Mechanical Engineer – Heavy Equipment & Crane Systems

Mechanical Engineer – Heavy Equipment & Crane Systems

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $95,000/year; higher salary available based on experience
Schedule: 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
Travel: Approximately 10%

Position Overview

Seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and support specialized heavy equipment and crane systems used in railroad emergency response, lifting, maintenance, and field operations.

This hands-on role covers the full equipment lifecycle—from concept and CAD design through engineering analysis, manufacturing, testing, field deployment, and product improvement.

The primary work location is in Chesterfield, VA, with occasional work at a Richmond facility, vendor locations, customer sites, and field operations. Emergency response activities outside normal business hours may be required.

What You'll Do

Design & Engineering

• Develop new mechanical designs for heavy equipment and crane systems.
• Modify existing equipment to improve performance and capabilities.
• Reverse engineer components and create updated mechanical solutions.
• Use SolidWorks, CAD modeling, FEA, engineering calculations, prototyping, and field testing.
• Evaluate designs for manufacturability, reliability, serviceability, safety, performance, and cost.
• Maintain equipment designs and related engineering documentation.
• Apply applicable engineering standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.

Projects & Manufacturing

• Manage engineering projects from concept through manufacturing, testing, field implementation, and lifecycle support.
• Lead crane rebuild and refurbishment projects, including inspections, repair planning, upgrades, testing, and delivery.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, operations, vendors, suppliers, leadership, and other teams to meet project and production needs.
• Provide technical support for troubleshooting, inspections, testing, field activities, and emergency response.
• Support product releases and verify equipment meets required specifications.

Documentation & Improvement

• Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, calculations, bills of materials (BOMs), design records, and technical documentation.
• Apply engineering judgment and creative problem-solving to complex mechanical issues.
• Communicate technical information to customers, vendors, manufacturing teams, and internal departments.
• Support quality assurance, equipment standardization, and continuous improvement.
• Manage multiple projects and adjust priorities as operational needs change.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent parametric CAD software.
• Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and ability to validate results with engineering calculations.
• Understanding of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to safety and engineering quality.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% for inspections, field activities, and customer support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.
• CSWA or CSWP SolidWorks certification.
• Experience with heavy equipment, cranes, mobile equipment, or industrial machinery.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Experience supporting equipment from design through manufacturing and field deployment.
• Familiarity with OSHA, ASME, AWS, AAR, or other applicable engineering standards.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout the workday.
• Ability to climb onto equipment for inspections, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to occasionally lift tools, components, or equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency situations when required.
• Ability to work safely in both office and industrial environments.