R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer

Barnhart Crane & Rigging; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus program

401K matching up to 10%

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Time Off

Community service opportunities

Job summary

Barnhart Crane & Rigging is seeking an R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer in Memphis, TN. This role involves engineering expertise, project coordination, and hands-on support to develop hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for the heavy lift and transport industry.

The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of experience, strong knowledge of hydraulic systems, and advanced proficiency in CAD software.

Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and benefits including 401K matching are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in hydraulic and control systems design.
• PE license is a plus; familiarity with OSHA standards required.
• Ability to diagnose hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical issues.

Responsibilities

• Design innovative equipment for heavy lift and transport projects.
• Develop CAD models and estimate costs for projects.
• Prepare engineering documents like schematics and operation manuals.

Skills

Hydraulic system design

Pneumatic system design

Electrical controls

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD software (Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD)

Microsoft Office Suite

IQAN software or similar

Job description

Job Summary

A R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer is expected to have adequate experience, skills and knowledge to develop hydraulic & pneumatic equipment as well as electrical controls for specialty gear used in the heavy lift and transport industry. This role involves a combination of engineering expertise, project coordination, and hands‑on support to ensure successful project outcomes.

Job Requirements

• Experience: minimum of 7 years of qualifying experience and a proven track record of success designing and developing hydraulic and control systems for mobile equipment.
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus, OSHA 10
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced familiarity with hydraulic systems components such as gear, piston & vane pumps & motors, cylinders, control valves, filters, hoses, fittings, etc. as well as electrical control components such as PLCs, VFDs, actuators, relays, breakers, switches, transformers etc. Additionally, strong knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, including OSHA, ASME B30 Series, ANSI, AWS, and others specific to job operations and equipment design is necessary to maintain compliance and uphold industry best practices.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with electronic controls software (i.e. IQAN software suite or similar), as well as Microsoft Office Suite is required. Advanced experience with computer‑aided design (CAD) software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical) is highly preferred.
• Problem‑Solving and Troubleshooting Expertise: Must be skilled at diagnosing problems with hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and mechanical systems with the ability to provide solutions and remedy the problems.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for communication technical information. Must be self‑sufficient at producing various engineering documents for review with meticulous attention to detail.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to keep projects on track by meeting time deadlines while keeping costs within allowable limits.
• Physical Requirements: Willingness and ability to travel to job sites as needed and work in outdoor and potentially hazardous environments, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, climbing ladders or scaffolding, and lifting moderate weights. Must be able to utilize common technician tools for assembling, testing & repairing mechanical equipment.
• Fit for Duty: Must pass a drug test, fit for duty and background check.

Job Responsibilities

• Work in a team environment to design innovative equipment for heavy lift and transport projects across North America. Focal points for Research & Development during the life cycle of a project are as follows:
  • Idea Phase. At Barnhart, we are continuous looking for ways to Improve and grow to be the best in our industry. Many ideas will come from field personnel, project managers, sales personnel, Senior Leadership, operators, etc. It’s the job of the R&D team to research the viability of the ideas and determine if the ideas should be pursued.
  • Concept Phase. Gather information and begin to establish design parameters. Preliminary CAD Models and calculations may need to be created along with an initial cost estimate for the project.
  • Development Phase. The concept is further developed into a workable solution with detailed calculations to validate the agreed upon design parameters and assumptions in the development phase. CAD models are finalized, and fabrication drawings are created and reviewed during this phase.
  • Production Phase. The design team will be directly involved and stay in close communication with the Fabrication Services Department while the gear is being built. Load testing is often performed on specialty rigging tools at the direction of Engineering.
  • Implementation Phase. Detailed specification sheets, operation & maintenance manuals, automation calculators and other various support files & documents are finalized during implementation. An R&D Engineer may be present during the initial field use of the gear to capture lessons learned and incorporate improvements into design revisions.
• Gain working knowledge of existing Barnhart heavy lift and specialty rigging equipment.
• Improve technical skills and gain experience related to crane operations, rigging, and heavy haul projects.
• Design, analyze, document, source parts, develop prototypes and test various fluid power and control systems for custom built mobile equipment.
• Prepare engineering documents such as hydraulic, electrical and pneumatic schematics, assembly drawings, inspection & maintenance requirements, master parts list, operation manuals, etc. for custom designed gear.
• Develop test plans for newly designed equipment and participate in the setup and execution of the tests.
• Create cost estimates for various design and build projects.
• Identify and procure various parts and components for design projects by liaising with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Provide on‑site technical support during lifting, transport and machinery moving jobs.
• Train and qualify operators to ensure equipment is being used and maintained properly.
• Apply knowledge of industry regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, ASME), and help to ensure designs are in accordance.
• Identify and document maintenance and inspection requirements for new & existing gear.
• Coordinate and work with field personnel such as crane operators, riggers, fabricators, and shop technicians to support various activities.
• Create and complete detailed and organized equipment packages for equipment.
• Troubleshoot problems with equipment and work to resolve the issues.
• Keep updated on the latest industry practices, safety regulations, and engineering standards.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus program that pays for performance
• 401K contributions matched up to 10% of pay
• Benefits Package including medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability
• Paid Time Off
• Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran