Lead Design Engineer

M-Works Search; McCook (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive group medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

M-Works Search is seeking a Lead Design Engineer specializing in overhead crane systems. You will take ownership of the entire design lifecycle, from concept through production, ensuring excellence in engineering.

This role offers the flexibility to work remotely or relocate with support, and you will collaborate directly with customers on unique, engineered-to-order projects. Competitive compensation ranges from $150K to $175K, depending on your experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Proven experience designing overhead crane systems or similar heavy equipment.
• Ability to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle design of overhead crane systems from concept through production.
• Perform structural analysis and FEA to ensure performance, safety, and compliance.
• Collaborate directly with customers to develop tailored material handling solutions.

Skills

Ownership of projects

Strong background in structural steel design

Proficiency in SolidWorks and FEA tools

Experience with overhead crane systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA tools

Job description

Lead Design Engineer / Structural Design Engineer – Overhead Cranes & Systems

Design cranes, not components. Own the full system.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the design of complex, engineered-to-order overhead crane systems from concept through production.

My client, a national leader in custom-engineered overhead crane systems for over 60 years, is seeking a Lead Design Engineer to take ownership of high-impact projects and drive engineering excellence across the full lifecycle.

Location: Open to remote candidates (U.S.) with overhead crane experience or relocation with assistance provided.

Why You Should Apply

• Remote opportunity for experienced crane engineers – Work from anywhere or relocate with support.
• Own the design, not just pieces of it – Full responsibility from concept through production.
• Complex, one-off systems – No cookie-cutter designs. Every project is engineered-to-order.
• Top-tier compensation – $150K–$175K base depending on experience + performance upside.
• Stay technical while leading design – This is not a manager-only role.
• Direct impact on projects and customers – Work closely with clients on tailored solutions.
• Established, growing company – 60+ years with continued demand in material handling.
• Relocation support available – Move if you want, or stay where you are.

Who This Role Is For

• Engineers who want full ownership, not just design support work
• Professionals with overhead crane or heavy fabricated equipment experience
• Designers who enjoy custom, engineered-to-order systems
• Engineers who want to stay technical while leading projects

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead full lifecycle design of overhead crane systems from concept through production
• Perform structural analysis and FEA to ensure performance, safety, and compliance
• Design welded steel structures using SolidWorks with a focus on real-world manufacturability
• Collaborate directly with customers to develop tailored material handling solutions
• Drive engineering decisions that impact cost, performance, and delivery timelines
• Mentor and guide junior engineers while remaining hands-on

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required
• Proven experience designing overhead crane systems or similar heavy equipment
• Strong background in structural steel design and analysis
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and FEA tools
• Ability to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion

What Makes This Opportunity Different

• True engineered-to-order environment—no repetitive designs
• Direct exposure to customers and real-world applications
• Ability to own projects end-to-end, not just contribute pieces
• Flexibility to work remotely or relocate with support

Additional Details

• Competitive group medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) with company match for long-term security
• Generous paid time off
• Minimal travel required

How To Apply

You don’t need a resume ready to start the conversation.

Send a quick note to [e-mail] or message directly to learn more.