Heavy Lift Engineer (All Levels)

Saronic Technologies•Austin, TX

34d

About The Position

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Position Summary The Heavy Lift Engineer is responsible for engineering the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of large ship blocks, modules, and heavy equipment throughout the shipyard using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) and other transfer systems. The role also includes rigging engineering required to safely lift, rotate, and position major assemblies during transport and erection operations. This position ensures that heavy component movement is fully integrated into shipyard design and production planning. The engineer will develop transfer strategies, rigging concepts, lifting studies, and transport plans to support efficient block movement while preventing production bottlenecks. Early involvement in yard planning ensures that yard layouts, pavement structures, heavy lift equipment, transport corridors, and rigging strategies are designed to support safe and reliable operations at scale.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field.
Experience with heavy transport, rigging engineering, or heavy lift engineering planning.
Strong understanding of structural load paths, load distribution, and lifting mechanics.
Ability to develop engineering plans for large component lifting and transport.
Experience with SPMT operations and heavy modular transport systems.
Familiarity with rigging standards and lift planning practices.

Nice To Haves

Direct Shipyard rigging and heavy lift engineering experience.
Experience supporting modular construction or large assembly operations.
Experience in transferring commercial and US government vessels from land level facilities to drydock.

Responsibilities

Develop engineering plans for transporting ship blocks, modules, and heavy equipment across the shipyard using SPMTs and related transfer systems.
Calculate load distribution, axle configurations, ground pressures, and stability requirements for heavy transports.
Determine safe transport configurations for oversized, asymmetric, or high center-of-gravity loads.
Develop rigging concepts and lifting configurations for ship blocks, large modules, and heavy equipment.
Perform rigging calculations including sling loads, lift point forces, center-of-gravity analysis, and load factors.
Design lifting frames, spreader bars, rigging arrangements, and lifting interfaces where required.
Support development of lift plans for cranes, SPMT pick operations, and block erection activities.
Define standard transport methods for block movement between fabrication, assembly, and erection areas.
Establish transport routes, staging strategies, and buffer areas that support efficient production flow.
Ensure heavy transport operations integrate with crane operations, erection sequencing, and waterfront activities.
Provide engineering input into yard layout to ensure transport corridors support heavy load movement.
Define pavement load requirements, turning radii, slopes, and surface tolerances required for SPMT operations.
Coordinate with civil and structural engineers on pavement design and structural loading requirements.
Coordinate transport engineering with crane lifts, rigging systems, and erection strategies.
Develop integrated lift-and-transfer plans for large modules and ship blocks.
Validate that lifting interfaces and transport frames align with ship structural design.
Support selection and specification of SPMTs and other heavy transport systems.
Support the selection and specification of Cranes and other heavy lifting systems.
Evaluate alternative transfer methods including skidding systems, rails, cranes, or hybrid solutions.
Define operational limits, redundancy requirements, and maintenance considerations.
Work closely with build strategy to ensure block sizes, weights, and geometry align with lifting and transport capabilities.
Identify potential logistics bottlenecks during early design phases.
Support build strategy development and erection sequencing.
Identify hazards associated with heavy transport and rigging operations.
Develop safe work procedures and engineered controls for large load movements.
Support incident investigations and continuous improvement of heavy lift practices.

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents
Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline
Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office