Job Description

Why Valmont
 

We’re Here to Move the World Forward.

Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better.

Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.

A Brief Summary of This Position:

The Senior Controls Engineer designs, develops, programs, and integrates automation, control systems, and robotics for advanced manufacturing. This role leads projects from concept through commissioning, mentors junior engineers, and ensures safe, efficient, and reliable equipment operation.

Essential Functions:

System & Project Leadership

• Lead global controls projects involving laser cutting, automated welding, robotics, and heavy transport automation.

• Develop and deploy PLC/HMI/SCADA systems (Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, etc.) ensuring reliability and performance.

• Own system architecture, controls specs, IO lists, schematics, and safety integration.

• Drive FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ validation, and compliance with ISO, NFPA, IEC, and OSHA standards.

Controls Engineering & Innovation

• Program and optimize control logic, motion, servo/robot systems, and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).

• Integrate Industry 4.0 solutions including machine connectivity, data analytics, and MES systems.

• Implement advanced safety systems (SIL/PL assessments, safety PLCs, guarding, interlocks).

• Develop scalable templates, reusable code libraries, and engineering standards for global use.

Continuous Improvement & Troubleshooting

• Lead root cause analysis and drive system uptime and throughput improvements.

• Identify automation opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost performance.

• Standardize controls best practices to support Valmont’s global lean and excellence initiatives.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, process, and manufacturing teams.

• Collaborate with global suppliers to evaluate and implement emerging technologies.

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians to build advanced automation capability.

Additional Responsibilities

• Stay current on new technologies through research and industry events.

• Lead process improvement and waste reduction initiatives aligned with global operations strategy.

• Support site technology roadmaps and standardization of equipment, vendors, and systems.

• Develop strategic automation initiatives to transform manufacturing processes.

• Meet or exceed project goals; work independently or collaboratively as needed.

• Up to 50% travel (domestic and some international).

Required Qualifications:

• B.S./A.S. in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, or related field.

• 6+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls projects.

• Expertise in PLC (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) and HMI/SCADA programming.

• Proficient in robotic (Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa, Kuka, Panasonic) and vision systems (Keyence, Cognex).

• Strong understanding of motion control, networks, and safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, ANSI/RIA).

• Skilled in AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent.

• Experience with Industry 4.0/IIoT technologies, MES integration, and data analytics.

• Familiarity with structured programming (Python, C#, SQL) for IT/OT integration.

• Strong leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

• Background in heavy manufacturing, metals processing, or large capital equipment.

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.