Crane Service Technician- Experienced + $10k Sign-on
About the role
American Equipment, a leader in in-house crane fabrication, parts, service, and material handling, is hiring a Crane Service Technician - Level 1 thru 4 for our St. Louis, MO branch. The position offers a $10k sign-on bonus for experience Crane Technicians with 4+ years of experience, and an additional $10k relocation for anyone relocating to St. Louis, MO.
Responsibilities
- Performs inspections, maintenance, and repairs on overhead cranes and hoists in accordance with OEM manuals and OSHA standards.
- Services 3-motion cranes equipped with VFDs (no encoder) or contactor controls, including 5-speed pendants or radio remotes.
- Troubleshoots and repairs uncommon brake systems (e.g., Whiting SESA and Magnetek thruster brakes).
- Demonstrates solid understanding of AC control circuits, including Ohm’s Law and voltage drop calculations.
- Troubleshoots and repairs contactor-based motor control systems.
- Rigs up and installs new crane and hoist equipment using proper safety and mechanical procedures.
- Diagnoses mechanical components including wheels, bearings, and reducers.
- Identifies and understands crane control components in hoist and bridge panels.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with customers regarding repair plans, troubleshooting steps, and required parts.
- Maintains accurate service records and documentation while strictly following all safety procedures and company policies.
Level 3 – Service Technician
- Works on complex 3-motion cranes with auxiliaries such as roto hooks, encoder closed-loop systems, exotic brakes, and all brake types.
- Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
- Assists in project estimating (scope, labor, and parts requirements).
- Explains AC control circuit principles, including Ohm’s Law and voltage drop.
- Diagnostics mechanical systems (wheels, bearings, reducers) and supports basic operation of vacuum lifters, magnets, and load rotators.
- Rigs and installs new cranes and hoists.
- Mentors and supports junior technicians.
- Communicates effectively with customers and maintains detailed service documentation.
Level 4 / Master – Service Technician
- Strong knowledge of AC/DC theory with proven ability to troubleshoot 480VAC 3-phase motor control systems.
- Experienced with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and PLC programming.
- Minimum 2 years of hands-on electro-mechanical maintenance experience (or equivalent military experience).
- Preferred: Associate’s degree or equivalent vocational training.
- High aptitude for both electrical and mechanical work environments with strong familiarity of mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Capable of leading complex repairs, installations, and troubleshooting across all crane systems while mentoring technicians and interfacing professionally with customers.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Strong knowledge of AC/DC theory, as well as the ability to troubleshoot 480VAC 3 phase motor control systems.
- A.A. degree or Equivalent vocational-training or experience is preferred.
- A minimum of 2-year hands-on electro-mechanical maintenance.
- Aptitude for both electrical and mechanical environments as well as familiarity with mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Willingness to work overtime.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license with good driving record.
- Must pass drug-screen and background check.
- Strong communication skills.
- Proven commitment to safety.
- Comfort with working at heights.
- Experience in Variable Frequency drives and PLC programming a plus.
- Crane maintenance experience a plus.
Schedule
8-hour shift
Monday to Friday
On call or overtime possible
What we offer
- Competitive compensation and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- If you are an experienced Crane Tech and need relocation, you will be provided additional $10k relocation bonus to St. Louis.
- Cigna Health Insurance (Kaiser in CA)
- FSA & HSA healthcare employer contribution
- Critical Illness, Accidental, and Hospital Indemnity Plans
- Dental and Vision Plans
- Company paid STD & LTD Disability Insurance
- Educational and Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Basic & Voluntary Life AD&D
- 4% 401K Employer Match, with 6% of your Contribution
- Company Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Company provided PPE
- Discounts on products and services
- Opportunities to network and connect
Company Information
American Equipment Holdings is an organization of leading overhead crane and hoist, industrial weighing, and below-the-hook service providers in the United States. Together, our companies provide comprehensive solutions for everything related to customers’ overhead crane and hoist, rigging, and weighing and measurement needs, including OSHA mandated inspections, preventative maintenance and repair field services, parts, engineering, ISO certified fabrication, new and replacement equipment, automated systems, system modernizations and training. American Equipment Holdings is one of the largest and fastest growing companies in our space with more than 800 dedicated team members that serve thousands of customers throughout the United States.
Our Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging
We are dedicated to engaging with the widest possible range of talent. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and engagement, enabling us to attract creative individuals and develop exceptional products, services, and solutions. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Proof of right to lawfully work in the United States required.