Fluid Power & Controls Engineer

A Brief Summary Of This Position

The Fluid Power & Controls Engineer supports the design and development of proprietary manufacturing equipment used across global operations. This role focuses on designing, integrating and supporting hydraulic, pneumatic, and motion control systems for custom capital equipment and automation platforms.

Essential Functions

• Design hydraulic and pneumatic systems for custom capital equipment and automation platforms.
• Support the conceptual design and development of proprietary manufacturing equipment under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Develop and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic schematics, symbols, and system layouts in accordance with internal standards and applicable industry codes.
• Ensure hydraulic and pneumatic systems are designed and implemented with appropriate safety measures, including pressure containment, energy isolation, and fail-safe operation.
• Perform system sizing and performance calculations (e.g., flow, pressure, duty cycle, heat load) to ensure proper functionality and reliability.
• Select fluid power components based on performance requirements, reliability, safety, and total lifecycle cost.
• Diagnose and resolve hydraulic, pneumatic, and controls-related issues during build, commissioning, and operation using structured root-cause analysis.
• Interface with component suppliers and vendors to evaluate components, resolve technical issues, and support system performance and reliability.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of standardized designs, specifications, and best practices for fluid power systems.
• Collaborate closely with Controls Engineers to ensure effective system integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Create and revise 3D CAD models and detailed drawings to support equipment design, fabrication, and assembly.
• Participate in design reviews, functional verification, and troubleshooting activities to identify and mitigate potential issues early in development.
• Contribute to risk assessments by identifying potential mechanical, safety, and usability concerns and supporting mitigation actions.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, bills of material, operating instructions, and training materials.
• Provide day-to-day engineering support to manufacturing and fabrication teams during equipment build, installation, and commissioning.
• Assist with equipment testing and performance evaluations; document results and recommend design or process improvements.
• Support data collection related to cost, material usage, and labor to enable continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Ensure project documentation is accurately captured, maintained, and stored in designated digital systems.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, maintenance, procurement, quality, and operations.
• Work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within project teams to meet project goals and schedules.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with peers, supervisors, and partner teams.
• Meet or exceed established project performance, quality, and schedule objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline, or technical degree with equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in fluid design/manufacturing engineering/machine design required.
• Construction / Machinery Project Management experience leading teams & managing vendors as a project manager and/or project team leader.
• Ability to successfully lead and drive change on multiple projects.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and MS Project.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Inventor, Vault) or 3D modelling software packages.
• Basic knowledge of robotics (Fanuc/Yaskawa/Kuka/Nachi).
• Proactive individual capable of independently managing and completing projects with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with designing/programming/troubleshooting PLC Hardware & Software (i.e. Control Logix 5000, Factory Talk Studio, etc.).

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications

• EIT or Professional Engineers License.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) experience.
• Certified Machine Safety Expert (CMSE) or similar machine safety certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.
• Knowledge of Lean tools and principle.

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s 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

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.