Material Handling Systems Design Engineer

Material Handling Systems Design Engineer Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite) Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (Potential Conversion After 6 Months) Compensation: Starting at $39.00/hour and higher based on experience and technical qualifications Position Summary We are seeking a skilled engineering professional to support the design, integration, and long-term reliability of electrically powered material-handling systems. This position combines engineering design, equipment commissioning, technical problem-solving, and field support responsibilities for overhead lifting equipment and related automation systems. The successful candidate will contribute to both new equipment development and modernization efforts while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of industrial lifting solutions. \n Key Functions of the Role Engineering & System Development Design electrical systems for overhead lifting applications including bridge cranes, gantry systems, monorails, and workstation lifting equipment Produce electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control-panel layouts, and engineering documentation using CAD software Specify and integrate components such as variable frequency drives, conductor systems, relays, sensors, limit switches, safety devices, and control hardware Perform engineering calculations related to motor performance, load requirements, equipment sizing, and system operation Incorporate applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements into design solutions Installation Support & Equipment Validation Assist with startup and commissioning activities for newly installed and upgraded systems Configure and test VFDs, operator interfaces, relays, and associated electrical controls Verify system operation through functional testing and performance validation Support field implementation activities to ensure equipment aligns with design intent Technical Troubleshooting & Modernization Investigate and resolve electrical and controls-related issues impacting equipment performance Support maintenance personnel and technical teams with diagnostics and corrective actions Participate in retrofit initiatives and modernization projects involving existing lifting systems Recommend improvements that enhance reliability, uptime, and operational effectiveness Compliance, Safety & Documentation Ensure designs and field modifications comply with electrical codes, industry standards, and internal engineering practices Participate in system reviews, safety assessments, inspections, and technical evaluations Maintain organized drawing revisions, engineering records, and project documentation Assist with maintaining accurate configuration and equipment history records Collaboration & Technical Leadership Coordinate closely with project managers, mechanical engineers, technicians, and operations personnel Provide technical guidance to maintenance and production teams regarding equipment operation and troubleshooting Support initiatives focused on equipment performance, process improvement, and reliability enhancement Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent industry experience may be considered Three to seven years of experience involving crane systems through engineering, controls, maintenance, commissioning, or equipment design Strong understanding of: Crane classifications and applications in accordance with CMAA guidelines Hoist, bridge, and trolley motor-control systems Variable frequency drives, soft-start technologies, and electrical protection methods Ability to create, review, and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation Knowledge of conductor-bar systems, festoon assemblies, radio-control systems, pendant controls, and collision-avoidance technologies Preferred Experience Experience supporting crane modernization programs or custom lifting-system development Familiarity with advanced motion-control technologies such as sway reduction systems or load-monitoring solutions Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause investigation skills Comfortable working within industrial environments and elevated work locations when necessary Strong communication and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary project environments Work Environment Full-time onsite position within an industrial manufacturing setting Combination of office-based engineering work and hands-on equipment support Occasional travel may be required to support installations, commissioning activities, project coordination, or customer locations \n What Success Looks Like This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys balancing design responsibilities with real-world equipment support. Successful candidates will contribute to reliable system performance, effective project execution, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of material-handling operations through innovative engineering solutions.