Lead Mechanical Project Engineer

PCRecruiter - Recruitment Software & Applicant Tracking System; McCook (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A national leader in custom-engineered crane systems seeks a Lead Project Engineer to oversee complex projects from concept to production. You will lead overhead crane engineering, conduct stress analysis, design structures, and collaborate with clients to tailor solutions. This role demands expertise in SolidWorks and a solid background in mechanical engineering. The company offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and benefits including relocation assistance and paid time off.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Annual performance bonus opportunities

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Generous paid time off

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in structural steel or heavy fabricated equipment.
• Expert in SolidWorks and structural FEA.
• Comfortable navigating both the shop floor and customer sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead overhead crane engineering projects from design through production.
• Conduct FEA and stress/strain analysis for performance.
• Design welded steel structures using SolidWorks.

Skills

Structural Design

FEA

Customer Collaboration

Problem Solving

Team Mentoring

Education

Bachelor of Science 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.