Senior Machine Design Engineer

Valmont Industries; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

401k with match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Work Life Support

Tuition Reimbursement

Voluntary wellness programs

Job summary

Valmont Industries is seeking a Senior Machine Design Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and delivery of complex proprietary manufacturing equipment used across global operations. The role combines hands-on design with technical leadership for cross‑functional teams to meet performance, quality, and efficiency targets.

You will guide conceptual development, 3D modeling, risk assessments, and qualification activities, while ensuring safety, cost control, and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or related field or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years in manufacturing engineering or machine design.
• Experience leading projects, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to drive multiple projects and changes.
• Advanced MS Office skills and MS Project proficiency.
• Proficiency with Autodesk AutoCAD, Inventor, Vault.
• FEA and/or modal analysis experience.
• Robotics experience with common brands.
• Deep knowledge of steel metallurgy and welding.
• Independent, proactive project management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design proprietary manufacturing equipment for global needs.
• Create detailed 3D models and perform functional simulations.
• Lead design risk assessments and implement safety measures.
• Develop quality control procedures and ensure specification compliance.
• Make technical decisions and manage risks across project lifecycles.
• Provide technical support to cross-functional teams and customers.
• Document processes, equipment, and project data in digital systems.
• Perform design validation, tolerancing, and structural assessments.
• Apply knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, and dynamics.
• Analyze operating and project costs to identify reductions.
• Monitor performance post-implementation and drive improvements.
• Travel up to 10% domestically and internationally as needed.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Project leadership

Risk assessment

Troubleshooting

Communication

Cost and risk analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Design iteration

Team mentorship

Sheet metal design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Inventor, Vault)

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Modal analysis

PLC hardware/software knowledge

MS Project

Robotics (Fanuc/Yaskawa/Kuka/Nachi)

Job description

15000 Valmont Plaza Omaha Nebraska 68154 Why Valmont We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward?

Location: Valley Facility (onsite)

A Brief Summary of This Position

The Senior Machine Design Engineer is a technical leader responsible for the architecture, design, and delivery of complex proprietary manufacturing equipment used across global operations. This role leads major equipment development efforts from concept through implementation and provides technical leadership to cross‑functional teams, while remaining a hands‑on contributor.

Responsibilities of this role include 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.

This position requires deep mechanical engineering expertise, strong project leadership skills, and the ability to make sound technical decisions that impact safety, cost, performance, and manufacturability. The Senior 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.

Lead 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.

Own technical decision‑making, risk assessment, and design trade‑offs throughout the project lifecycle.

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.

Perform and review design validation activities, including tolerance analysis, structural assessments, and failure mode evaluations.

Apply strong knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, structures, and machine dynamics in design solutions.

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.

Present technical concepts, risks, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

This role requires up to 10% travel, including overnight stays (primarily domestic travel, with some international travel).

Required Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a technical degree with equivalent experience.
• 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).
• Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or modal analysis.
• Proficiency with robotics (Fanuc/Yaskawa/Kuka/Nachi).
• Deep understanding of steel metallurgy, welding processes.
• Proactive individual capable of independently managing and completing projects with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency 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.
• Certified Machine Safety Expert (CMSE) or similar machine safety certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.
• Advanced Degree (MBA, MEM, or MS Technical degree).
• Knowledge of Lean tools and principles.

Benefits

• 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 [e-mail].

Valmont is here to modernize vital infrastructure and increase agricultural productivity, sustainably and reliably. We galvanize steel to last a century with minimal environmental impact. We modernize irrigation to feed a growing population by utilizing the latest technology. We harden the electrical grid to enable the delivery of reliable power to millions of homes around the world. And we help make communities everywhere safer, cleaner and more connected through our smart infrastructure technology. Valmont serves two primary markets — agriculture and infrastructure — and seven diverse product lines: Utility, Lighting and Transportation, Telecom, Solar, Coatings, Irrigation and Ag Tech. We manufacture products in 85 facilities spread across six continents, and we do business in 100 different countries. That’s what Valmont does. We conserve resources and improve life, finding ways to make innovation and technology beneficial in the real world. + That’s the value we add.