Validation Engineer Jobs in Maple Grove, MN (NOW HIRING)

Why Work at Banner? 

For over 50 years, Banner Engineering has been at the forefront of industrial automation. We offer products and solutions including award-winning sensors, wireless solutions, machine safety, indication and LED lighting. From Fortune 500 leaders to innovative startups, Banner's award-winning products and solutions are helping companies around the world increase efficiency, reduce costs, safeguard equipment, and protect personnel. Our commitment to innovation shows through a continuous, market-driven evolution of products and technology.With engineers employed in nearly every major department, engineering is in our DNA.  

Banner is a rapidly growing company that offers many personal development opportunities, an excellent benefits package, and a collaborative team of employees who are passionate about what they do. 

Pay and Benefits 

Banner Engineering is committed to offering competitive pay and benefits, including, but not limited to: 

• 401(k) with match 

• Student Loan 401(k) match program 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans 

• HSA (Health Savings Account) with company contribution  

• Paid Time Off (PTO)  

• Sales and Profit Sharing Elegibility 

• Flexible work hours 

• Life Insurance 

• Paid Parental Leave  

• Pet Insurance 

Base Pay Range: $ 82,245 - $ 116,033

*Please note some career sites assign estimated compensation ranges that may not accurately reflect what is offered by Banner Engineering. 

Position Summary 

The Mechanical Engineer II is the mechanical lead for robotic machine-tending applications, dedicated multi-operation manufacturing cells, and production fixtures supporting Banner’s manufacturing operations. This hands-on role translates manufacturing-process requirements into practical, reliable mechanical solutions—from initial concept through production launch.  

Working within a systems team, Mechanical Engineer II develops the mechanical architecture for automation equipment, including work holding, fixtures, end-of-arm tooling, part presentation, machine interfaces, and safeguarding. The role owns the complete mechanical design package, including 3D models, drawings, GD&T, bills of material, component selection, and build-ready documentation.  

This position coordinates fabrication and assembly with internal technicians and external suppliers; provides technical direction to designers, technicians, and vendors; and remains actively involved through installation, debug, validation, and production handoff. The engineer also incorporates machine-safety requirements into equipment designs and contributes to risk assessments in partnership with EHS.  

The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical-engineering fundamentals, practical automated equipment and fixture-design experience, and the ability to independently lead the mechanical work for assigned automation projects.  

This is a technical-lead position without direct people-management responsibility. This position reports to the Engineering Manager. 

According to the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), this position is classified as: 

• Exempt, based on the Professional Exemption 

What You’ll Be Doing  

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving manufacturing problems through creative mechanical design and working closely with cross-functional engineering and production teams. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the mechanical design of robotic machine-tending applications, dedicated manufacturing cells, assembly, fixtures, and production work holding. 

• Translate manufacturing-process requirements into mechanical concepts, layouts, and practical automation solutions.  

• Design end-of-arm tooling, part presentation and handling systems, machine interfaces, guarding, and supporting fixtures. 

• Create and release complete mechanical design packages, including 3D models, detailed drawings, GD&T, bills of material, component specifications, and assembly documentation. 

• Work with the Systems team to integrate mechanical equipment with robot, controls, sensor, and programming requirements.   

• Incorporate machine-safety requirements into equipment designs and contribute to risk assessments with EHS and Systems Engineering. 

• Coordinate fabrication, purchasing, assembly, and modification of equipment with internal technicians, designers, vendors, and suppliers. 

• Provide technical direction and design guidance to designers, technicians, and vendors supporting assigned projects. 

• Support equipment installation, debugging, validation, and production launch; troubleshoot mechanical issues and implement robust corrective actions. 

• Manage mechanical project activities for assigned work, including estimates, schedules, design risks, supplier coordination, and status communication. 

• Assist in continuous improvement projects that increase manufacturing efficiency, product quality, ergonomics, and long-term equipment maintainability.  

What You Bring to the Table  

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, and regular attendance is required. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to support individuals with disabilities. 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering field. 

• Approximately 5+ years of experience designing manufacturing equipment, automation, fixtures, or machine components. 

• Strong 3D CAD, mechanical-drawing, GD&T, tolerance-analysis, and design-for-manufacturing skills. 

• Experience designing robotic machine-tending equipment, including end-of-arm tooling, work holding, part presentation, machine interfaces, and guarding. 

• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes, fabrication, assembly, pneumatics, vacuum systems, sensors, and common mechanical components. 

• Ability to create complete, build-ready mechanical design packages and coordinate fabrication with internal and external resources. 

• Hands-on experience supporting equipment installation, debugging, validation, and production launch. 

• Working knowledge of machine-safety principles and ability to contribute to equipment risk assessments. 

Preferred 

• Experience with cobots and/or industrial robots in manufacturing environments. 

• Experience designing multi-operation manufacturing cells. 

• Familiarity with selecting and integrating conveyors, linear motion, actuators, grippers, and material-handling components. 

Supervisory Responsibilities  

• This position may provide technical direction to technicians or junior engineers and lead project efforts but typically does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. 

What to Expect at Work 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to support individuals with disabilities. 

• Sit for up to 8 hours per day. 

• Continuous movement, walking, or standing. 

• Exposed to a computer screen for extended periods 

• May require repetitive motions such as utilize a computer mouse, keyboard, computer, and other standard office equipment. 

• Communicate with others frequently. 

• Occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. 

• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment and travel to other facilities when needed. 

Working Environment  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those you may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  

• Corporate office environment – indoor and climate-controlled 

• Exposure to various manufacturing, warehousing, or related industrial locations. 

• Exposure to moderate noise, moving mechanical parts, and temperature changes in production areas. 

• PPE may be required in specific areas (e.g., safety glasses, hearing protection) 

• Standard hours Monday through Friday; occasional overtime or travel may be required 

Core Values 

Customer Driven, Accountability Focused, Integrity Always, New Solutions – Every Day 

If you excel in a dynamic, collaborative environment and are looking for meaningful challenges and opportunities to grow, you’ll find a great fit here. Banner Engineering is a premier employer headquartered in MN, offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development as we rapidly grow in the Industrial Automation industry. 

Banner Engineering is an equal opportunity employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

Affirmative Action (AA)/Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/D/V 

This job description reflects management’s assignment of key responsibilities; 

it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.