
Crane Controls & Electrical Systems Engineer
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.1
Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.
We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.

Overview
Job Description
Crane Controls & Electrical Systems Engineer
• Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite)• Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM• Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (6 months)• Compensation: Starting at $39+/hour (DOE)
About the Role
A growing industrial operation is seeking an Electrical Engineer with experience in overhead crane systems to support the design and implementation of control and power solutions. This role combines hands-on engineering with field support, focusing on reliability, safety, and performance of lifting equipment.
This position is fully onsite and involves close collaboration with engineering, field service, and operations teams.
What You’ll Be Doing
System Design & Technical Development
- Create electrical designs for overhead lifting equipment including bridge, gantry, monorail, and workstation cranes
- Develop schematics, panel layouts, and wiring documentation using CAD platforms
- Specify components such as drives (VFDs), festoon systems, conductor bars, limit switches, and safety controls
- Perform calculations related to load handling, motor sizing, and system performance
- Apply industry standards including CMAA 70/74, NEC (NFPA 70), and ASME B30
Startup & Field Implementation
- Support installation efforts and assist with commissioning of new systems and retrofits
- Configure and test drives, control interfaces (HMI), relays, and associated components
- Validate system functionality and ensure alignment with design intent
Troubleshooting & System Support
- Investigate and resolve electrical and control-related issues across crane systems
- Assist with maintenance troubleshooting, including motors, panels, and communication systems
- Support upgrades and modernization of existing equipment
Safety, Standards & Documentation
- Ensure all work aligns with applicable safety codes and engineering standards
- Participate in safety reviews and system assessments
- Maintain accurate documentation for designs, changes, and field updates
Team Collaboration
- Partner with mechanical engineers, project managers, and technicians to execute projects
- Provide technical input and guidance to operations and maintenance teams
- Contribute to initiatives aimed at improving system uptime and efficiency
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- 3–7 years of experience working with overhead crane systems (design, installation, or maintenance)
- Strong knowledge of:
- Crane classifications and applications (CMAA)
- Motor control systems for hoist, trolley, and bridge functions
- VFDs, soft starters, and protection systems
- Ability to interpret and develop electrical drawings and technical documentation
- Familiarity with conductor bar systems, festooning, pendant controls, radio remotes, and anti-collision systems
Preferred Experience
- Exposure to crane modernization or custom system design
- Knowledge of advanced features such as load monitoring and sway control
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical capabilities
- Comfortable working in industrial environments, including elevated areas
- Effective communication and teamwork skills
Work Environment
- Onsite role within a manufacturing/industrial facility
- Occasional travel to support projects or customer locations
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.

FAQs About Crane Controls & Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs at Qualdoc
- Alternate-schedule
- Full-time