Electrical Crane Engineer / Electrical Controls Designer

Job Title: Electrical Crane Engineer / Electrical Controls Designer

Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite)

Shift: 1st Shift

Job Type: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire

Pay Rate: $39-$63/hour (depending on qualifications and experience)

Position Overview

Qualdoc is seeking an Electrical Crane Engineer / Electrical Controls Designer for a full-time, salaried position based in Ashland, VA. This is a fully onsite role with no remote work option.

The Electrical Crane Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining electrical and control systems for overhead cranes and related lifting equipment. This role requires strong technical expertise in crane systems, electrical design, and automation to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operations.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Design

• Design electrical systems for overhead cranes, including bridge cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, and workstation cranes
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD tools
• Select and specify components such as VFDs, festoon systems, conductor bars, limit switches, and safety devices
• Apply relevant industry standards, including:
• CMAA 70 / CMAA 74
• NFPA 70 (NEC)
• ASME B30 series
  
• Perform load calculations, power sizing, and control logic design for crane motion (hoist, trolley, bridge, and below-the-hook devices)
  
  
  

Installation & Commissioning

• Support field technicians during installation and commissioning of new crane systems and major retrofits
• Configure and test VFDs, soft starters, HMI interfaces, and relays
• Conduct functional testing and validate system performance against design specifications
  
  
  

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve electrical issues in crane control systems, including motors, panels, limit devices, and communication networks
• Support breakdown response and implement corrective actions
  
  
  

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all designs and installations meet applicable safety codes and industry standards
• Conduct risk assessments and safety inspections
• Maintain accurate documentation of electrical work and system modifications
  
  
  

Collaboration & Support

• Work closely with mechanical engineers, project managers, and crane technicians
• Provide technical guidance and training to maintenance teams and operators
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability and efficiency
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3-7 years of experience in overhead crane design, installation, or maintenance
• Strong understanding of:
• Overhead crane classifications (CMAA)
• Motor control systems for hoist, trolley, and bridge motions
• VFDs, soft starters, and motor protection systems
  
• Ability to read, create, and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
• Familiarity with conductor bar systems, festoon systems, pendant controls, radio remote controls, and collision-avoidance systems
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with custom crane design or modernization/retrofit projects
• Knowledge of load monitoring systems, sway control, and crane automation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work at heights and in industrial environments
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  
  
  

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.