Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Automation & Robotics Technology

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

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.