Senior Design Manager Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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Location: Valley Facility (onsite)

A Brief Summary of This Position:

The Senior Machine Design Engineer is a technical leader responsible for the architecture, design, and delivery of complex proprietary manufacturing equipment used across global operations. This role leads major equipment development efforts from concept through implementation and provides technical leadership to crossfunctional teams, while remaining a handson contributor. Responsibilities of this role include conceptual development, 3D modeling, functional verification, fabrication drawings, material specifications and procurement, manufacturing oversight, coordination and quality control, testing, and the preparation of O&M documentation and training, where applicable. This position requires deep mechanical engineering expertise, strong project leadership skills, and the ability to make sound technical decisions that impact safety, cost, performance, and manufacturability.

The Senior Machine Design Engineer collaborates closely with a team of engineers, drafters, and fabricators to design and build innovative manufacturing equipment that meets performance, quality, and efficiency standards. This position requires strong risk assessment capabilities, with the ability to accurately evaluate and address risks associated with machine projects to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance. The position requires the ability to communicate directly with all levels of the Valmont organization and, when necessary, with customers and suppliers. Responsibilities also include having a broad knowledge of consensus standards, departmental and company goals, policies, and procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in conceptualization, design, and development of proprietary manufacturing equipment to meet global production needs, ensuring alignment with performance and quality requirements.
• Create detailed 3D models of manufacturing equipment, perform functional simulations, and verify design feasibility to ensure effective implementation.
• Lead risk assessments for design and manufacturing processes, implementing safety measures and mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues.
• Develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure products meet specifications and standards.
• Own technical decision-making, risk assessment, and design trade-offs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for manufacturing issues, working closely with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure all appropriate process \ equipment \ project documentation is captured and stored in the appropriate digital system for knowledge retention.
• Perform and review design validation activities, including tolerance analysis, structural assessments, and failure mode evaluations.
• Apply strong knowledge of mechanical systems, hydraulics, structures, and machine dynamics in design solutions.
  • Analyze operating costs, labor, material, and variable costs to aid in the identifying cost reduction opportunities across project portfolio
  • Monitor equipment performance post-implementation, identify areas for improvement, and implement enhancements to maximize efficiency, safety, and reliability.
  • 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.
• Present technical concepts, risks, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • This role requires up to 10% travel, including overnight stays (primarily domestic travel, with some international travel)

Required Qualifications:

• Preferred Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a technical degree with equivalent experience. 6+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering/machine design required.
• 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
• Advanced skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and MS Project
• Proficiency with Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Inventor, Vault)
• Proficiency with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or modal analysis
• Proficiency with robotics (Fanuc/Yaskawa/Kuka/Nachi)
• Deep understanding of steel metallurgy, welding processes
• Proactive individual capable of independently managing and completing projects with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with machine controls, PLC Hardware, and Software
• GD&T Experience
• 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

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:

• EIT or Professional Engineers License
• Certified Machine Safety Expert (CMSE) or similar machine safety certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification
• Advanced Degree (MBA, MEM, or MS Technical degree)
• Knowledge of Lean tools and principles

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.

If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.