Crane Controls Engineer

Qualdoc; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 44,324 - 63,128; Full time

Job summary

Qualdoc in Ashland, VA seeks a Crane Controls Engineer to design, program, integrate, and troubleshoot electrical control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment. This onsite role emphasizes automation and safe, reliable performance.

You will develop PLC programs and HMI interfaces, review schematics, select VFDs and sensors, and ensure compliance with CMAA, NEC, and ASME standards while collaborating with project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of controls engineering experience, preferably with overhead cranes or heavy industrial equipment.
• Strong experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar).
• HMI/SCADA systems experience.
• VFDs and motor control experience.
• Ability to read and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control systems.
• Experience with Ethernet/IP and Modbus industrial protocols.
• Knowledge of crane motion systems (hoist, trolley, bridge).
• Familiarity with CMAA, NEC, and ASME standards.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
• Develop and modify PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and crane motion control logic.
• Create and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
• Select and integrate VFDs, sensors, relays, safety devices, and other electrical components.
• Ensure designs comply with CMAA, NEC, ASME standards and other applicable codes.
• Support and lead the installation, startup, and commissioning of crane control systems.
• Configure, test, and troubleshoot PLCs, VFDs, and industrial networks.
• Perform system validation, operational testing, and performance optimization.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical and automation issues on crane systems.
• Provide technical assistance to maintenance personnel and field service teams.
• Support equipment upgrades, retrofit projects, and control system improvements.
• Work with project managers, mechanical engineers, technicians, and production teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Participate in continuous improvement for reliability, efficiency, and safety.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

VFDs

Motor control

Electrical schematics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

HMI software

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

Job description

Crane Controls Engineer

Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite)
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Starting Pay: From $39.00 per hour (Higher pay available based on experience)
Overtime: Not Available

Position Summary

We are seeking a Crane Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, integration, and troubleshooting of electrical control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment. This onsite role is ideal for an engineer with experience in industrial automation who enjoys working on both new installations and modernization projects while ensuring safe and reliable system performance.

Responsibilities

System Design & Engineering

• Design electrical control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
• Develop and modify PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and crane motion control logic.
• Create and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
• Select and integrate VFDs, sensors, relays, safety devices, and other electrical components.
• Ensure designs comply with CMAA, NFPA 70 (NEC), ASME B30, and other applicable standards.

Installation & Startup

• Support and lead the installation, startup, and commissioning of crane control systems.
• Configure, test, and troubleshoot PLCs, VFDs, and industrial communication networks.
• Perform system validation, operational testing, and performance optimization.

Technical Support

• Troubleshoot complex electrical and automation issues on crane systems.
• Provide technical assistance to maintenance personnel and field service teams.
• Support equipment upgrades, retrofit projects, and control system improvements.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with project managers, mechanical engineers, technicians, and production teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on reliability, efficiency, and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum 5 years of controls engineering experience, preferably with overhead cranes or heavy industrial equipment.
• Strong experience with:
  • PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar)
  • HMI/SCADA systems
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
  • Motor control systems
• Ability to design, read, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control systems.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
• Knowledge of crane motion systems, including hoist, trolley, and bridge controls.
• Familiarity with CMAA, NEC, and ASME standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with crane automation, anti-sway technology, or load monitoring systems.
• Background in industrial system integration and equipment commissioning.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in manufacturing environments and at heights when required.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Work Environment

• Full-time onsite position in an industrial manufacturing facility.
• Occasional travel to customer locations or project sites may be required.