R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer
Barnhart Crane & Rigging · Memphis, TN
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Experience asked
- 7+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Barnhart Crane & Rigging (industrial) in Memphis, TN. Design, analyze, document, source parts, develop prototypes and test various fluid power and control systems for custom built mobile equipment.
- They ask for
- 7+ years
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation, AutoCAD, EHS / safety
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Tennessee: typical posted base $100k–$125k.
Median of the low and high ends of 4 live postings that list pay, out of 22 controls engineer openings in Tennessee, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Tennessee plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 21 other live controls postings in Tennessee.
- Experience asked
- More than usual (7+ vs 5+)
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 82%
- ✓ Automation 82%
- Robotics 68%
- Root cause 41%
- New product launch 27%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 27%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for EHS / safety, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Barnhart Crane & Rigging
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from Barnhart Crane & RiggingAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Requirements
- ✓Experience: minimum of 7 years of qualifying experience and a proven track record of success designing and developing hydraulic and control systems for mobile equipment.
- ✓Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus, OSHA 10
- ✓Technical Proficiency: Advanced familiarity with hydraulic systems components such as gear, piston & vane pumps & motors, cylinders, control valves, filters, hoses, fittings, etc. as well as electrical control components such as PLCs, VFDs, actuators, relays, breakers, switches, transformers etc. Additionally, strong knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, including OSHA, ASME B30 Series, 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 electronic controls software (i.e. IQAN software suite or similar), as well as Microsoft Office Suite is required. Advanced experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical) is highly preferred.
- ✓Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting Expertise: Must be skilled at diagnosing problems with hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and mechanical systems with the ability to provide solutions and remedy the problems.
- ✓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. Must be able to utilize common technician tools for assembling, testing & repairing mechanical equipment.
- ✓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.
- ◆Gain working knowledge of existing Barnhart heavy lift and specialty rigging equipment.
- ◆Improve technical skills and gain experience related to crane operations, rigging, and heavy haul projects.
- ◆Design, analyze, document, source parts, develop prototypes and test various fluid power and control systems for custom built mobile equipment.
- ◆Prepare engineering documents such as hydraulic, electrical and pneumatic schematics, assembly drawings, inspection & maintenance requirements, master parts list, operation manuals, etc. for custom designed gear.
- ◆Develop test plans for newly designed equipment 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 components for design projects by liaising with suppliers and subcontractors.
- ◆Provide on-site technical support during lifting, transport and machinery moving jobs.
- ◆Train and qualify operators to ensure equipment is being used and maintained properly.
- ◆Apply knowledge of industry regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, ASME), and help to ensure designs are in accordance.
- ◆Identify and document maintenance and inspection
requirements
for new & existing gear.
- ✓Coordinate and work with field personnel such as crane operators, riggers, fabricators, and shop technicians to support various activities.
- ✓Create and complete detailed and organized equipment packages for equipment.
- ✓Troubleshoot problems with equipment and work to resolve the issues.
- ✓Keep updated on the latest industry practices, safety regulations, and engineering standards.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Job Summary: A R&D Fluid Power & Controls Engineer is expected to have adequate experience, skills and knowledge to develop hydraulic & pneumatic equipment as well as electrical controls for specialty gear used in 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.
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