Crane Systems Engineer

About the role

The Crane Systems Engineer plays a critical role in the design, maintenance, and support of crane systems, ensuring their safe and efficient operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to crane maintenance personnel and contractors, ensuring clear communication of priorities and accountability for results.
• Aid in employee development by conducting regular performance evaluations, providing coaching and mentorship, and delivering constructive feedback.
• Design, specify, and evaluate crane electrical and mechanical systems, including drive systems, PLCs, control networks, sensors, and structural components.
• Support real-time troubleshooting of complex crane system issues, including motors, VFDs, encoders, braking systems, control logic, and software faults.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation such as wiring diagrams, control logic flowcharts, interface specifications, and maintenance procedures.
• Manage and direct crane upgrade and retrofit projects, including reviewing technical proposals, vendor reviews, and design approvals.
• Lead technical training sessions for maintenance and operations personnel on new systems, procedures, and troubleshooting methods.
• Manage change control processes for crane-related modifications, ensuring documentation is updated and stakeholders are informed.

Requirements

• Proficient in electrical and mechanical engineering principles applied to port crane systems.
• Strong understanding of PLC programming (Siemens, Emerson, Rockwell, etc.), variable frequency drives (VFDs), motion control, and industrial networking (Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Familiarity with structural analysis, fatigue, and finite element analysis tools preferred.
• Experience with SAP PM, CMMS systems, and asset data management.
• Skilled in technical troubleshooting, system design review, and root cause failure analysis (RCFA).
• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards (OSHA, ANSI, NEC, IEC, IEEE).
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Team-oriented, with a continuous improvement mindset and a proactive approach to safety and reliability.
• Experience in engineering, heavy equipment, or port automation systems.
• Prior experience in reliability engineering or maintenance engineering is a plus.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent via education or work experience.
• Preferred: Experience working with OEM crane manufacturers (e.g., Konecranes, ZPMC, Liebherr).
• Required: TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
• Required: Driver's License - Valid state driver's license.