Engineering Jobs in Dakota Dunes, SD

The R&D Technologist will play a key role in advancing innovation within a high-volume food manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for supporting research initiatives, developing new product formulations, and improving existing products to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost performance.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, this role supports the full product lifecycle—from early-stage concept development through plant trials and commercial launch. The ideal candidate is technically curious, highly organized, and comfortable operating in both laboratory and production settings.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Product Development & Commercialization- Developing new food products and product line extensions from concept through commercial production
• Translating bench-scale formulas into scalable production processes
• Conducting plant trials and manufacturing validations to ensure product performance and consistency
• Utilize internal formulation systems to create, update, and maintain product specifications
• Research, Testing & Evaluation- Executing pilot plant trials and prototype testing to validate product concepts
• Analyze data and document results from formulation experiments and processing trials
• Organize internal product evaluations and sensory reviews to support development decisions
• Provide project updates and technical findings to internal stakeholders
• Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partnering with teams across operations, quality, engineering, marketing, and supply chain to support successful product launches
• Regulatory & Technical Documentation- Maintaining detailed records including formulas, project documentation, product specifications, and testing results

Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science, or related scientific discipline
• 2+ years of experience supporting product development within a food manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and food formulation principles
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet development timelines
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
• (Preferred)Master's degree in Food Science or related scientific field
• Knowledge of regulatory and food safety standards including USDA or FDA guidelines

Job Title:       Design Engineer II

Department:    Product Development

Reporting to:    Engineering Division Manager

SUMMARY: 

Design Engineer II is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of new manufactured products and proprietary equipment as well as improvement to existing products.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Originates and/or develops product designs relating to defined customer needs as well as proprietary products in new to market applications; collaborates with Sales and Management to develop new business opportunities. 
• Utilizes conventional engineering principles to provide comprehensive engineering studies of components, weldments and assemblies suited to meet detailed product performance specifications. 
• Identifies, evaluates, and recommends materials and production processes to optimize product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Plans and directs product testing requirements, if not previously specified by the customer.
• Perform design for manufacturability reviews, Bill of Material management, and cost evaluations.
• Provide engineering support to Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, and Management Teams.
• Maintain detailed management of engineering documents, designs, evaluations, and related materials.
• Coordinate with Production and Operations teams to ensure the timely completion of development projects.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Proficient creating parts, assemblies, and drawings with design software i.e. SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD
• 4 or more years of Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience with ERP management software is required.
• Experience working in welding, sheet metal fabrication, hydraulics or plastics molding is preferred.

OTHER ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Project Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities efficiently; sets goals and objectives while developing realistic action plans to achieve targets; able to work independently as well as in a team environment. 
• Displays original thinking and creativity, strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Analytical and Diagnostic Skills - Methodical in solving problems backed by accurate data and analysis of findings.
• Communication - Speaks clearly and concisely; listens and requests clarification when needed; takes direction well.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Willingness to participate in hands-on work in a Manufacturing Environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires the ability to react, move about, install, remove, replace, and lift objects up to 50 lbs. Must be able to exchange information verbally, detect and observe situations, and work with others. Position may require the use of automobiles, ATV’s, test equipment, mechanical and electrical devices, tools, and computers. At times you will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment when entering production areas and working near moving equipment and machinery. May be exposed to noise, dust, and cold/hot temperatures when working in production or prototype areas. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally performed in an office environment with some time spent in production environments. The essential duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, physical demands, and work environment are representative of those that must be met and performed satisfactorily or will be encountered with this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.