Research and Development Engineer (Level 2) - 3902

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 II) is expected to have proper skills and knowledge to provide support during the process of creating specialty equipment for 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: 2-5 years of qualifying experience in structural or mechanical equipment design, crane operations, rigging, or heavy lifting projects is beneficial but not required.
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus, OSHA 10
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced familiarity with the types of cranes, rigging equipment, and specialty gear used in lifting and transporting heavy loads. Additionally, strong knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, including OSHA, AISC, ASME, 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 engineering software (i.e. RISA-3D, Ansys, Mathcad, MS Excel), as well as ERP systems, scheduling software, and Microsoft Office Suite. Advanced experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor) is required.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Expertise: Must have proficiency in designing, optimizing and analyzing structural and mechanical systems. Skilled in diagnosing and resolving technical challenges related to equipment design and operation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Continue to gain working knowledge of existing Barnhart heavy lift and specialty rigging equipment.
• Improve technical skills related to crane operations, rigging, and heavy haul projects.
• Perform mechanical design and structural analysis tasks.
• Prepare documents such as fabrication drawings, calculations, specification sheets, operation manuals, test certificates, etc.
• Develop load test plans 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 materials for design projects by liaising with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Provide on-site technical support during lifting and rigging operations to ensure equipment is being used properly.
• Apply knowledge of industry regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, ASME), and help to ensure designs are in accordance.
• Identify and document maintenance requirements for new & existing gear.
• Coordinate and work with field personnel such as crane operators, riggers, fabricators, and shop technicians to support various activities.
• Take ownership of the Stage Gate process for assigned projects.Create and complete detailed and organized equipment packages for equipment.
• Create and complete detailed and organized equipment packages for equipment.
• Troubleshooting problems with equipment and work to resolve them
• 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

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited 4-year university.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran