Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Barnhart Crane & Rigging in Memphis, Tennessee, United States | Kablio

Role

Description

design review

technical reporting

project management

field liaison

r&d oversight

design optimization

Barnhart seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, also known as a Research & Development Engineer, to lead the creation of advanced load‑handling equipment for the heavy‑lift and transport sector. The role involves guiding projects from initial concept through design, fabrication, testing, and field deployment, delivering safe, efficient, and high‑value solutions for specialized lifting tasks.

Key responsibilities span the entire R&D lifecycle: evaluating ideas, developing preliminary concepts, performing detailed engineering analyses, producing final CAD models and fabrication drawings, and overseeing production and load testing. The engineer acts as a technical liaison on critical lifts, reviews engineering documentation, mentors junior staff, manages multiple projects’ schedules and budgets, and drives innovation by incorporating new technologies and best practices.

Lead design reviews, troubleshoot performance issues, and implement iterative improvements
Prepare and present technical reports, documentation, and operating procedures
Manage project budgets, schedules, risks, and coordinate cross‑functional teams
Mentor and guide junior engineers, reviewing their work and supporting development
Serve as field technical liaison for critical lifts, conducting risk and safety evaluations
Diagnose equipment issues, provide repair guidance, and offer real‑time support during lifts
Review engineering documents: fabrication drawings, calculations, FEA reports, schematics
Oversee multiple R&D projects simultaneously, tracking progress and ensuring cost‑effectiveness
Develop mitigation strategies for technical and operational project risks
Research and apply emerging technologies, materials, and methods to improve performance
Conduct training events on new equipment and engineering topics
Maintain accurate project documentation: specifications, test certificates, SOPs
Identify design optimization opportunities to reduce cost, enhance safety, and improve fabrication efficiency
Communicate updates and solutions to clients and stakeholders for alignment and satisfaction
Implement best practices for safety, efficiency, and innovation in crane and rigging projects
Stay current with industry trends, new technology, and regulatory changes

Requirements

7+ years

pe license

osha 10

solidworks

ansys

bachelors

The ideal candidate brings at least seven years of experience designing mechanical or structural equipment in a related industry, with a strong record of successful projects. Preferred qualifications include a Professional Engineer (PE) license, OSHA 10 certification, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program. Technical expertise must cover mechanical design, structural and fatigue analysis, FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus), CAD platforms (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor), and familiarity with industry standards such as OSHA, AISC, ASME B30, and ASCE‑7.

7+ years designing mechanical/structural equipment for heavy‑lift or transport industry
Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; OSHA 10 certification
Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, RISA‑3D)
Expertise in cranes, hoists, hydraulic systems, winches, rigging, and load chart analysis
Strong knowledge of stress, fatigue, failure modes, and material properties (steels, composites, alloys)
Familiar with industry codes and standards: OSHA, AISC, AWS, ASME B30, ANSI, ASCE‑7
Skilled in hand calculations, structural analysis, and testing documentation
Experience with engineering software (Mathcad, MS Excel) and ERP/scheduling tools
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related ABET‑accredited field

Benefits

Barnhart offers a competitive salary, performance‑based bonus, 401(k) matching up to 10%, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability benefits, paid time off, and participation in the Barnhart CARES community service program. The company emphasizes growth opportunities within its extensive network of over 60 U.S. locations.

Competitive salary and performance‑based bonus
401(k) match up to 10% of pay
Medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability benefits
Paid time off and Barnhart CARES community service opportunities

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

must pass a drug test, be fit for duty and undergo a background check.

Company

Overview

Founded with a focus on solving complex lifting and rigging challenges, Barnhart Crane & Rigging has grown into a trusted leader in heavy lifting and transportation.
From the early days, the company has been dedicated to providing creative, safe, and efficient solutions for complex industrial and energy projects.
Known for its fleet of innovative cranes and equipment, Barnhart is a key player in major construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects across the U.S.
The company specializes in industrial and energy sectors, handling projects in heavy civil, marine, transport, utilities, and more.
Barnhart's work includes some of the largest and most demanding lifting and rigging projects, ranging from wind farms and power plants to oil rigs and petrochemical facilities.
Barnhart takes pride in its ability to tailor solutions for unique challenges, providing expertise that ensures projects stay on time and within budget.
With a focus on long-term relationships, Barnhart continues to expand its footprint and services across diverse industries, making a lasting impact on infrastructure development.

Culture + Values

Safety – We invest the necessary resources to ensure safe operations.
Servant Leadership – We serve our people by providing purpose, trust, belonging, progress, recognition and compensation.
Quality Service – We develop our people and processes to ensure consistent service and operational excellence to meet the needs of our customers.
Innovation – We create better methods and tools to meet the needs of our customers.
Continuous Improvement – We evaluate every aspect of our company in order to improve.
Fairness – We are honest and fair to our people, vendors and customers.
Profit with a Purpose – We work to make profit and invest the profit to reward our teams, grow the company and meet the needs of people locally and globally.

