Heavy Equipment Crane Operator

Position Open: Heavy Equipment Crane Operator (Cryogenic Manufacturing)

Location: Rock Hill, SC

Reports To: Logistics Manager

Company Overview

Cryogenic Technology Resources (CTR) is a leading provider of industrial gas products and services, helping customers enhance productivity and profitability by reducing labor costs, minimizing space requirements, and improving operational efficiencies of industrial gas infrastructure. CTR is a part of the TransTech Group Portfolio of companies.

TransTech Group is a premier provider of innovative engineered products and services, catering to the industrial process and energy sectors. TransTech Group operates through 7 portfolio companies with 13 locations across the United States, supported by a combined workforce of nearly 700 employees. TransTech Group delivers tailored solutions that help businesses optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and drive performance in highly technical process industries.

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled Crane Operator to manage critical lifting operations within our cryogenic equipment manufacturing facility. You will be responsible for the safe movement of large, high-value components throughout the fabrication, assembly, and testing phases. Due to the sensitive nature of cryogenic vessels, this role requires precision, deep knowledge of rigging for oversized loads, and a strict commitment to safety protocols.

Job Description

• Operate traveling crawler cranes (specifically Terex HC110), forklifts, and mobile units to lift and position cryogenic tanks, tubes, and heat exchangers.
• Select and inspect appropriate rigging (nylon slings, cables, shackles, and lifting lugs) to ensure load stability without damaging delicate steel surfaces.
• Coordinate with supervisors, welders, fitters, and quality inspectors to position components for high-vacuum sealing, fabrication, and assembly.
• Adhere to all safety guideline standards. Halt any operation immediately if unsafe conditions arise.
• Perform daily pre-operational inspections, checking hydraulic systems, wire ropes, and safety latches for wear or defects.
• Monitor for specific manufacturing hazards, including overhead power lines, oxygen-deficient zones, and confined space limitations.
  
  

Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret complex load charts, blueprints, and lift plans.
• Strong radio and hand-signal communication skills to coordinate with ground-level riggers and spotters.
• Capability to maintain focus during long shifts, work at heights up to 60 feet, and perform 3-point contact entries/exits.
• Familiarity with the handling requirements of cryogenic liquids (LN2, LAR, LOX) or pressurized vessel manufacturing.
• Experience performing minor repairs or computer diagnostics on heavy machinery.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry rigging gear (chains, shackles, and spreader bars) weighing up to 50-75 lbs. independently.
• Frequent climbing of vertical ladders, stairs, and scaffolding to access crane cabs or inspect overhead components at heights exceeding 40 feet.
• Ability to stand, kneel, bend, and squat for extended periods while assisting with ground-level rigging or equipment inspections.
• Excellent depth perception and peripheral awareness are necessary to move oversized loads through tight manufacturing locations.
• Fine motor skills to operate axis joysticks with high precision for sustained periods.
• Must be comfortable working in a high-noise manufacturing plant around welding arcs, heavy grinding, and active forklift traffic.
• Ability to work in environments ranging from high-heat fabrication bays to areas with potential exposure to ultra-low temperatures near cryogenic testing stations.
• Must be able to wear required safety gear for 8-12 hours, including a hard hat, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, etc.
• Capability to maintain high mental alertness during the day or overtime shifts as production schedules require.
  
  

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience operating heavy cranes in a complex manufacturing or industrial environment.
  
  

Benefits Designed To Work For You

• Free HSA health plan or traditional PPO
• 401(k) with generous company match (Safe Harbor)
• Dental, vision, and optional coverage like accident & critical illness insurance
• HSA and FSA accounts to save on healthcare costs
• Company-paid Life, Long Term Disability, and AD&D insurance
• Confidential support for mental health, family matters, legal concerns, and more through our Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on gyms, shopping & entertainment
• Health benefits kick in fast – first of the month after 30 days
  
  

Time Off

We offer a variety of paid time off options to support rest, wellness, and personal needs:

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
  
  

This organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.