Senior Applied Technology Engineer

Position Overview

The Senior Applied Technology Engineer is responsible for identifying and implementing improvements to current manufacturing processes at Gopher Resource’s two secondary lead smelting plants. Projects involve detailed mechanical design, project timeline management, coordination with internal trades and external contractors, and on‐site installation support. The role demands the ability to evaluate data, make meaningful first‐hand observations in an industrial environment, and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams at multiple manufacturing sites.

This posting is for 2 openings based in either Eagan, MN or Tampa, FL.

Key Responsibilities

• Applies sound engineering principles to the design of manufacturing equipment.
• Develops a working knowledge of existing processes and leverages both internal and external subject matter expertise to advance projects.
• Effectively leads equipment design projects by providing technical expertise, creating and/or reviewing designs, and managing project deliverables through commissioning.
• Works safely in lab and manufacturing environments by following EHS procedures and identifying opportunities to enhance safety.
• Identifies, evaluates, and implements new technology into the manufacturing process.
• Develops mechanical and process designs for new equipment, with support from internal or external resources as needed.
• Creates installation specifications and commissioning plans and supports on‐site installations.
• Organizes and manages multiple projects to ensure high quality and timely service to all internal and external customers.
• Updates documentation (P&IDs, PFDs, equipment drawings, etc.) based on field verifications and equipment modifications or replacements.
• Collaborates with plant Process, Reliability, and Maintenance Engineers as well as department managers to build consensus for upcoming changes.
• Conducts cost analysis weighing the pros and cons of various options and manages project costs.
• Attends consortium meetings, conferences, vendor presentations, and training courses to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Performs and documents equipment trials and experiments to assess the viability of proposed solutions.
• Works with the Training Department to develop training for new equipment installations or process changes.
• Responds promptly and effectively to the needs of the business.
• Reports to the Applied Technology Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or another engineering discipline (with 5+ years of mechanical design experience in process equipment).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in an engineering role in manufacturing, industrial R&D, or military environments.
• 3+ years of experience developing specifications and installing custom equipment in partnership with equipment fabricators and multidisciplinary on‐site contractors.
• Experience working with equipment fabricators, machine shops, engineering designers, structural engineers, CFD/FEA specialists, and instrumentation experts.
• Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software such as AutoCAD, Inventor, or SolidWorks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to champion change and sustain a continuous improvement culture.
• Highly self-motivated and capable of working well under pressure during time-limited installations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with generating, updating, and organizing engineering documentation such as P&IDs, PFDs, and equipment drawings.
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project) is preferred.
• Experience working in a mining and/or metals environment or with gas fired furnaces and/or burner design is a plus.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Salary Range: $114,237 to $188,384. This position is eligible for a short-term incentive plan based on achievement of strategic objectives. Final salary is influenced by candidate qualifications, years of experience, geographic location, internal pay equity, and prevailing market conditions.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical & pharmacy, dental, vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), dependent care spending account, life insurance, disability programs, telemedicine, parental leave, tuition support, legal insurance, identity theft protection, gym membership discounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k) with company match, and paid time off.