Job Description
PURPOSE - Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.
MINDS OVER MATTER - Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.
NETWORK - Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry’s strongest networks of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.
CULTURE - Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the “One TEAM.” We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.
Description: As an engineer at Barnhart, you will play a key role in supporting the design, planning, and execution of complex heavy lift and transport projects. You’ll develop innovative solutions, perform detailed technical analyses, and produce comprehensive documentation to support project success. Collaborating with senior engineers, field teams, and clients, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience with specialized equipment while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Your contributions will directly impact the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of projects across a wide range of demanding and dynamic environments.
Roles: Design Engineer - The Design Engineer will support senior engineers in creating comprehensive design packages, including drawings, calculations, and specifications, while assisting with steel design, structural analysis, and regulatory compliance (AISC, ASME, OSHA). Responsibilities include developing 3D models, preparing technical documents, analyzing load cases, supporting test plans, and collaborating with fabrication teams. The role involves tracking project progress, aiding cost estimation, providing on-site technical support during lifting and rigging operations, and ensuring equipment safety. Additionally, the engineer will assist with procurement, client communication, risk management, and continuous learning in crane operations, rigging, and engineering standards.
Sales Engineer - The Sales Engineer will support the Barnhart Sales Team by developing innovative heavy-lift and transport solutions, creating proposal materials, and conducting jobsite walkdowns to gather critical information and strengthen client relationships. Responsibilities include identifying operational risks, estimating project costs, selecting appropriate equipment, and contributing to technical sales content such as presentations and layout plans. The role also involves preparing detailed proposals with method statements, assumptions, and visual aids, while sourcing and evaluating external services when necessary. Additionally, the Sales Engineer will track proposal progress, assist project engineering efforts, and continuously build technical expertise in crane operations, rigging, and industry standards under senior guidance.
Mechanical Design Engineer - The Mechanical Design Engineer will support senior engineers in developing innovative equipment for heavy lift and transport projects, participating throughout the full R&D lifecycle-from idea evaluation and concept development to fabrication, testing, and field implementation. The role includes creating CAD models, performing mechanical and structural analyses, preparing technical documentation, and supporting load testing and cost estimation. The engineer will collaborate closely with fabrication teams, suppliers, and field personnel, while gaining hands-on experience with Barnhart’s rigging equipment and operations. Responsibilities also involve ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., OSHA, ASME), troubleshooting equipment issues, and contributing to continuous improvement through lessons learned and design refinements.
Project Engineer - The Project Engineer will support senior engineers in developing detailed lift plans by assisting with crane selection, rigging configurations, and structural load calculations to ensure safe lifting operations. Responsibilities include sourcing equipment and materials, organizing project documentation, coordinating equipment delivery, and tracking project timelines and costs. The role also involves providing on-site technical support during operations, identifying and managing risks in accordance with industry regulations (e.g., OSHA, ASME), and participating in safety inspections. The engineer will liaise with clients, suppliers, and field personnel, document project changes, and contribute to post-project reviews while continuously building technical expertise in crane operations, rigging, and project engineering.
Job Requirements:
- Experience: 0-2 years of experience in crane operations, rigging, or heavy lifting projects is beneficial but not required.
- Certifications: Engineer In Training (EIT) credentials preferred but not required
- Technical Proficiency: Fundamental understanding of engineering principles related to cranes, rigging, and load calculations. Familiarity with the types of cranes, rigging equipment, and materials used in lifting and transporting heavy loads. Ability to assist with basic load calculations and understand weight distribution and lifting capacities.
- Software Proficiency: Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting. Basic experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD) is beneficial.
- Problem-Solving and Analytical Expertise: Ability to assist in identifying and solving basic engineering or operational issues on site. Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong desire to learn and develop technical expertise under the mentorship of senior engineers.
- Communication: Strong communication skills for reporting, documentation, and communicating with clients or team members. Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with crane operators, riggers, engineers, and project managers. Ability to accurately document and report project details, lift plans, and changes.
- Project Management Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to assist in the development and updating of project schedules to ensure timely completion. Basic understanding of cost estimation processes for heavy lift projects.
- Physical Requirements: Willingness and ability to visit job sites regularly and work in outdoor and potentially hazardous environments, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, climbing ladders or scaffolding, and lifting moderate weights.
- Fit for Duty: Must pass a drug test, fit for duty and background check.
Education: - Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited 4-year university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Compensation and Benefits: - Bonus program that pays for performance
- 401K contributions matched up to 10% of pay
- Benefits Package including medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability
- Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities.
EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran