Crane Controls Design EngineerLocation: Ashland, VA
Schedule: First Shift
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Compensation: Starting at $39.00 per hour, with higher rates available based on experience
Position SummaryWe are seeking a Crane Controls Design Engineer to support the design, implementation, and maintenance of electrical and automation systems used in overhead lifting equipment. This role combines electrical design, controls engineering, troubleshooting, and field support to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient crane operation.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with industrial control systems, motor controls, and overhead crane equipment in manufacturing or industrial environments.
Primary ResponsibilitiesElectrical Design & Engineering- Design electrical and control systems for overhead cranes, gantry cranes, monorail systems, and workstation lifting equipment.
- Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
- Specify and select electrical components including:
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Soft starters
- Limit switches
- Festoon systems
- Conductor bar systems
- Safety devices and controls
- Perform electrical load calculations, power distribution analysis, and control system design.
- Develop control logic for crane motions including hoist, trolley, bridge, and auxiliary lifting functions.
- Ensure all designs comply with applicable industry requirements including:
- CMAA 70
- CMAA 74
- NFPA 70 (NEC)
- ASME B30 standards
System Startup & Commissioning- Assist with installation and startup activities for new crane systems and modernization projects.
- Configure and test VFDs, HMIs, relays, and motor control components.
- Perform commissioning activities and validate equipment performance against design specifications.
- Support field technicians during system integration and startup.
Troubleshooting & Technical Support- Diagnose electrical and controls-related issues involving motors, control panels, communication systems, and safety devices.
- Provide support during equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
- Assist with maintenance planning and reliability improvements.
- Analyze recurring issues and recommend long-term solutions.
Safety & Documentation- Verify compliance with applicable safety codes and electrical standards.
- Participate in safety reviews, inspections, and risk assessments.
- Maintain accurate engineering documentation, drawings, and revision records.
- Document system modifications and design updates.
Collaboration- Work closely with project managers, mechanical engineers, maintenance personnel, and field technicians.
- Provide technical guidance and training related to crane controls and electrical systems.
- Support continuous improvement efforts focused on reliability, efficiency, and equipment performance.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, or equivalent industry experience.
- Three to seven years of experience supporting overhead crane systems through design, installation, maintenance, or controls engineering.
- Strong knowledge of:
- CMAA crane classifications
- Motor control systems
- Hoist, trolley, and bridge motion controls
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Soft starters
- Motor protection systems
- Ability to create, read, and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
- Familiarity with:
- Conductor bar systems
- Festoon systems
- Pendant controls
- Radio remote controls
- Collision avoidance systems
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with custom-engineered crane systems or crane modernization projects.
- Knowledge of crane automation technologies.
- Familiarity with load monitoring systems, anti-sway controls, and advanced crane control features.
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
- Ability to work in industrial environments and at elevated heights when required.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
Work Environment- Full-time onsite position in a manufacturing and industrial setting.
- Regular interaction with production equipment and crane systems.
- Occasional travel to project sites and customer facilities.
- Work may include access to elevated work areas and active industrial environments.
OpportunityThis position offers the opportunity to contribute to the design and reliability of critical material-handling systems. The successful candidate will play an important role in improving equipment performance, supporting safe operations, and ensuring compliance with industry standards across a variety of crane applications.
What Success Looks LikeThis role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys balancing design responsibilities with real-world equipment support. Successful candidates will contribute to reliable system performance, effective project execution, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of material-handling operations through innovative engineering solutions.
