Automation & Robotics Technology

A Brief Summary of This Position:

This position is responsible as the Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Automation & Robotics Technology for Valmont Manufacturing processes across the organization including steel, aluminum, fiberglass composites, and concrete.  The position will have responsibility for developing and leading the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and processes as well as improving existing processes.  Incumbent will have responsibility for developing methods to improve Valmont’s quality, capability, and competitiveness related to fabrication, specifically in the areas of thermal cutting, bending, forming, welding, coatings, process, robotics, and automation.  Position will also be responsible for establishing manufacturing best practices in key focus areas as well as supporting the development of technical talent among peers as well as at the individual manufacturing site level.

Manages manufacturing technologies and remains in touch with cutting-edge and new-to-world technologies via experience in other industries, trade shows, collaborations, periodicals, and other research for inclusion in the Valmont technology roadmap.  Will be involved in projects or project teams regarding advanced manufacturing engineering processes and will maintain /communicate the project schedule, budget, performance, and objectives.  The position will responsible for the development, implementation, and management of projects to improve manufacturing operations and processes through automation.  These projects will reduce manufacturing costs and transform how products are manufactured within our industry.  The position requires the ability to communicate directly with all levels of the Valmont organization and, when necessary, with customers and suppliers. Responsibilities also include having a broad knowledge of Valmont standards, departmental and company goals, policies and procedures.  

Essential Functions:

• Will provide strategic leadership and direction to the manufacturing engineering endeavors of the company.

• Remains apprised of cutting-edge and new-to-world technologies via trade shows, collaborations, periodicals, and other research.

• Process Development: Design and develop manufacturing processes for new products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Implement and optimize automation and robotic systems to enhance production capabilities.

• Identify and lead initiatives to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and increase productivity.

• Develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure products meet specifications and standards.

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for manufacturing issues, working closely with cross-functional teams.

• Develop & lead projects by applying lean principles to conduct process flow analysis, improve process time, improve 1st pass yield, reduce process variation, and improve process stability.

• Ownership of all new capacity investments to deploy the best manufacturing processes.

• From identified capacity gap or technology roadmap driver, develop automation solution to provide a value-added solution.

• Ensure all appropriate process \ equipment \ project documentation is captured and stored in the appropriate digital system for knowledge retention.

• Partner with Manufacturing Plants in the construction and evolution of the site technology roadmap that delivers technical productivity and supports profits & loss improvement on the product offers.

• Provide advanced manufacturing support for technologies that support Smart Factory deployment. Those technologies include:

  • Industry 4.0 and related technologies

  • General Automation and Robotics

  • PLCs, HMIs, and Control Systems

  • Collaborative Robotics.

  • Stage Gate Visualization Deployment.

  • Augmented / Virtual Reality Applications.

• Ensures the Automation and Robotics vision & roadmap is aligned with Global Operations strategy.

• Leads the effort to standardize on specific equipment/vendors/technologies across the organization.

  • This role requires up to 50% travel, including overnight stays (primarily domestic travel, with some international travel)

• Lead manufacturing and process improvement projects in the resolution of product problems (i.e. safety hazards / high risk ergonomic areas, machine breakdowns, capacity constraints, quality, material handling, and processes) with a focus on automation and robotics

  • Analyze operating costs, labor, material, and variable costs to aid in the identifying cost reduction opportunities across footprint

  • Develop strategic initiatives regarding the use of new technology and automation to transform our processes across the footprint.

  • Meet or exceed established project performance goals

  • Ability to work independently or in groups

• Excellent interpersonal communications skills, able to effectively communicate and build relationships with end users, peers, management, and third parties.

• Excellent facilitation skills working with both internal and external parties
   

Required Qualifications:

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a technical degree with equivalent experience.  7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering required.

• Advanced knowledge of Lean Methodologies required.  Experience across various lean tools and lean systems thinker.

• Construction / Machinery Project Management experience leading teams & managing vendors as a project manager and/or project team leader

• Proven successful experience leading and driving change on multiple projects

• Proven history of problem solving in an environment involving welding, thermal cutting, forming, machining, assembly, and other manufacturing processes

• Advanced skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and MS Project

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Inventor

• Well-versed in robotics (Fanuc/Yaskawa/Kuka/Nachi)

• Proficient designing/programming/troubleshooting with Allen-Bradley PLC Hardware & Software (i.e. Control Logix 5000, Factory Talk Studio, etc.)

• Strong leadership skills and effective at motivating and managing vision and purpose

• The ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

• Aptitude of making decisions involving varied levels of risk and ambiguity

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail in a collaborative work environment
   

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Mechanical, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Management, Business or related discipline

• MBA or MS Technical degree preferred

• Knowledge of Lean tools and principles

• Knowledge of AISC, ISO, or AWS D1.1 requirements

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)

• 401k retirement plan with company match

• Paid time off

• Employer paid life insurance

• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave

• Work Life Support

• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year

• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more