Crane Designer

Illinois Crane Inc; Neenah (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Crane Incorporated in Neenah, WI is seeking a Crane Designer to develop detailed designs, layouts, and drawings for overhead cranes and related lifting equipment. You will work with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and project management to ensure designs meet customer specs and safety standards, using SolidWorks/AutoCAD/Inventor.

Qualifications include an associate or bachelor’s in mechanical design/engineering and CAD proficiency; preferred CMAA/ASME knowledge; experience with

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design or related field.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specs.
• Familiarity with crane design principles, loads, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Create 2D/3D CAD models and drawings for crane systems and components.
• Design crane bridges, end trucks, runways, trolley assemblies, hoists, and related parts.
• Develop general arrangement drawings, installation layouts, and BOMs.
• Review specs, loads, site dimensions, and project documentation to determine design requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering to verify calculations, load capacities, and structural integrity.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Engineering analysis

Reading drawings

Communication skills

Education

Mech Design degree

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

24/7 emergency service always available to our customers.

A rewarding career serving the manufacturing industry awaits you at Illinois Crane! As an employee at Illinois Crane Incorporated, you will enjoy being part of a dedicated team of professionals– a group of experts providing plant automation and material handling solutions on a daily basis to some of the largest manufacturers in the Midwest!Illinois Crane is always looking for people experienced in the plant automation/material handling field who are eager to work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. The company seeks people with exceptional skills… people with the drive and desire to provide superior service to their customers …people that always strive for the highest level of professionalism …people who want to SUCCEED!

Lift Solutions delivers end-to-end industrial lifting solutions, including OSHA compliance inspections, crane equipment, aftermarket services, and parts for overhead cranes and other lifting and rigging equipment. We are dedicated to driving progress, efficiency, and safety—ensuring every industry benefits from our expertise, advanced technology, and commitment to quality. The New Equipment team is looking for a Crane Designer to join the growing team!

Position Summary

The Crane Designer is responsible for developing detailed designs, layouts, and engineering drawings for overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, hoists, and related lifting equipment. This position works closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and project management teams to ensure crane systems meet customer specifications, applicable industry standards, safety requirements, and manufacturing needs.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical design skills, experience with CAD software, and an understanding of structural and mechanical components used in crane systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create 2D and 3D CAD models, assembly drawings, fabrication drawings, and detailed manufacturing drawings for crane systems and components.
• Design crane bridges, end trucks, runways, trolley assemblies, hoist supports, platforms, walkways, and related structural components.
• Develop general arrangement drawings, customer approval drawings, installation layouts, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Review customer specifications, load requirements, site dimensions, and project documentation to determine design requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering to verify design calculations, load capacities, deflection limits, and structural integrity.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, standards, and customer requirements, including relevant CMAA, ASME, OSHA, and AWS requirements, as applicable to the project.
• Select and incorporate appropriate mechanical components, including motors, gearboxes, wheels, bearings, brakes, hoists, and drive systems.
• Work with manufacturing and fabrication teams to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and easy to assemble.
• Support purchasing by providing accurate material specifications, component details, and bills of materials.
• Revise drawings and models based on engineering reviews, customer feedback, field measurements, and manufacturing changes.
• Assist with troubleshooting design issues during fabrication, installation, commissioning, and service activities.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, drawing revisions, and project files.
• Identify opportunities to improve product standardization, design efficiency, quality, and manufacturing costs.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or an equivalent platform.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and fabrication details.
• Understanding of mechanical components, structural steel, welding symbols, bolted connections, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with crane design principles, lifting capacities, load combinations, and material-handling equipment.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet established deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across departments.

Preferred Experience

• Experience designing overhead bridge cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, monorails, or custom lifting equipment.
• Knowledge of CMAA specifications and applicable ASME B30 standards.
• Familiarity with FEA (finite element analysis), structural calculations, and mechanical design verification.
• Experience with ERP systems, product data management (PDM), and engineering change control.
• Understanding of manufacturing tolerances, weldments, machining, and fabrication practices.
• Experience supporting crane installation, inspection, maintenance, or field modifications.
• Mechanical design and drafting proficiency
• Attention to detail and design accuracy
• Safety-focused engineering judgment
• Practical, manufacturing-oriented design approach
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Time management and project coordination