Systems Design Engineer I / II – Future Opening
Vaa, Llc
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
VAA is seeking a Systems Design Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team in Minneapolis, MN. You will help develop equipment layouts, system designs and coordinated facility plans, working with experienced engineers to deliver client projects.
The role emphasizes collaboration, practical design, site visits, and progressive responsibility. Graduation timelines of December 2026 or May 2027 are considered, with opportunities for travel and professional development.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Feed Science and Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering or a related four-year engineering program.
- Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027, or recently graduated.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Responsibilities
- Prepare process design documents, including models, drawings and specifications for equipment and systems.
- Prepare and edit drawings and specifications to meet VAA and client standards.
- Apply VAA design standards and quality control processes to project deliverables.
- Collaborate with engineering and design disciplines to coordinate multidisciplinary projects.
- Assist with technical reports, proposals, project scopes, schedules and budgets.
- Work directly with project teams to deliver accurate, high-quality design work.
- Visit project sites to verify existing conditions, take field measurements and identify design and coordination needs.
- Communicate project progress, challenges and successes with project leads.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
At VAA, we build value through relationships. Relationships with some of the country’s leading organizations and brands – and genuine, mutually supportive relationships within our teams. Join one of the industry’s leading firms, where you’ll be respected for the work you do and the diverse perspective you bring to the team.
Find your next opportunity and
grow your career at VAA.
Gain real-world experience and start building your future
at VAA.
VAA is growing! Growing our teams, our work, the diversity and careers of our people. Hear first-hand what it's like to work here, the range of opportunities you can find and the wealth of resources that will support you – both professionally and personally.
Supportive Culture
From your first day, you’ll be set up for success. We offer new-hire peer guidance, mentoring programs and wellness resources to support physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing.
Exceptional Benefits
Get peace of mind from comprehensive and flexible insurance coverage, industry-leading HSA contributions, paid parental leave, a robust employee assistance program... even pet insurance.
At our multidisciplinary and diversified firm, you’ll have opportunities to work on a wide range of challenging projects designed to ensure efficiency and safety across essential supply chains.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to collective growth. As an equal opportunity employer, VAA is committed to fostering an inclusive culture.
Life / Work Balance
A good career choice can enhance your quality of life – both professionally and personally. VAA offers flexible work options, onsite wellness resources and fun opportunities for friendly competition.
Professional Development
Where can you go from here? Your manager will work with you to map out your path, where you can take advantage of online learning, tuition reimbursement and support to advance your career.
Every Voice Matters
We invite you to be part of the solution. On a regular basis, VAA seeks out employee feedback and applies those insights to our continual improvement efforts.
Community & Global Initiatives
Package meals... raise a hammer... walk for animals... race canoes... dunk the CEO. From volunteer events to our annual community fundraising drive, to charitable PTO, we stand behind paying it forward.
VAA helps employees reach both their professional and personal goals. The opportunity for a hybrid work week is a huge benefit to employees and their quality of life.
I really appreciate the overall company culture. I am respected for what I bring to the table and my opinions are valued.
Every day, there’s a new project, new learning experience, and new challenges. There’s an incredible support system from my mentors and senior engineers.
VAA helps employees reach both their professional and personal goals. The opportunity for a hybrid work week is a huge benefit to employees and their quality of life.
I really appreciate the overall company culture. I am respected for what I bring to the table and my opinions are valued.
Department: GA Full Time - Hybrid Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States - 55441
Location: Minneapolis, MN: candidates interested in New Orleans, LA or Sioux Falls, SD may also be considered.
Ready to Start Building Your Career?
Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027 - or ready to take the next step in your early career? Put your technical skills and problem-solving mindset to work on real industrial and agricultural projects at VAA.
As a Systems Design Engineer, you'll work alongside experienced engineers and design specialists to help develop the equipment layouts and systems that make complex facilities work. You'll contribute to real client projects, collaborate across disciplines and build your technical skills as you take on increasing responsibility.
Come ready to learn, contribute and grow. Your career is just getting started.
Your Role
Curious about how equipment, systems and operations all fit together inside a facility? Systems Design brings those pieces into one coordinated design.
Working under the direction of a Senior Facility Design Engineer or Facility Design Specialist, you'll have opportunities to:
- Prepare process design documents, including models, drawings and specifications for equipment and systems
- Prepare and edit drawings and specifications to meet VAA and client standards
- Apply VAA design standards and quality control processes to project deliverables
- Collaborate with engineering and design disciplines to coordinate multidisciplinary projects
- Assist with technical reports, proposals, project scopes, schedules and budgets
- Work directly with project teams to deliver accurate, high-quality design work
- Visit project sites to verify existing conditions, take field measurements and identify design and coordination needs
- Communicate project progress, challenges and successes with project leads
Occasional travel may be required for site observations and field measurements.
What Your Career at VAA Could Look Like
- Do meaningful work. Contribute to real industrial and agricultural projects from the start.
- Learn from the pros. Work closely with experienced engineers and design specialists as you build your skills.
- See the bigger picture. Learn how equipment, structures, processes and operations come together in one coordinated facility design.
- Work across disciplines. Collaborate with teams throughout VAA to help deliver integrated project solutions.
- Get out there. Visit jobsites, take field measurements and see projects beyond your computer screen.
- Keep growing. Take on increasingly complex assignments and greater responsibility as your experience develops.
- Build your future. Develop the technical, communication and problem-solving skills that can take your career in new directions.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Feed Science and Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering or a related four-year engineering program
- Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027, or recently graduated
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Experience with engineering software and AutoCAD/Revit is a plus. Experience preparing equipment and instrumentation datasheets, procurement lists and vendor Requests for Proposals (RFPs) is also a plus.
- Bachelor's degree in Feed Science and Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering or a related four-year engineering program
- Minimum of two years of relevant experience
- Ability to apply standard engineering techniques and procedures with greater independence while working within established review processes
How the Levels Differ
Systems Design Engineer I is an entry-level position focused on building fundamental professional and technical skills while working under close supervision.
Systems Design Engineer II builds on those fundamentals, applying standard techniques and procedures with less supervision. Completed work continues to receive thorough technical review.
Starting Annual Salary Range: $69,000–$85,000
A variety of factors are considered when determining an offer, including market data, geographic location, experience and specialized skills.
Benefits That Grow With You
Health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; profit sharing/401(k); discretionary bonus program; paid leave; professional development opportunities; and more.
Get to Know VAA
VAA is an Engineering, Planning and Design firm specializing in commercial projects, bulk commodity-handling facilities, and structures for value-added processing, manufacturing and distribution. For nearly 50 years, our multidisciplinary teams have worked together to solve complex challenges for clients across the country.
Hear first‑hand what it's like to work here, the opportunities you can find and the resources that will support you - professionally and personally:
Watch the VAA Careers Video
Let's Get Growing
Your career. Your talents. Your network.
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