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.