Research and Development Engineer (Level 1) - 3893

Barnhart Crane & Rigging; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program based on performance

401K contributions matched up to 10%

Paid Time Off

Community service opportunities

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Research and Development Engineer to join their dynamic team. This entry-level role offers a unique opportunity to support senior engineers in creating specialized equipment for the heavy lift and transport sector. You'll gain hands-on experience in design processes, load calculations, and project management while working in a collaborative environment that values innovation and continuous improvement. If you're eager to learn and develop your technical skills under expert mentorship, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years experience in structural or mechanical equipment design is beneficial.
• Engineer In Training (EIT) credentials preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Engineers in designing innovative equipment for heavy lift projects.
• Assist in preparing documents such as fabrication drawings and operation manuals.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Analytical Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Research and Development Engineer (Level 1) - 3893

PURPOSE – Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.

MINDS OVER MATTER – Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.

NETWORK – Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry’s strongest network of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.

CULTURE – Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the “One TEAM.” We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.

Job Summary:

A Research & Development Engineer (Level I) primarily provides support to senior engineers during the process of creating specialty equipment for the heavy lift and transport industry. This role is designed to offer hands-on learning while contributing to the design process and overall project success.

Job Requirements:

Experience: 0-2 years of qualifying experience in structural or mechanical equipment design, crane operations, rigging, or heavy lifting projects is beneficial but not required.

Certifications: Engineer In Training (EIT) credentials preferred but not required.

Technical Proficiency: Fundamental understanding of engineering principles related to cranes, rigging, and load calculations. Familiarity with the types of cranes, rigging equipment, and materials used in lifting and transporting heavy loads. Ability to assist with basic load calculations and understand mechanical systems.

Software Proficiency: Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting. Basic experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor) is beneficial.

Problem-Solving and Analytical Expertise: Ability to assist at analyzing and optimizing basic structural and mechanical designs. Ability to adapt to changing design requirements and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong desire to learn and develop technical expertise under the mentorship of senior engineers.

Communication: Strong communication skills for reporting, documenting, and communicating with stakeholders or team members. Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with field personnel, engineers, and project managers. Ability to accurately incorporate design revisions and update associated documents for consistency.

Project Management Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to assist in the development and updating of project schedules to ensure timely completion. Basic understanding of cost estimating for design projects.

Physical Requirements: Willingness and ability to visit job sites regularly and work in outdoor and potentially hazardous environments, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, climbing ladders or scaffolding, and lifting moderate weights.

Fit for Duty: Must pass a drug test, fit for duty and background check.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support Senior Engineers in designing 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 continuously 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.
• Obtain working knowledge of existing Barnhart heavy lift and specialty rigging equipment.
• Develop technical skills related to crane operations, rigging, and heavy haul projects under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Help with basic mechanical design and structural analysis tasks.
• Assist in preparing documents such as fabrication drawings, calculations, specification sheets, operation manuals, test certificates, etc.
• Support in developing load test plans and participate in the setup and execution of the tests.
• Create draft cost estimates for various design and build projects.
• Aid in identifying and procuring various parts and materials for design projects by liaising with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Provide on-site technical assistance during lifting and rigging operations to ensure equipment is being used properly.
• Gain an understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, ASME), and help to ensure designs are in accordance.
• Help to identify and document maintenance requirements for new & existing gear.
• Work alongside field personnel such as crane operators, riggers, fabricators, and shop technicians to support various activities.
• Assist in updating Stage Gate forms for various R&D projects.
• Create organized equipment packages for equipment.
• Assist at troubleshooting minor problems with equipment and work with senior engineers to resolve them.
• Continuously learn and stay updated on the latest industry practices, safety regulations, and engineering standards.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Bonus program that pays for performance
• 401K contributions matched up to 10% of pay
• Paid Time Off
• Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited 4-year university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

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