Embarking on a career in the mechanical trade in Vermillion, SD, often begins with an apprenticeship that blends practical experience with theoretical education, enabling individuals to learn and earn simultaneously. Apprenticeships typically span three to four years, demanding extensive training under seasoned professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 282,750 mechanical trade professionals nationwide, with wages in Vermillion averaging around $510.75 per week. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate that exceeds the national average. Aspiring mechanical trade professionals can explore apprenticeship opportunities through trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild, leading to a rewarding career with the potential to earn over $26,000 annually for experienced workers.
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION Plans, organizes, and directs initiatives to meet company objectives for safety, quality, and productivity by optimizing mechanical systems, designing and analyzing components, and improving manufacturing and engineering processes. Focus on mechanical design, material selection, and system reliability for manufacturability and assembly. ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS • Evaluate mechanical systems and processes by designing and conducting research programs; applying expertise in mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, and materials; collaborating with equipment vendors and operators. • Design and improve mechanical components and systems by analyzing product requirements; researching, designing, testing, and modifying designs and methods for manufacturing and equipment. • Improve operational efficiency by analyzing workflows, space requirements, and equipment/plant layouts. • Prepare technical reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing trends and data on mechanical systems and processes. • Lead capital projects including facility layout planning, equipment selection, and project execution to ensure alignment with company goals. • Collaborate on material allocation and production processes, including raw material planning, setup optimization, and economic lot sizing. • Analyze engineering proposals to evaluate feasibility, benefits, and cost implications, recommending appropriate actions to management. • Manage and oversee projects related to mechanical design, process improvements, and performance analysis. • Develop and monitor continuous improvement methods for mechanical processes, ensuring quality and efficiency enhancements are achieved. • Provide technical support for manufacturing, quality assurance, and safety processes within the organization. • Maintain technical knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing industry publications, and participating in professional societies. • Ensure compliance with safety standards, including hazard analysis, equipment inspections, and training to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety. SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. • Strong background in mechanical design, including proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., Inventor, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD). • Experience with thermal analysis, stress testing, material science, and other core mechanical engineering principles. • Proven ability to develop and implement solutions in manufacturing environments, including Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. • Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance related to mechanical systems. • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and technical communication skills. • Hands-on experience with mechanical systems, tools, and processes, such as welding, machining, and assembly. • Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies. • Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with diverse teams, from shop floor technicians to executive management. • Passion for innovation and staying current with advancements in mechanical engineering and manufacturing technologies.
See More Details >>Rfamec Engineering is seeking a highly skilled Senior Design Engineer to lead our engineering efforts. The successful candidate will work closely with our multifunctional teams including sales, operations, product support, purchasing, and production to develop innovative products from concept to manufacturable product. This full-time position comes with a comprehensive benefits package and offers opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by customers, and additional opportunities within our organization. The ideal candidate will possess a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Agriculture, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline, with at least 5 years of experience in 2D and 3D modeling (AutoCAD and Inventor preferred). Responsibilities include designing custom equipment meeting technical requirements of assigned projects, collaborating with internal departments, and providing project management and follow through on assigned projects.
See More Details >>RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility. This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization. Senior Design Engineer The Senior Design Engineer will work closely with the multifunctional teams including sales, operations, product support, purchasing and production. You will develop ground up design solutions for new and existing products. You will engage heavily with manufacturing and other engineering teams in the development of construction and mining equipment. Responsibilities • Develop innovative products from concept to a manufacturable product while assuring design intent and integrity is maintained. • Design custom equipment that meets all technical requirements of assigned projects including new products, product enhancements, and cost reductions. • Perform analysis or calculations on project designs to achieve desired safety factors. • Applicable knowledge of Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly Principles as well as material optimization. • Initiate and implement design related cost reductions and quality improvement ideas. • Provide project management and follow through on assigned projects. • Develop and maintain design documentation including 2-D drawings, 3-D CAD designs and project specifications. • Organize and maintain BOM’s for all assigned projects. • Collaborate with and Support internal departments with technical information. • Work collectively with Purchasing to obtain components and materials for projects. • Assist Manufacturing after projects are released and on design updates as required. • Make necessary field trips to assist with Product Support, Engineering and Sales. • Provide senior leadership, training, and mentoring to lower-level engineers. • Complete assignments on time as scheduled by Engineering. Requirements • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Agriculture, Industrial Engineering or related Engineering Discipline • 5+ years of 2D and 3D modeling experience (AutoCAD and Inventor preferred) • Prior experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis), both simulation software and hand calculations • Demonstrated experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills • Must have a valid Driver’s License Desired Attributes • Experience with manufacturing processes including welding, fabrication, or assembly of heavy structural steel • Desire to work in an engineering environment focusing on robust & cost-effective designs • Experience with product design, preferably off-road equipment. Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position. Pay Range: $70,000-$90,000/yr – Commensurate with experience About RFA Engineering RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S. Competitive Benefits • Health and Dental Insurance • TelaDoc Healthiest You • Supplemental Vision Insurance • Company Paid Life Insurance • Company Paid Long-Term Disability • Short-term Disability • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k) • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care • HSA for Medical Expenses • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only) • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Bereavement Leave • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) • Education Assistance Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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