Who We Are:

Valley Craft Industries is a family-owned company that has been doing business in Minnesota for over 70 years. Since introducing the first hand truck with a brake, Valley Craft Industries has become well known for producing material handling, storage, and safety solutions that truly stand the test of time. We help our customers to become better organized and to work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and production of material handling, storage, and safety related products. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who wants exposure to real production hardware, manufacturing support, and product lifecycle ownership. The position emphasizes practical engineering execution, collaboration with manufacturing, and continuous product improvement.

The position will support both our Lake City and Waukesha, Wisconsin plants. Travel requirements will be approximately 10 weeks per year.

Key Responsibilities

Product Design & Engineering Execution

• Design and engineer new products and custom solutions
• Support existing product designs through design updates, documentation changes, and production support.
• Assist with engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs) and implementation into production.
• Help diagnose production, quality, or field issues and support corrective actions.

CAD, BOM, and Documentation

• Create and update 3D models, drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks.
• Apply company drawing standards, tolerances, weld symbols, and basic GD&T.
• Maintain accurate part data, revisions, and metadata in PDM and MRP systems.
• Work closely with fabrication, welding, assembly, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and buildable.
• Support fixture design and basic prototyping as needed.
• Identify potential pinch points, cut hazards, or ergonomic concerns early and help implement improvements.
• Participate in root-cause analysis and problem-solving efforts.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, sheet metal, fabrication).
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Exposure to lift products, material-handling equipment, or industrial machinery.
• Familiarity with BOMs, revision control, and engineering documentation.

Key Attributes for Success

• Hands-On Mindset: Interested in how products are built, not just designed.
• Team-Oriented: Works well with manufacturing, quality, and procurement partners.
• Adaptable: Comfortable handling shifting priorities in a production environment.
• Detail-Focused: Understands that accurate documentation prevents downstream issues.
• Growth-Oriented: Eager to build engineering judgment through real-world experience.

Why Join Valley Craft

This role offers early-career engineers the opportunity to work on real products in active production, gain hands-on experience with product design, and develop practical engineering skills under experienced leadership. You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and engineering that directly impacts manufacturing success.

BENEFITS:

• PTO
• Nine (9) Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401K plan
• Profit sharing
• Referral program
• Friendly, Collaborative Team Environment
• Personal and Professional Growth Potential
• Great work-life balance - NO WEEKENDS

Valley Craft Ind. Is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Valley Craft Ind. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, or veteran status.