Senior Design Engineer

Job Summary

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design and development of custom rigging equipment and structural systems tailored to the specific needs of a project. They lead the planning, design, and implementation of new equipment while making sure each design satisfies the needs of the project, adheres to relevant safety standards, and meets required deliverables. The role involves working closely with project and production managers, as well as field experts. The Senior Design Engineer position also involves mentoring junior engineers, contributing to continuous improvement efforts, and driving innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and cost‑effectiveness in crane and rigging design projects.

Job Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in structural or mechanical equipment design, preferably within the crane, rigging, or heavy lift/transport industry.
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, OSHA 10.
• Technical Proficiency: Must possess an in-depth understanding of engineering principles related to structural steel design, cranes, rigging, and load calculations. Extensive experience with steel construction and fabrication processes preferred. Proficiency with CAD, 3D modeling software, and industry‑specific tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar programs is essential. Familiarity with the types of cranes, rigging equipment, and materials used in lifting and transporting heavy loads is also important. Strong knowledge of relevant design standards and regulations, including OSHA, AISC, ASME, ANSI, and others specific to designing structural steel and rigging equipment, is necessary to maintain compliance and uphold industry best practices.
• Software Proficiency: Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting. Proficiency with computer‑aided design (CAD) software (AutoCAD/Inventor) and calculation software (RISA 3D/Ansys/Mathcad) is required.
• Problem‑Solving and Analytical Expertise: Ability to analyze and optimize structural steel and mechanical designs; adapt to changing project requirements in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment; strong desire to teach and develop technical expertise in junior engineers.
• Communication: Strong communication skills for reporting, documentation, and communicating with clients or team members. Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with crane operators, riggers, engineers, and project managers. Ability to accurately document and review design packages and incorporate changes when necessary.
• Project Management Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to develop and update project schedules to ensure timely completion. Ability to estimate cost for design projects and fabrication. Ability and willingness to lead a team of junior engineers by fielding questions and reviewing their work.
• Physical Requirements: Willingness and ability to visit job sites regularly and work in outdoor and potentially hazardous environments, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, climbing ladders or scaffolding, and lifting moderate weights.
• Fit for Duty: Must pass a drug test, fit for duty and background check.

Job Responsibilities

• Create detailed design packages, including fabrication drawings, calculations, specification sheets, operation manuals, test certificates, etc.
• Perform steel design and structural analysis tasks.
• Understand industry regulations and standards (AISC, ASME, OSHA) and help ensure designs are in accordance.
• Develop and review design parameters for engineering clarity and customer communication.
• Create 3D models and technical drawings for equipment assemblies.
• Prepare technical specifications, operating instructions, and maintenance requirements for newly designed equipment.
• Create and review calculation packages that analyze relevant load cases to accurately support equipment design.
• Develop and review mockup and load test plans and participate in the setup and execution of the tests.
• Obtain working knowledge of existing Barnhart heavy lift and specialty rigging equipment.
• Identify materials and communicate with the fabrication shop on schedule and design optimization.
• Track project timelines and progress reports of a team of junior engineers.
• Estimate and review the cost of design, fabrication, and testing for various design projects.
• Provide on‑site technical assistance during lifting and rigging operations to ensure lift plans are followed correctly.
• Identify and manage operational risk in line with industry regulations.
• Help ensure that equipment is maintained and in safe working condition and report any defects or issues.
• Work alongside field personnel such as crane operators, riggers, and fabricators to support day‑to‑day project operations.
• Communicate with clients and project managers to clarify requirements and relay project status updates.
• Support the procurement of necessary materials and equipment by liaising with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Record any changes to the design package, project scope, or schedule, ensuring all updates are properly documented.
• Identify minor technical issues on‑site and work with senior engineers to resolve them.
• Participate in post‑project reviews, helping to gather feedback and data for future designs.
• Continuously learn and stay updated on the latest industry practices, safety regulations, and engineering standards.
• Aid in the development of technical skills of junior engineers related to crane operations, rigging, and engineering design.
• Support in the professional development of junior engineers.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus program that pays for performance
• 401K contributions matched up to 10% of pay
• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short & long‑term disability
• Paid Time Off
• Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited 4‑year university.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran