Location: Valley Facility (onsite)

A Brief Summary of This Position:

The Machine Design Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end design and implementation of proprietary manufacturing equipment projects to meet global needs, as directed by the management team. This role encompasses all aspects of design and project management, including conceptual development, 3D modeling, functional verification, fabrication drawings, material specifications and procurement, manufacturing oversight, coordination and quality control, testing, and the preparation of O&M documentation and training, where applicable.

The Machine Design Engineer collaborates closely with a team of engineers, drafters, and fabricators to design and build innovative manufacturing equipment that meets performance, quality, and efficiency standards. This position requires strong risk assessment capabilities, with the ability to accurately evaluate and address risks associated with machine projects to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance. 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 consensus standards, departmental and company goals, policies, and procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in conceptualization, design, and development of proprietary manufacturing equipment to meet global production needs, ensuring alignment with performance and quality requirements.
• Create detailed 3D models of manufacturing equipment, perform functional simulations, and verify design feasibility to ensure effective implementation.
• Perform risk assessments for design and manufacturing processes, implementing safety measures and mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues
• 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.
• Ensure all appropriate process \ equipment \ project documentation is captured and stored in the appropriate digital system for knowledge retention.
  • Analyze operating costs, labor, material, and variable costs to aid in the identifying cost reduction opportunities across project portfolio
  • Monitor equipment performance post-implementation, identify areas for improvement, and implement enhancements to maximize efficiency, safety, and reliability.
  • 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
  • This role requires up to 10% travel, including overnight stays (primarily domestic travel, with some international travel)

Required Qualifications:

• Preferred Bachelor27s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a technical degree with equivalent experience. 3-6 years of experience in manufacturing engineering/machine design required.
• 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
• Advanced skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and MS Project
• Proficiency with Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Inventor, Vault)
• Familiar with robotics (Fanuc/Yaskawa/Kuka/Nachi)
• Knowledge of steel metallurgy, welding processes
• Proactive individual capable of independently managing and completing projects with minimal supervision
• Proficient with machine controls, PLC Hardware, and Software
• GD&T Experience
• 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:

• EIT or Professional Engineers License
• Advanced Degree (MBA, MEM, or MS Technical degree)
• Finite element analysis experience
• Certified Machine Safety Expert (CMSE) or similar machine safety certification
• Knowledge of Lean tools and principles

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family27s 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