Manufacturing Engineer

Valmont Industries, Inc. • El Dorado, KS

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This Individual Contributor position is accountable for the site’s manufacturing Engineering functions involving capital and expense project management to include identification, analysis, justification and installation; manufacturing problem solving related to cost reductions, capacity, planning, safety, quality or manufacturability; and new product support including marketing and product engineering inquiries related to cost, processes or manufacturability. This position reports to the Plant Manager and has no direct or indirect reports. This position works with all levels of manufacturing in the manufacturing environment (maintenance, operators, supervisors, managers, safety, corporate AMET team, regional lean team, etc.). Drives and manages engineering solutions to resolve manufacturing problems (i.e. safety hazards, machine breakdowns, capacity constraints, quality, material handling, and processes). Promote and participate proactively in the direction and development of Lean projects and activities. Establish process work instructions for various production machines. Ability to work by oneself and be a small team leader. This role may require on occasion of up to 5% travel (domestically), including overnight stays. Assist in the development of short and long term capital budget plans. Focus on operating costs, labor, material and variable to aid in identifying cost reduction opportunities. Specify new tooling, equipment and methods or modifications to old, to improve cost, safety, quality, equipment and cycle times. Present funding requests in written forms to upper management. Utilize CAD for equipment, tooling and layouts. Participate in special projects relating to product development or extension. Prepare cost estimates as required. Work closely with manufacturing, tool and die, and vendors in those projects requiring their involvement. Know the Valmont Safety Mission Statement & support the department Safety by Objective plan in departments by assisting implementation of identified safety projects requiring engineering support.

Requirements

• Proven abilities in manufacturing engineering with emphasis on methods improvement, economic cost study analysis, plant layouts, tooling design, manufacturing, and planning processes.
• Excellent verbal and written skills for communication with vendors and presentations to management and production personnel.
• Ability to evaluate, select, and apply solutions to manufacturing-related problems under supervision.
• Capability to function as a project manager, initiating and following up on projects from conception to culmination.
• Ability to provide necessary justification, documentation, and action to ensure performance, cost, and schedule goals are met.
• Capability to act as a team leader on projects to gain benefits from employee involvement and shop floor commitment.
• Bachelor's Degree with 5+ years relevant experience OR Associate Degree with 7+ years relevant experience OR 9+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven history of problem-solving in environments involving welding, gas cutting, plasma cutting, press working, and machining.
• Experience working as a project manager and/or team leader.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• 2+ years' experience driving solutions and working with all levels of the business.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Solid 3D CAD skills including design applications.
• Thorough understanding of fabrication and welding procedures, processes, including QA requirements and methods.
• Advanced skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, and Access.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to travel up to 5% of the time.
• Acceptable prior performance and attendance record.

Nice To Haves

• Thorough understanding of fabrication and welding procedures, processes including QA requirements and methods used at Valmont.
• Manufacturing, Mechanical, Structural, or Civil Engineering degree.
• 10+ years in a manufacturing engineering environment.
• PE Certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage manufacturing engineering functions including capital and expense project management.
• Identify, analyze, justify, and install manufacturing projects.
• Solve manufacturing problems related to cost reductions, capacity, planning, safety, quality, or manufacturability.
• Support new product development by addressing marketing and product engineering inquiries.
• Drive and manage engineering solutions for manufacturing issues such as safety hazards, machine breakdowns, capacity constraints, quality, material handling, and processes.
• Promote and participate in Lean projects and activities.
• Establish process work instructions for production machines.
• Assist in the development of short and long-term capital budget plans.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities by focusing on operating costs, labor, material, and variable expenses.
• Specify new tooling, equipment, and methods, or modifications to existing ones, to improve cost, safety, quality, equipment, and cycle times.
• Present funding requests in written form to upper management.
• Utilize CAD for equipment, tooling, and layouts.
• Participate in special projects related to product development or extension.
• Prepare cost estimates as required.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, tool and die, and vendors on relevant projects.
• Support the department's Safety by Objective plan by assisting in the implementation of safety projects requiring engineering support.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree