Systems Design Engineer I / II - Future Opening

Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027 - or ready to take the next step in your early career? Put your technical skills and problem-solving mindset to work on real industrial and agricultural projects at VAA.

As a Systems Design Engineer, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers and design specialists to help develop the equipment layouts and systems that make complex facilities work. You’ll contribute to real client projects, collaborate across disciplines and build your technical skills as you take on increasing responsibility.

Come ready to learn, contribute and grow. Your career is just getting started.

Your Role

Curious about how equipment, systems and operations all fit together inside a facility? Systems Design brings those pieces into one coordinated design.

Working under the direction of a Senior Facility Design Engineer or Facility Design Specialist, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Prepare process design documents, including models, drawings and specifications for equipment and systems
• Prepare and edit drawings and specifications to meet VAA and client standards
• Apply VAA design standards and quality control processes to project deliverables
• Collaborate with engineering and design disciplines to coordinate multidisciplinary projects
• Assist with technical reports, proposals, project scopes, schedules and budgets
• Work directly with project teams to deliver accurate, high-quality design work
• Visit project sites to verify existing conditions, take field measurements and identify design and coordination needs
• Communicate project progress, challenges and successes with project leads

Occasional travel may be required for site observations and field measurements.

What Your Career at VAA Could Look Like

• Do meaningful work. Contribute to real industrial and agricultural projects from the start.
• Learn from the pros. Work closely with experienced engineers and design specialists as you build your skills.
• See the bigger picture. Learn how equipment, structures, processes and operations come together in one coordinated facility design.
• Work across disciplines. Collaborate with teams throughout VAA to help deliver integrated project solutions.
• Get out there. Visit jobsites, take field measurements and see projects beyond your computer screen.
• Keep growing. Take on increasingly complex assignments and greater responsibility as your experience develops.
• Build your future. Develop the technical, communication and problem-solving skills that can take your career in new directions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Feed Science and Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering or a related four-year engineering program
• Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027, or recently graduated
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Experience with engineering software and AutoCAD/Revit is a plus. Experience preparing equipment and instrumentation datasheets, procurement lists and vendor Requests for Proposals (RFPs) is also a plus., * Bachelor’s degree in Feed Science and Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering or a related four-year engineering program

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience
• Ability to apply standard engineering techniques and procedures with greater independence while working within established review processes

How the Levels Differ

Systems Design Engineer I is an entry-level position focused on building fundamental professional and technical skills while working under close supervision.

Systems Design Engineer II builds on those fundamentals, applying standard techniques and procedures with less supervision. Completed work continues to receive thorough technical review.

Starting Annual Salary Range: $69,000-$85,000

A variety of factors are considered when determining an offer, including market data, geographic location, experience and specialized skills.

Benefits That Grow With You

Health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; profit sharing/401(k); discretionary bonus program; paid leave; professional development opportunities; and more.

VAA is an Engineering, Planning and Design firm specializing in commercial projects, bulk commodity-handling facilities, and structures for value-added processing, manufacturing and distribution. For nearly 50 years, our multidisciplinary teams have worked together to solve complex challenges for clients across the country.

Hear first-hand what it’s like to work here, the opportunities you can find and the resources that will support you - professionally and personally