BUILD YOUR CAREER ALONGSIDE A TEAM THAT BELIEVES THE BEST IDEAS—AND THE BEST CAREERS— GROW THROUGH COLLABORATION.
At VAA, we build value through relationships. Relationships with some of the country’s leading organizations and brands – and genuine, mutually supportive relationships within our teams. Join one of the industry’s leading firms, where you’ll be respected for the work you do and the diverse perspective you bring to the team.
OPEN POSITIONS
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LIFE AT VAA
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Find your place.
Supportive Culture
From your first day, you’ll be set up for success. We offer new-hire peer guidance, mentoring programs and wellness resources to support physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing.
Feel valued.
Exceptional Benefits
Get peace of mind from comprehensive and flexible insurance coverage, industry-leading HSA contributions, paid parental leave, a robust employee assistance program… even pet insurance.
Stay engaged.
Challenging Work
At our multidisciplinary and diversified firm, you’ll have opportunities to work on a wide range of challenging projects designed to ensure efficiency and safety across essential supply chains.
Be seen and heard.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to collective growth. As an equal opportunity employer, VAA is committed to fostering an inclusive culture.
Live fully.
Life / Work Balance
A good career choice can enhance your quality of life – both professionally and personally. VAA offers flexible work options, onsite wellness resources and fun opportunities for friendly competition.
Expand your horizons.
Professional Development
Where can you go from here? Your manager will work with you to map out your path, where you can take advantage of online learning, tuition reimbursement and support to advance your career.
Speak Up.
Every Voice Matters
We invite you to be part of the solution. On a regular basis, VAA seeks out employee feedback and applies those insights to our continual improvement efforts.
Make an Impact.
Community & Global Initiatives
Package meals… raise a hammer… walk for animals… race canoes… dunk the CEO. From volunteer events to our annual community fundraising drive, to charitable PTO, we stand behind paying it forward.
Browse current job openings
Mechanical Engineer – Future Opening
Location: Minneapolis, MN: candidates interested in New Orleans, LA or Sioux Falls, SD may also be considered.
Ready to Start Building Your Career?
Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027? Bring what you've learned in the classroom to real projects at VAA.
As an Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer, you'll work alongside experienced engineers, contribute to meaningful client work and start building the technical and professional skills that will shape your career. You'll see how equipment and mechanical systems come together to make complex facilities work.
Come ready to learn, contribute and grow. Your career is just getting started.
Your Role
Curious about how all the mechanical pieces of a facility work together? VAA's Mechanical team designs material handling, process ventilation and building safety systems; process and utility piping and heat exchangers; and HVAC and plumbing systems for agribusiness, industrial and commercial facilities.
Working under the direction of a Project or Senior Engineer, you'll have opportunities to:
- Develop mechanical design solutions using engineering fundamentals and problem-solving skills
- Prepare calculations, drawings, specifications and other design documents
- Build your knowledge of design codes and industry standards
- Gain experience using mechanical engineering and design software
- Collaborate with engineers, designers and other VAA disciplines
- Visit construction sites, observe work in the field and prepare reports
- Take on more complex work and responsibility as your skills grow
Potential travel: Approximately 5% to construction jobsites.
What Your Career at VAA Could Look Like
- Do meaningful work. Contribute to real client projects from the start.
- Learn from the pros. Get mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.
- Work across disciplines. See how Mechanical fits into the bigger project picture.
- Keep growing. Build your technical knowledge and professional skills.
- Get out there. Visit jobsites and see how designs become working systems.
- Find your people. Build connections through project teams, mentorship and Employee Resource Groups.
- Build your future. Grow your responsibilities as your experience and confidence increase.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027, or recently graduated
- Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn
- Interest in mechanical systems and multidisciplinary project work
Starting Annual Salary Range: $69,000–$85,000
Benefits That Grow With You
Health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; profit sharing/401(k); discretionary bonus program; paid leave; and more.
Get to Know VAA
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.
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:
Watch the VAA Careers Video
Let's Get Growing™
Your career. Your talents. Your network.
Ready to start your career? Apply today!
Local & national recognition
2024-2026 National recognition based on employee survey results
2022-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results
2022-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results
2026 Recognition in Top Workplaces Industry & Occupation Awards based on employee survey results.
2024-2025 National recognition based on employee survey results.
2022-2026 Local recognition based on employee survey results
How OUR HIRING PRocess Works
Select a position you are interested in; upload your resume and follow the application steps. You will receive an email notifying you that your application has been received.
VAA will review your application and contact you if your background meets our hiring needs. (This generally takes 1-2 weeks.)
Our interview process varies by group. Candidates may participate in phone, virtual, and/or in-person interviews. Most candidates will participate in 1-2 rounds of interviews.
We will notify you as soon as possible. If you receive an offer, the manager will call you, followed by a written offer from Human Resources.
If you choose to accept the offer, VAA Human Resources will work with you to set a start date and finalize other details.
Frequently asked questions
At VAA, you’ll be part of a collaborative team where people share ideas, solve complex challenges and grow together. Our employees may work across disciplines and markets while building relationships with coworkers and clients that extend beyond individual projects.
If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@vaaeng.com or by calling 763.559.9100 and asking for an HR representative.