Lead R&D Engineer

Barnhart Crane & Rigging•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Lead Research & Development Engineer is a senior technical leadership role responsible for both high-level engineering contribution and team-level coordination, mentoring, and delivery. This role focuses on driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and fostering collaboration within a team composed of Senior R&D Engineers, Level 2 and Level 1 Engineers, and Engineering Interns. The Lead Engineer serves as the primary technical authority and point of leadership for complex, high-impact projects, balancing technical depth with team leadership and delivery accountability to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. This role maintains active involvement in hands-on engineering work, focusing on high-complexity and high-risk designs where senior technical judgment provides the greatest impact. This role is critical to scaling engineering capacity by improving team throughput, reducing rework, and ensuring efficient execution of increasingly complex project demands.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive engineering experience in mechanical and/or structural design for heavy lift or related industries.
Demonstrated success in leading engineering teams and delivering complex, high-impact projects.
Professional Engineer (PE) license required
Mastery of mechanical design, structural analysis, and advanced simulation tools (FEA, fatigue analysis, failure modes).
Deep knowledge of cranes, hoists, hydraulic systems, and modular transport systems.
Advanced proficiency in CAD platforms (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) and engineering software (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, RISA-3D).
Strong understanding of industry standards (OSHA, AISC, AWS, ASME B30 Series, ANSI, ASCE-7).
Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers at varying experience levels while remaining an active technical contributor.
Demonstrated capability in coordinating team efforts, prioritizing engineering work, and guiding execution on complex projects.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and client engagement.
Ability to effectively present technical concepts to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering (ABET accredited).

Nice To Haves

OSHA 10 preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate a single engineering team, ensuring alignment with project objectives, company processes and standards.
Mentor Senior, Level II, Level I R&D Engineers, Engineering Interns and guide professional development across all team members.
Ensure clear accountability for engineering deliverables within the team.
Maintain active involvement in engineering work, focusing on complex analysis, design, and problem-solving efforts where senior level expertise is required.
Serve as a key contributor to critical projects and design reviews.
Serve as the technical authority for high-complexity projects, establishing design parameters, leading design reviews, and ensuring sound engineering judgment is applied across all work.
Ensure projects meet safety, quality, and performance benchmarks while adhering to timelines and budgets.
Improve team productivity by reducing rework, streamlining decision making, and ensuring efficient execution of engineering deliverables.
Identify and address bottlenecks that limit the team’s ability to scale with increasing workload.
Drive research initiatives to identify emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies for next-generation equipment.
Establish best practices for design, testing, and implementation within the team.
Act as primary liaison between the engineering team, executive leadership, and key clients.
Communicate project status, risks, and technical solutions effectively, and ensure alignment between engineering execution and organizational priorities.
Ensure all designs comply with industry regulations, applicable codes and standards and the internal Barnhart Quality Management System.
Oversee validation testing, prototype evaluations, and continuous improvement processes.
Provide technical leadership during critical lift operations and troubleshoot complex engineering challenges in real time.