Manufacturing Engineer

955 North Haverhill Rd, El Dorado, Kansas

This Individual Contributor position is accountable for the site’s manufacturing engineering functions including capital and expense project management, manufacturing problem solving related to cost reductions, capacity, planning, safety, quality or manufacturability, and new product support such as marketing and product engineering inquiries related to cost, processes or manufacturability.

• This position reports to the Plant Manager and has no direct or indirect reports.
• This position works with all levels of manufacturing in the manufacturing environment (maintenance, operators, supervisors, managers, safety, corporate AMET team, regional lean team, etc.).
• Drives and manages engineering solutions to resolve manufacturing problems (e.g., safety hazards, machine breakdowns, capacity constraints, quality, material handling, and processes).
• Promotes and participates proactively in the direction and development of Lean projects and activities.
• Establishes process work instructions for various production machines.
• Ability to work independently and lead small teams.
• May require up to 5% domestic travel, including overnight stays.
• Assists in the development of short and long‑term capital budget plans.
• Focuses on operating costs, labor, material and variable costs to identify cost‑reduction opportunities.
• Specifies new tooling, equipment, and methods or modifies existing ones to improve cost, safety, quality, equipment performance, and cycle times.
• Presents funding requests in written form to upper management.
• Utilizes CAD for equipment, tooling, and layouts.
• Participates in special projects related to product development or extension, prepares cost estimates, and works closely with manufacturing, tool and die, and vendors.
• Supports the Valmont Safety Mission Statement and implements identified safety projects requiring engineering support.

The role requires proven abilities in the manufacturing engineering profession with an emphasis on methods improvement, economic cost study analysis, plant layouts, tooling design, and manufacturing and planning processes. Excellent verbal and written skills are required due to frequent communication with vendors and presentation of projects and ideas to upper management and production personnel.

The incumbent works under supervision to evaluate, select, and apply solutions to a variety of manufacturing‑related problems and must be capable of functioning as a project manager, initiating and following up on projects from conception to culmination, providing necessary justification, documentation, and action to ensure the performance, cost, and scheduled goals are realized. The incumbent must also act as a team leader on most projects to gain the benefits of employee involvement and shop‑floor commitment.

• Preferred Bachelors Degree with 5+ years relevant experience OR Associates Degree with 7+ years relevant experience OR 9+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven history of problem solving in an environment involving welding, gas cutting, plasma cutting, press working, and machining.
• Experience working as a project manager and/or team leader.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• 2+ years’ experience driving solutions and working with all levels of the business.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Solid 3D CAD skills including design applications.
• Thorough understanding of fabrication and welding procedures, processes, QA requirements, and methods.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, and Access.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to travel up to 5% of the time.
• Acceptable prior performance and attendance record.

• Thorough understanding of fabrication and welding procedures, processes, QA requirements, and methods used at Valmont.
• Manufacturing, Mechanical, Structural, or Civil Engineering degree.
• 10+ years in a manufacturing engineering environment.
• PE Certification.

Work is typically performed in…