Project Engineer

Barnhart • Chesapeake, VA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

A Project Engineer primarily provides support to senior engineers and project managers in the planning, execution, and management of crane and rigging projects. This role is designed to offer hands-on learning while contributing to project success, safety, and overall project coordination.

Requirements

• 0-2 years of experience in crane operations, rigging, or heavy lifting projects is beneficial but not required.
• Engineer In Training (EIT) credentials preferred but not required
• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles related to cranes, rigging, and load calculations.
• Familiarity with the types of cranes, rigging equipment, and materials used in lifting and transporting heavy loads.
• Ability to assist with basic load calculations and understand weight distribution and lifting capacities.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting.
• Basic experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD) is beneficial.
• Ability to assist in identifying and solving basic engineering or operational issues on site.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong desire to learn and develop technical expertise under the mentorship of senior engineers.
• Strong communication skills for reporting, documentation, and communicating with clients or team members.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with crane operators, riggers, engineers, and project managers.
• Ability to accurately document and report project details, lift plans, and changes.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to assist in the development and updating of project schedules to ensure timely completion.
• Basic understanding of cost estimation processes for heavy lift projects.
• Willingness and ability to visit job sites regularly and work in outdoor and potentially hazardous environments, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, climbing ladders or scaffolding, and lifting moderate weights.
• Must pass a drug test, fit for duty and background check.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited 4-year university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Nice To Haves

• Engineer In Training (EIT) credentials preferred but not required
• Basic experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support senior engineers in creating lift plans, including crane selection, rigging configurations, and lifting procedures.
• Help with basic load calculations and structural analysis to ensure safe lifting operations.
• Aid in identifying and sourcing cranes, rigging equipment, and materials required for projects.
• Assist in preparing and organizing project documentation such as lift plans, inspection reports, and operating procedures.
• Support in coordinating the delivery and setup of cranes and rigging equipment to job sites.
• Track project timelines and report progress to senior engineers or project managers.
• Contribute to estimating the cost of crane operations, rigging, and equipment rentals.
• Provide on-site technical assistance during lifting and rigging operations to ensure lift plans are followed correctly.
• Assist in identifying and managing operational risk in line with industry regulations (e.g., OSHA, ASME).
• Participate in site inspections and identify potential hazards or safety risks.
• Help ensure that equipment is maintained in safe working condition and report any defects or issues.
• Work alongside crane operators, riggers, and engineers to support day-to-day project operations.
• Communicate with clients and project managers to clarify requirements and relay project status updates.
• Support the procurement of necessary materials and equipment by liaising with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Assist in preparing daily or weekly project status reports for senior engineers and management.
• Record any changes to the lift plan, project scope, or schedule, ensuring all updates are properly documented.
• Assist in identifying minor technical issues on-site and work with senior engineers to resolve them.
• Participate in post-project reviews, helping to gather feedback and data for future projects.
• Continuously learn and stay updated on the latest industry practices, safety regulations, and engineering standards.
• Develop technical skills related to crane operations, rigging, and project engineering under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Help track equipment usage to ensure it meets performance and safety expectations.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level