Lead Mechanical Project Engineer

M-Works Search; McCook (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Annual performance bonus opportunities

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Generous paid time off

Job summary

A leading engineering search firm in Illinois is looking for a Lead Project Engineer in the crane systems sector. This role involves leading projects from design to production, conducting FEA, and mentoring junior engineers. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience with structural steel are required. The position offers a competitive salary of $125,000–$145,000, along with benefits including performance bonuses and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in structural steel or heavy fabricated equipment.
• Previous experience with crane systems or engineered-to-order products is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead overhead crane engineering projects from design through production.
• Conduct FEA and stress/strain analysis for performance and compliance.
• Design welded steel structures using SolidWorks and system-level thinking.
• Partner with sales and customers on tailored material handling solutions.
• Support production with hands-on problem solving and manufacturability reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and shape a high-performance team.

Skills

Structural design

FEA

SolidWorks

Customer collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Lead Project Engineer / Structural Design Engineer – Cranes & Systems

Take the lead in delivering engineering excellence. My client, a national leader in custom-engineered crane systems for over 60 years, is looking for a sharp, driven Lead Project Engineer ready to own complex projects from concept to production. If you thrive in a hands-on role blending structural design, FEA, and customer collaboration—this is your opportunity to lead.

Why You Should Apply

• Competitive base salary: $125,000–$145,000 depending on experience.
• Annual performance bonus opportunities.
• Competitive group medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) with company match for long-term security.
• Relocation assistance and generous paid time off.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead overhead crane engineering projects from design through production.
• Conduct FEA and stress/strain analysis for performance and compliance.
• Design welded steel structures using SolidWorks and system-level thinking.
• Partner with sales and customers on tailored material handling solutions.
• Support production with hands-on problem solving and manufacturability reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and shape a high-performance team.

About You

• Be able to do the job as described.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Extensive experience in structural steel or heavy fabricated equipment.
• Expert in SolidWorks and structural FEA.
• Comfortable navigating both the shop floor and customer sites.
• Previous experience with crane systems or engineered-to-order products is a plus.

How To Apply

We’d love to see your resume, but we don’t need it to have a conversation. Send us an email to [e-mail] and tell me why you’re interested. Or, if you do have a resume ready, apply here.