Electrical Systems Design Engineer – Overhead Cranes

Electrical Design Engineer – Material Handling Systems Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite) Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Job Type: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire Starting Pay: From $39.00/hour, with higher pay available based on experience. No overtime available. Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Electrical Design Engineer to support the design and implementation of electrical systems used in overhead cranes and industrial lifting equipment. This onsite position is responsible for creating electrical designs, supporting system installations, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring compliance with applicable industry standards. The ideal candidate has experience with industrial electrical systems, crane controls, and automation within manufacturing or heavy industrial environments.

Primary Responsibilities Electrical Design

• Design electrical systems for overhead cranes, including bridge cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, and workstation crane systems.
• Prepare electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Select electrical components such as Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), conductor bars, festoon systems, limit switches, relays, and safety devices.
• Perform load calculations, power distribution planning, and control logic development for hoist, trolley, bridge, and below-the-hook equipment.
• Ensure all designs comply with CMAA 70, CMAA 74, NFPA 70 (NEC), and ASME B30 standards.

Installation & Startup

• Support installation and commissioning of new crane systems and retrofit projects.
• Configure and test VFDs, soft starters, relays, and HMI interfaces.
• Perform system testing to verify equipment operates according to design specifications.

Maintenance & Technical Support

• Troubleshoot electrical control systems, motors, control panels, communication networks, and limit devices.
• Assist with equipment repairs, corrective actions, and system upgrades to improve reliability.
• Maintain accurate documentation for electrical changes, repairs, and system modifications.

Safety & Collaboration

• Promote compliance with safety regulations and industry requirements.
• Participate in risk assessments and electrical safety inspections.
• Work closely with engineers, project managers, technicians, and maintenance personnel throughout project execution.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and maintenance teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts that enhance equipment performance and reduce downtime.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Three to seven years of experience designing, installing, or maintaining overhead crane electrical systems.
• Strong understanding of:
• Overhead crane classifications (CMAA)
• Motor control systems for hoist, trolley, and bridge motion
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), soft starters, and motor protection systems
• Ability to create, read, and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Experience with conductor bar systems, festoon systems, pendant controls, radio remote controls, and collision-avoidance systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting custom crane designs or modernization and retrofit projects.
• Knowledge of crane automation, sway control technology, and load monitoring systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfortable working in industrial environments and at elevated work locations when required.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Work Environment

• Full-time onsite position in a manufacturing and industrial setting.
• Occasional travel to project or customer locations may be required.

Why Join Our Team? This opportunity offers long-term career potential for an electrical engineering professional who enjoys solving technical challenges, supporting industrial automation, and helping improve the safety, reliability, and performance of material handling systems.