Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Automation & Robotics Technology

Valmont Industries, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company focused on advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure. The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Automation & Robotics Technology will lead the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and processes while improving existing ones, with a focus on automation and robotics to enhance production capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• 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

Requirements:

• 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
• 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