Environment + Sustainability

No explicit net zero target or environmental strategy is disclosed on the company's website.
The Safety Manager is responsible for Environmental Programs, compliance, operational risk assessment, and environmental training.
Branches are required to manage Safety, Security, Health, and Environmental Programs and report statistics.
A continuous improvement culture involves periodic audits and enhancements in environmental engagement.

Inclusion & Diversity

No DEI information available on official site.
LinkedIn and blog show no DEI strategy or gender statistics published.
Third‑party reviews and acquisition notes mention 'commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion' via NCSG acquisition but no specific goals or metrics provided.
No gender‑related workforce statistics found.

Articles

Job Openings – [email protected]

Barnhart Crane & Rigging news & acquisitions

Reddit discussion: Barnhart culture & experiences

Role

Description

design review

technical reporting

project management

field liaison

r&d oversight

design optimization

Lead design reviews, troubleshoot performance issues, and implement iterative improvements
Prepare and present technical reports, documentation, and operating procedures
Manage project budgets, schedules, risks, and coordinate cross‑functional teams
Mentor and guide junior engineers, reviewing their work and supporting development
Serve as field technical liaison for critical lifts, conducting risk and safety evaluations
Diagnose equipment issues, provide repair guidance, and offer real‑time support during lifts
Review engineering documents: fabrication drawings, calculations, FEA reports, schematics
Oversee multiple R&D projects simultaneously, tracking progress and ensuring cost‑effectiveness
Develop mitigation strategies for technical and operational project risks
Research and apply emerging technologies, materials, and methods to improve performance
Conduct training events on new equipment and engineering topics
Maintain accurate project documentation: specifications, test certificates, SOPs
Identify design optimization opportunities to reduce cost, enhance safety, and improve fabrication efficiency
Communicate updates and solutions to clients and stakeholders for alignment and satisfaction
Implement best practices for safety, efficiency, and innovation in crane and rigging projects
Stay current with industry trends, new technology, and regulatory changes

Requirements

7+ years

pe license

osha 10

solidworks

ansys

bachelors

7+ years designing mechanical/structural equipment for heavy‑lift or transport industry
Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; OSHA 10 certification
Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, RISA‑3D)
Expertise in cranes, hoists, hydraulic systems, winches, rigging, and load chart analysis
Strong knowledge of stress, fatigue, failure modes, and material properties (steels, composites, alloys)
Familiar with industry codes and standards: OSHA, AISC, AWS, ASME B30, ANSI, ASCE‑7
Skilled in hand calculations, structural analysis, and testing documentation
Experience with engineering software (Mathcad, MS Excel) and ERP/scheduling tools
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related ABET‑accredited field

Benefits

Competitive salary and performance‑based bonus
401(k) match up to 10% of pay
Medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability benefits
Paid time off and Barnhart CARES community service opportunities

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

must pass a drug test, be fit for duty and undergo a background check.

Company

Overview

Founded with a focus on solving complex lifting and rigging challenges, Barnhart Crane & Rigging has grown into a trusted leader in heavy lifting and transportation.
From the early days, the company has been dedicated to providing creative, safe, and efficient solutions for complex industrial and energy projects.
Known for its fleet of innovative cranes and equipment, Barnhart is a key player in major construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects across the U.S.
The company specializes in industrial and energy sectors, handling projects in heavy civil, marine, transport, utilities, and more.
Barnhart's work includes some of the largest and most demanding lifting and rigging projects, ranging from wind farms and power plants to oil rigs and petrochemical facilities.
Barnhart takes pride in its ability to tailor solutions for unique challenges, providing expertise that ensures projects stay on time and within budget.
With a focus on long-term relationships, Barnhart continues to expand its footprint and services across diverse industries, making a lasting impact on infrastructure development.

Culture + Values

Safety – We invest the necessary resources to ensure safe operations.
Servant Leadership – We serve our people by providing purpose, trust, belonging, progress, recognition and compensation.
Quality Service – We develop our people and processes to ensure consistent service and operational excellence to meet the needs of our customers.
Innovation – We create better methods and tools to meet the needs of our customers.
Continuous Improvement – We evaluate every aspect of our company in order to improve.
Fairness – We are honest and fair to our people, vendors and customers.
Profit with a Purpose – We work to make profit and invest the profit to reward our teams, grow the company and meet the needs of people locally and globally.

Environment + Sustainability

No explicit net zero target or environmental strategy is disclosed on the company's website.
The Safety Manager is responsible for Environmental Programs, compliance, operational risk assessment, and environmental training.
Branches are required to manage Safety, Security, Health, and Environmental Programs and report statistics.
A continuous improvement culture involves periodic audits and enhancements in environmental engagement.

Inclusion & Diversity

No DEI information available on official site.
LinkedIn and blog show no DEI strategy or gender statistics published.
Third‑party reviews and acquisition notes mention 'commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion' via NCSG acquisition but no specific goals or metrics provided.
No gender‑related workforce statistics found.

Articles

Job Openings – [email protected]

Barnhart Crane & Rigging news & acquisitions

Reddit discussion: Barnhart culture & experiences