Hormel Foods

ASSOCIATE DESIGN ENGINEER - CORPORATE ENGINEERING (HAYWARD, MN) CAMPUS RECRUITING

Hormel Foods • $88K *
Hayward, MN 56043In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Civil, or Agriculture Engineering, or related field, graduating December 2026 or May 2027 with a minimum 2.7 GPA preferred
  • Strong technical and mechanical knowledge with excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship
  • Open to relocation and non-traditional work hours
  • Hands-on experience in controls, automation, or robotics through projects or competitions
  • Ability to lead diverse teams using project management best practices
  • Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead project teams to design processing equipment that meets various objectives
  • Utilize machine design software to meet project requirements
  • Ensure effective transfer of project ownership to plant customers, including training and documentation
  • Adhere to legal and regulatory requirements during project execution
  • Document design processes in compliance with legal standards
  • Train and support contract designers and engineering technicians

Benefits

  • Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company
  • Professional development and networking opportunities
  • Potential for future internships or full-time roles
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with employer match and stock purchase plan
  • Paid time off and tuition assistance for employees' children
Full Job Description
Job Title:

Associate Design Engineer- Corporate Engineering (Hayward, MN)

Job Purpose:

The Engineering R&D team at Hormel Foods designs and builds custom food processing equipment for use in Hormel Foods facilities. This is an entry level position that is accountable for the control and electrical engineering development and execution of such equipment. The assignments range from new equipment design and development, modifications and updates to current equipment that is operating, and managing the activity of contractors to meet customer needs. Projects generally support process automation implementation, capacity expansion, obsolescence mitigation, new product initiatives, and support to our plant teams. This position is intended to be a probational position with the incumbent qualifying into a design engineer within 24 months of starting this position.

Responsibilities:
  • Leading a project team that is varied in function and perspective to deliver processes, machines, or system designs that are processing equipment in nature of moderate complexity. The results must be in alignment with functional, sanitary, ergonomic, cost and maintainability objectives.
  • Effectively utilizing machine design software and tools available to make machines function as required per project requirements.
  • Leading the efforts to ensure an effective transfer of ownership of projects to the plant customer. This includes manuals and documentation; training of operations, maintenance, and sanitation personnel; and any other appropriate items the customer will need to fully own and operate the delivered equipment.
  • Ensuring that all legal, regulatory, and internal requirements are adhered to during the project development and execution process.
  • Documenting the design process in a way that aligns with the requirements of our Legal Department as necessary.
  • Leading, training, developing, and supporting the efforts of contract designers, senior programming technicians, engineering technicians; and possibly an entry level salaried engineer.


Required Qualifications:
  • Must graduate in December 2026 or May 2027 with Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agriculture Engineering, or a related field with a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA preferred
  • Innovative, have good technical and mechanical knowledge, and possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
  • Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
  • Must be 18 years of age or older (all plant positions)
  • Must be open to relocation
  • Must be open to working non-traditional work hours (May include 2nd/3rd shifts, weekends, Tuesday through Saturday shifts, rotating shifts, etc)
  • An ABET accredited bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related engineering degree.
  • Demonstrated hands-on controls, automation, robotics, or programming experience through one or more of the following:
    • FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), VEX, or similar robotics programs.
    • Senior design or capstone engineering projects where the candidate led control system development.
    • Personal projects involving Arduino, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, sensors, motors, or industrial communication protocols.
  • Ability to lead a diverse team environment using generally accepted project management best practices.
  • A strong pattern of initiative, innovation, and creativity.
  • Demonstrated team leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Demonstrated organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and balance many tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and begin Engineer in Training status within 6 months.
  • Ability to attain a Professional Engineers license in the State of Minnesota within 5 years.

Preferred
  • Passed Fundamentals of Engineering exam and Engineer in Training status.
  • Experience with Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Logix Designer and/or FactoryTalk View ME gained through internship, co-op, or academic experience.
  • Familiarity with CAD software used for electrical and controls design. Experience with AutoCAD Electrical is preferred; equivalent experience with other electrical CAD packages is acceptable.


Hours:

This is a full-time salaried position.

Locations:

This is an on-site position based in Hayward MN.

Training:
  • Spend up to six weeks in a hands-on training environment before being assigned to a department
  • The training program consists of shadowing experienced Maintenance Engineers and training in Environmental and Regulatory Compliance, Economic Value Added (EVA), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
  • Maintenance Engineers attend entrprise and plant orientation sessions that will include presentations by different divisions to increase product knowledge, company knowledge, and leadership skills


Advancement:
  • Maintenance Engineering is often the stepping stone to corporate engineering, project engineering, design engineering, or plant management. Corporate engineers do mostly project and design work.
  • Additional opportunities may exist in different departments, facilities, or subsidiaries.
  • Hormel Foods' "promote-from-within" philosophy rewards outstanding performance.

Compensation/Benefits:
  • Competitive weekly pay of $1,700 ($88,400 annually)
  • Reimbursement for approved business-related expenses
  • Paid time off (PTO) accrual
  • Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company
  • Professional development opportunities and networking experiences
  • Potential consideration for future internships, co-ops, or full-time employment opportunities
  • Other components of Hormel Foods' total compensation package include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses and profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, paid time off, free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

About Hormel Foods

At Hormel Foods, we are committed to providing consumers with high-quality, high-value branded products that are flavorful, nutritious and convenient. Guided by Our Way—our internal principles platform—we strive to set industry standards for product quality, work environment and community engagement.

Hormel Foods Careers

Join the dynamic team at Hormel Foods, a global leader in the food industry known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. At Hormel Foods, we offer a variety of job opportunities that allow professionals to grow their careers in an environment that fosters leadership, teamwork, and professional development. Work You’ll Do At Hormel Foods, you will be part of a culture that thrives on excellence and innovation. Our team members are encouraged to bring their unique skills and perspectives to the table, driving growth and transformation across the industry. Whether you are looking for a position in management, engineering, marketing, or production, Hormel Foods provides a platform to enhance your career and contribute to a company that values diversity and leadership. Join Our Market-Leading Team Hormel Foods is not just a company; it's a team that respects and promotes diversity and inclusion at every level. With over 20,000 dedicated professionals, we lead the market in food innovation and are committed to making a difference in our communities and the world. Do Innovative Work Engage in meaningful work that challenges and fulfills you. Hormel Foods is at the forefront of the food industry, constantly exploring new technologies and strategies to lead the market. Our commitment to innovation is evident in every product we develop and every strategy we implement. Be Part of a Great Team Working at Hormel Foods means being part of a team that values your insights and supports your growth. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, comprehensive diversity training, and opportunities for networking and career advancement. We believe in nurturing talent through robust internship programs and ongoing professional development. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Hormel Foods, where your ambition can take you to new heights. Our supportive environment includes unmatched training and development programs that prepare you for leadership roles and enhance your skills. From internships to full-time positions, Hormel Foods is committed to helping you build a resilient and rewarding career. Explore Discover how Hormel Foods is revolutionizing the food industry through leadership in sustainability and ethical practices. Learn about our latest projects and how our team is implementing innovative solutions for a better future. Hormel Foods – A Place of Opportunity Our combined service capabilities and dedication to growth and innovation help our team members lead successful careers in the food industry. Clients and consumers alike trust Hormel Foods for quality and leadership in creating progressive food solutions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the diverse job opportunities at Hormel Foods and find where you fit best. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await you at Hormel Foods.
Learn more about Hormel Foods
Size
20,000 employees
Market Cap
$24.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$887.5 million
Founded
1891
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$9.6 billion
NASDAQ
HRL
* Ladders Estimates

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