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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VAA Voices
8 Reasons to Take the Next Step
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 (Hybrid)
Our growing firm is looking for passionate problem-solvers driven to make a real impact: we're hiring a Staff or Project Mechanical Engineer. Engineer the infrastructure that propels commerce, enables a more-sustainable impact, elevates municipal services, and creates impressive gathering spaces. At VAA, you'll have unique opportunities to utilize your talents and experience while flexing your problem-solving muscles.
The Mechanical team designs material handling, process ventilation and building safety systems, process and utility piping and heat exchangers, and building HVAC and plumbing systems for agribusiness, industrial and commercial facilities.
Your Role:
Staff Engineer (Entry Level):
Under the direction of a Project or Senior Engineer you will:
- Utilize problem solving ability and knowledge of engineering fundamentals to develop design solutions in a team setting.
- Contribute to the preparation of high-quality design documents including calculations, drawings and specifications.
- Deliver value to design team and clients through an expanding knowledge of design codes and industry standards to deliver value to our clients.
- Utilize design software with increasing efficiency and depth of understanding.
- Undertake increasingly complex design tasks and responsibilities with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- Perform construction phase site observations and prepare reports to support our projects and gain valuable experience.
- Potential 5% travel to construction job sites.
Project Engineer (Mid-Level):
- Deliver high quality engineering services rooted in your knowledge of engineering fundamentals design codes and industry standards, together with your problem-solving ability, analytical skills personal diligence and prior experience.
- Support the development and success of your peers and/or less experienced engineers.
- Identify and assess design options in the preliminary phase to inform sound decision making by the project team and/or client. Communicate concepts effectively.
- Prepare calculations, edit specifications, and coordinate drawings.
- Review project documents for quality and for coordination with all disciplines
- Communicate with clients/contractors regarding construction RFI's, and review shop drawings.
- Write proposals and help estimate project fees, as needed.
- Potential 10% travel to construction job sites.
Your resume must include:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
- 2-4 years of experience required for Staff Engineer
- 5-7 years of experience without PE or 4 years of experience with PE may be considered for a Project Engineering position.
- Experience with design of HVAC systems, utility piping, or process ventilation is preferred.
Starting Annual Salary Range: A variety of factors are considered when determining an offer including, but not limited to, market data, geographic location, experience, and specialized skills.
Staff Engineer: $70,00 - $90,000
Project Engineer: $85,000 - $110,000
Benefits: Health, dental, vison, 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. VAA is one of the industry's leading firms, combining nearly a half-century of excellence with a vibrant, future-focused energy. We serve a diverse portfolio of clients, ranging from multinational corporations to local municipalities to individual farms and businesses.
Hear first-hand what it's like to work here, the range of opportunities you can find and the wealth of resources that will support you - both professionally and personally:
https://vaaeng.com/careers/#careers-video
Why VAA?
- It's not all calcs and CAD around here. Join your peers for a chili cookoff or homebrew tasting... get an opportunity to dunk the CEO during our annual Community Caring Campaign. Take advantage of charitable PTO to volunteer for organizations you're passionate about. At VAA, we're committed to building community from within and making a difference in the communities where we live and work.
- Support for life/work balance: flexible schedule options, onsite gym, Employee Assistance Program, and fun opportunities for friendly competition
- Ongoing professional development, including mentoring, online learning and tuition reimbursement.
- An award-winning workplace, recognized by USA Today as a national 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace USA and by the Star Tribune as one of Minnesota's Top 200 Workplaces (2022/2023/2024/2025/2026).
Let's get growing™
Your career. Your talents. Your network.
Apply today!
#VAA #Engineer #Engineering #MechanicalEngineer
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
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.