Electrical Engineer

Illinois Crane Inc; Neenah, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Paid Holidays

401(k) Profit Sharing/Match

Employee Referral Bonus

Job summary

Illinois Crane Incorporated is seeking an Electrical Engineer – Overhead Crane Systems to design, develop, and support electrical and control systems for industrial lifting equipment. This role blends hands-on engineering with CAD drafting and control software to ensure cranes operate safely and efficiently.

You will design PLC, VFD, and HMI solutions, specify components, support modernization projects, and collaborate with R&D, service teams, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience with industrial control systems, PLC programming, and motor control.
• Strong understanding of AC/DC circuits, power distribution, and electrical safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical and electronic control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system layouts.
• Design, program, and implement PLC, VFD, and HMI solutions specific to crane applications.
• Specify electrical components including motors, brakes, limit switches, encoders, festoon systems, power feeds, and safety devices.
• Recommend control architecture and automation solutions that best fit customer and application requirements.
• Support modernization and retrofit projects involving controls, safety systems, and power distribution.

Skills

Electrical engineering

PLC programming

VFDs

HMI development

CAD drafting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

EtherNet/IP

Profibus

Modbus

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 an Electrical Engineer to join the growing team!

Position Summary

The Electrical Engineer – Overhead Crane Systems plays a critical role in the design, development, and support of electrical and control systems for industrial lifting equipment. This position combines hands-on industrial experience with engineering design and analysis to ensure overhead cranes operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.

What Sets Lift Solutions Apart

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Profit Sharing/Match
• Employee Referral Bonus

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design electrical and electronic control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system layouts.
• Design, program, and implement PLC, VFD, and HMI solutions specific to crane applications.
• Specify electrical components including motors, brakes, limit switches, encoders, festoon systems, power feeds, and safety devices.
• Recommend control architecture and automation solutions that best fit customer and application requirements.
• Support modernization and retrofit projects involving controls, safety systems, and power distribution.

Testing, Commissioning & Field Support

• Assist with final wiring, startup, testing, and commissioning of crane control panels and systems.
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots electrical issues related to controls, motor drives, communication networks, and safety circuits.
• Perform root cause analysis on recurring electrical failures and implement corrective actions.
• Support field technicians during installations, inspections, and emergency service calls.

Compliance, Safety & Documentation

• Ensure all electrical designs comply with OSHA, NEC, CMAA, ASME B30, and applicable local codes.
• Conduct risk assessments and contribute to continuous safety improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation including as-built drawings, test results, maintenance records, and product reports.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, project managers, service teams, and suppliers to deliver turnkey crane solutions.
• Represent the R&D department during development of new machines, concepts, and system integrations.
• Support integration of third- party equipment and peripherals, including post-integration troubleshooting.
• Participate in customer meetings to review requirements, propose solutions, and support project planning.
• Support product lifecycle management, including component versioning and software traceability.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience with industrial control systems, PLC programming, and motor control.
• Strong understanding of AC/DC circuits, power distribution, and electrical safety standards.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics using CAD software.
• Hands-on troubleshooting experience in industrial environments.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks independently.

Qualifications

• Experience with overhead cranes, hoists, or heavy industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with CMAA, ASME B30, and other crane-related standards.
• Knowledge of VFD tuning, encoder feedback systems, and radio remote controls.
• Experience with industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Modbus).
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.