PURPOSE - Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.

MINDS OVER MATTER - Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.

NETWORK - Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry's strongest networks of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.

CULTURE - Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the "One TEAM." We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.

About the Position: Barnhart Crane & Rigging is looking for a Sr. Project Engineer with extensive high complexity nuclear feedwater heater replacement experience to support preliminary engineering needs for a project at Diablo Canyon Power Plant. While candidates located within 100 miles of the site are preferred, remote work options will be considered. Occasional travel to both the job site and Barnhart's home office in Memphis, TN will be required.

Essentials of the Opportunity: The Sr. Project Engineer will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of high-complexity heavy lift operations associated with the removal and replacement of multiple feedwater heaters at a nuclear power plant. This role requires deep technical expertise in heavy lift engineering utilizing alternative lifting/handling equipment, project management skills, and a strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance in a highly controlled environment. The position involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, contractors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure the safe and efficient execution of the project.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Engineering:
- Develop and oversee detailed heavy lift/component replacement plans, including rigging, equipment selection, load path analysis, and contingency planning.
- Conduct structural analysis and review plant conditions to ensure lift feasibility and compliance with nuclear safety requirements.
- Prepare technical specifications, calculations, and documentation for approval by engineering and regulatory authorities.
Safety & Compliance:
- Implement strict adherence to nuclear safety standards, ASME B30 series, OSHA, AISC, ANSI, and project specific design parameters.
- Perform risk assessments and hazard analyses to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with heavy lift operations.
Stakeholder Coordination:
- Collaborate with plant operations, maintenance, and outage planning teams to integrate heavy lift activities into the broader project schedule.
- Act as technical liaison with plant personnel, equipment manufacturers, general contractor, and third-party engineering firms.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience in heavy lift operations utilizing specialized alternative load handling equipment, with at least 5 years in the nuclear power sector. Demonstrated experience developing successful feedwater heater removal and replacement plans, including complete (shell and bundle) heaters as well as bundle only options.
Technical Skills:
- Must possess the ability to perform detailed load calculations and structural analyses to ensure safe lifting operations. This requires an in-depth understanding of various cranes, hoists, rigging equipment, and their specific applications. Proficiency with CAD, 3D modeling software, and industry-specific tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, Lift Planner, or similar programs is essential. Additionally, strong knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, including OSHA, AISC, ASME, ANSI, and others specific to lifting and rigging, is necessary to maintain compliance and uphold industry best practices.
- Familiarity with engineering software (i.e. RISA-3D, Ansys, Mathcad, MS Excel), scheduling software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Skilled in diagnosing and resolving technical and logistical issues in crane and rigging operations, with strong analytical abilities for engineering calculations, lift plan optimization, and meticulous attention to detail in documentation and safety protocols.
- Familiarity with nuclear plant systems, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience performing and post processing 3D laser scans, as well as integrating the scans into the CAD model for obstruction/clearance validation.
Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) licensed preferred; active licensure in the state of California highly desirable.
Soft Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for engaging with clients, site managers, and team members; adept at cross-functional collaboration with departments like project management and operations; proficient in preparing and presenting project reports, technical documentation, and lift plans.
Physical Requirements: Willingness to travel to project sites as needed. Ability to work in a variety of environments, including outdoor and construction sites, and conduct on-site inspections, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, and climbing ladders or scaffolding.
Fit for Duty: Must pass a drug test, fit for duty and background check.

Reporting Structure:

The Sr. Project Engineer will report to the Engineering Project Services Manager located at the Barnhart home office in Memphis, TN. Sr. Project Engineer will take direction on project related assignments from the Barnhart Lead Project Engineer assigned to this project.

Compensation and Benefits:

Competitive Pay Range
Bonus program that pays for performance
401K contributions matched up to 10% of pay
Insurance, Paid Time Off and other benefits (details in interview)

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

Barnhart Crane & Rigging jobs

Sr. Project Engineer (Nuclear Services) - 3677