Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Automation & Robotics Technology

15000 Valmont Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68154

About the role

This position is responsible as the Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Automation & Robotics Technology for Valmont Manufacturing processes across the organization including steel, aluminum, fiberglass composites, and concrete. The position will develop and lead the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and processes as well as improve existing processes. The incumbent will develop methods to improve Valmont’s quality, capability, and competitiveness related to fabrication, specifically in thermal cutting, bending, forming, welding, coatings, process, robotics, and automation. The position will establish manufacturing best practices in key focus areas and support the development of technical talent among peers and at individual manufacturing sites.

Manages manufacturing technologies and remains current 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. The role involves project management for advanced manufacturing engineering processes, maintaining and communicating project schedules, budgets, performance, and objectives. The position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing projects to improve manufacturing operations and processes through automation, reducing manufacturing costs, and transforming how products are manufactured within the industry.

This role requires the ability to communicate directly with all levels of the Valmont organization and, when necessary, with customers and suppliers. It also requires a broad knowledge of Valmont standards, departmental and company goals, policies, and procedures. Up to 50% travel, including overnight stays (primarily domestic travel, with some international travel), is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the manufacturing engineering endeavors of the company.
• Remain apprised of cutting-edge and new-to-world technologies via trade shows, collaborations, periodicals, and other research.
• 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 and 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.
• Own all new capacity investments to deploy the best manufacturing processes.
• From identified capacity gap or technology roadmap driver, develop automation solutions to provide value-added solutions.
• Ensure all appropriate process, equipment, and 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 profit & loss improvement on the product offers.
• Provide advanced manufacturing support for technologies that support Smart Factory deployment, including:
  • 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
• Ensure the Automation and Robotics vision & roadmap is aligned with Global Operations strategy.
• Lead the effort to standardize specific equipment/vendors/technologies across the organization.
• Lead manufacturing and process improvement projects in the resolution of product problems (e.g., 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 identifying cost reduction opportunities across the footprint.
• Develop strategic initiatives regarding the use of new technology and automation to transform processes across the footprint.
• Meet or exceed established project performance goals.
• Work independently or in groups.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, effectively building relationships with end users, peers, management, and third parties.
• Exhibit excellent facilitation skills working with both internal and external parties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a technical degree with equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering.
• Advanced knowledge of Lean Methodologies; experience across various lean tools and systems thinking.
• Construction/Machinery Project Management experience leading teams and 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 Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and MS Project.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Inventor.
• Well-versed in robotics (Fanuc/Yaskawa/Kuka/Nachi).
• Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLC Hardware & Software (e.g., Control Logix 5000, Factory Talk Studio).
• Strong leadership skills and effective at motivating and managing vision and purpose.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Aptitude for making decisions involving varied levels of risk and ambiguity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail in a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Mechanical, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Management, Business, or related discipline.
• MBA or MS Technical degree.
• 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 individual and family 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