Now Hiring: Structural Engineer
Entry-Level to Senior Structural Engineering Opportunities
Location: 531 Old Swede Road – Douglassville, PA 19518
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00AM–4:30PM | Full-time On-site in Douglassville, PA
Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience, technical capability, and market data—compensation level will align with demonstrated engineering knowledge, applicable experience, and ability to contribute independently
If you're a structural engineer who wants real ownership of engineering work—and prefers applyingsound engineering judgment to real-world equipment over purely theoretical analysis—this role will feel like a strong fit.
At American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we design and manufacture custom crane and lifting systems used in demanding industries including nuclear, aerospace, defense, and heavy industrial manufacturing.
We are currently hiring Structural Engineers at multiple experience levels ranging from early-career engineers to highly experienced senior engineers.
Whether you're looking to build foundational engineering experience or take ownership of complex structural design work, this role offers the opportunity to work on real equipment with real-world impact.
You won't get lost here—your work will be seen, and it will matter.
What This Role Really Is
This is a hands-on engineering role focused on structural analysis, engineering calculations, steel structure design, and practical problem-solving tied directly to manufacturing and field performance.
Depending on experience level, responsibilities may range from supporting engineering projects under mentorship to independently leading structural scope on highly customized lifting systems.
Who Thrives Here (and Who Doesn't)
You'll do well here if you:
- Take ownership of your work and engineering decisions
- Enjoy solving practical engineering problems
- Want exposure to real-world manufacturing and equipment design
- Collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and field teams
- Stay curious, open to feedback, and willing to learn
This role is likely not a fit if you:
- Prefer highly segmented roles with limited ownership
- Want to avoid accountability for engineering outcomes
- Prefer purely theoretical or academic engineering work
- Struggle working in collaborative project environments
What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)
Entry-Level Engineers:
- Learn ACECO engineering standards, workflows, and systems
- Support structural calculations, drafting reviews, and engineering documentation
- Build working relationships across Engineering and Manufacturing
- Develop familiarity with crane and lifting equipment design principles
Mid-Level & Senior Engineers:
- Contribute independently to structural analysis and design reviews
- Support cross-functional problem solving tied to manufacturing and field applications
- Begin owning engineering scope on assigned projects
- Mentor less experienced engineers where applicable
Why Join Our Team at American Crane?
- Engineering Ownership – Responsible for decisions, not just calculations
- Mission-Critical Work – Designs used in nuclear, aerospace, and high-risk environments
- Cross-Functional Impact – Direct collaboration with Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, and Field teams
- Technical Respect – Engineering judgment drives decisions, not bureaucracy
- Stability & Growth – Long-term workforce with strong internal development
What You'll Do
Structural Analysis & Design
- Perform structural calculations and engineering analysis for steel structures and lifting equipment
- Apply structural theory to practical, manufacturable designs
- Support the design of girders, columns, connections, and fatigue-critical components
- Participate in design reviews and engineering problem solving
Engineering Documentation
- Create and review engineering calculations, reports, and technical documentation
- Support drawing reviews and engineering change documentation
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes and internal standards
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Field Service teams
- Support constructability reviews and production troubleshooting
- Participate in technical discussions and project meetings
Continuous Improvement & Technical Development
- Continue developing technical knowledge and engineering capability
- Contribute ideas for process, design, or workflow improvements
- Support quality, safety, and engineering best practices initiatives
What We're Looking For
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET/EAC-accredited program required
- Structural or Mechanical Engineering focus preferred
Experience
- Entry-level through 10+ years of structural engineering experience considered
- Experience with steel structures, lifting equipment, or heavy industrial systems preferred but not required for entry-level candidates
Technical Skills
- Understanding of structural analysis, mechanics, and strength of materials
- Familiarity with steel structures and structural engineering principles
- Exposure to AISC, ASCE, CMAA, AWS, ASME, or related engineering codes preferred
- Experience with Mathcad, Excel, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar engineering tools preferred
- FEA, seismic, or vibration analysis experience is a plus
Skills & Attributes
- Strong ownership mindset and accountability
- Willingness to learn and develop technically
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Practical problem-solving ability
- Alignment with ACECO values: Work Hard, Have Fun, and Do the Right Thing
Licensure
- EIT/EI preferred for early-career engineers
- PE license valued for senior-level candidates
REQUIREMENTS
- Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
- Ability to verify identity and employment authorization (Form I-9)
- Eligibility to access export-controlled information where applicable
- Willingness to undergo a background check in accordance with applicable laws
- Willingness to undergo a pre-employment drug screen and randomized drug testing during employment
- Ability to meet the posted work schedule and required hours
- Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality
- Willingness to follow all company safety policies and procedures
- Willingness to wear appropriate PPE when in shop or manufacturing areas
- Willingness to complete required safety and compliance training
- Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to maintain professional conduct aligned with company expectations
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION
- Ability to work full-time on-site Monday–Friday
- Ability to occasionally travel to job sites or customer facilities
- Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear facilities if required
- Ability to work in office, manufacturing, and occasional field environments
Work Environment
- Primarily office-based engineering role
- Regular collaboration across engineering and operations teams
- Occasional exposure to manufacturing