Crane Systems Engineer

Job Information

Job Title:   Crane Systems Engineer

Department(s): Crane Maintenance - GCT

Location(s):  Terminal as assigned

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Job Overview

Reporting to the Manager Crane Maintenance Department, the Crane Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, optimization, maintenance, and support of electrical and mechanical systems on Ship-to-Shore (STS), Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG), and Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes.This role ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of crane assets by combining strong technical engineering knowledge with team leadership, safety compliance, and project management.The Crane Systems Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams in maintenance, operations, procurement, and OEM vendors to improve equipment reliability, drive technical innovation, and support capital and operational projects.

Upholds the values of the GPA to promote Safety, Integrity, Respect, Community, Creativity and Opportunity. Promotes a safe work environment by participating in safety initiatives and reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors.

Job Duties

• Provide leadership and direction to crane maintenance personnel and contractors, ensuring clear communication of priorities and accountability for results.
• Assist in employee development by conducting regular performance evaluations, providing coaching and mentorship, and delivering constructive feedback. Set clear, measurable goals that align with departmental objectives to drive individual and team success.
• Designs, specifies, and evaluates crane electrical and mechanical systems, including drive systems, PLCs, control networks, sensors, and structural components.
• Provides engineering support for real-time troubleshooting of complex crane system issues, including motors, variable frequency drives, encoders, braking systems, control logic, and software faults.
• Exhibits a high degree of technical aptitude and must at all times be capable of resolving any problems in the Maintenance area.
• Ensure system availability and uptime.
• Provides safety leadership and support including conducting safety observations of maintenance personnel, participating in safety audits and risk assessments related to port equipment; ensures compliance with applicable OSHA, NEC, IEEE, and OEM standards.
• Develops and maintains technical documentation such as wiring diagrams, control logic flowcharts, interface specifications, and maintenance procedures.
• Assists in planning and executing crane system upgrades, retrofits, and modernization projects—ensuring minimal operational disruption and adherence to engineering best practices.
• Serves as a subject matter expert (SME) on OEM crane systems, control architecture, and software configurations; works with vendors to implement performance enhancements and reliability improvements.
• Develops and analyzes reliability and maintenance KPIs such as MTBF, fault frequency, downtime trends, and failure root causes; proposes solutions to improve.
• Leads technical training sessions for maintenance and operations personnel on new systems, procedures, and troubleshooting methods.
• Manage and direct crane upgrade and retrofit projects including review technical proposals, vendor review and selection, review and approve design, factory and acceptance testing.
• Manages change control processes for crane-related modifications, ensuring documentation is updated and stakeholders are informed.
  
  

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Proficient in electrical and mechanical engineering principles applied to port crane systems.Strong understanding of PLC programming (Siemens, Emerson, Rockwell, etc.), variable frequency drives (VFDs), motion control, and industrial networking (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).Familiarity with structural analysis, fatigue, and finite element analysis tools preferred.Experience with SAP PM, CMMS systems, and asset data management.Skilled in technical troubleshooting, system design review, and root cause failure analysis (RCFA).Knowledge of applicable codes and standards (OSHA, ANSI, NEC, IEC, IEEE).Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.Ability to work under pressure and coordinate multiple priorities across departments.Team-oriented, with a continuous improvement mindset and a proactive approach to safety and reliability.

Experience

• 1-3 years Engineering experience in crane systems, heavy equipment, or port automation systems. Required
• Experience working with OEM crane manufacturers (e.g., Konecranes, ZPMC, Liebherr) is preferred.
• Prior experience in reliability engineering or maintenance engineering is a plus.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
  
  

Education

• Required Bachelor's Degree Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent via education or work experience.
  
  

Licenses & Certifications

• TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Required
• Driver's License - Valid state driver's license Required
  
  

Note: This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, job requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require the performance of different or additional tasks. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an without direct threat to the health or safety of others.

Revised: 11/14/2025

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