Job Description
NOW HIRING: MECHANICAL DESIGNER II
Location: 531 Old Swede Road – Douglassville, PA 19518
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00am-4:30pm | Full-time hours on-site
Compensation: Competitive salary up to $80,000+ based on experience, design capability, and market data—top-of-range compensation is reserved for candidates who demonstrate strong, job-relevant experience and independent capability
If you’re a mechanical designer who wants more than drafting—and prefers owning designs from concept through manufacturing—this role will feel like a natural fit.
At American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we’re looking for a Mechanical Designer II who can take project requirements, develop accurate designs, and support those designs all the way through production.
This is not a “draw what you’re told” role—this is a thinking, problem-solving design position.
You won’t get lost here—your work will be seen, and it will matter.
What This Role Really Is
This is a mid-level, hands-on design role—you’ll spend most of your time translating project requirements into mechanical designs, validating accuracy, supporting manufacturing, and being accountable for the quality and usability of your drawings.
Who Thrives Here (and Who Doesn’t)
You’ll do well here if you:
- Take ownership of your designs and follow them through to completion
- Enjoy solving real-world design challenges, not just drafting
- Can work independently while collaborating across teams
This role is likely not a fit if you:
- Prefer repetitive drafting work with little responsibility
- Need constant direction to complete tasks
- Avoid accountability for design accuracy or downstream impact
What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)
- Learn ACECO design standards, workflows, and product lines
- Begin reviewing orders and translating requirements into accurate layouts
- Produce drawings that require minimal rework or correction
- Build working relationships with Engineering, Sales, and Manufacturing
- Start supporting manufacturing by resolving design and assembly questions
Why Join Our Team at American Crane? (Check us out on YouTube here)
- Design Ownership – Take projects from order review through manufacturing support
- Real Engineering Environment – Work on custom, heavy industrial equipment
- Cross-Functional Collaboration – Direct interaction with shop, sales, and field teams
- Stability & Growth – Clear path toward Senior Designer or Engineering roles
- Impact – Your designs directly affect build quality and customer outcomes
What You’ll Do
Design & Layout Development
- Review new orders and compare specifications to proposals
- Develop arrangement and layout drawings for customer approval
- Perform detailed design checks for accuracy, completeness, and manufacturability
Technical Coordination
- Select components from manufacturer catalogs and generate purchase requisitions
- Communicate with vendors to clarify technical requirements
- Interface with customers to resolve design questions and obtain approvals
Drawing & Documentation
- Prepare detailed drawings to support project execution
- Review drawings prepared by junior designers for accuracy and completeness
- Ensure all documentation aligns with engineering and quality standards
Manufacturing & Field Support
- Collaborate with shop personnel to resolve fabrication and assembly challenges
- Support design adjustments based on real-world manufacturing needs
- Visit facilities or job sites to verify dimensions or review installations as needed
What We’re Looking For
Education
- 2-year technical degree in Mechanical Design or Engineering required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred
Experience
- 3–5 years of mechanical design experience in heavy equipment or related industries
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
- Strong understanding of mechanical and structural design principles
- Ability to interpret engineering specifications and technical documentation
Skills & Attributes
- High attention to detail and design accuracy
- Strong problem-solving ability and independent thinking
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Effective communication across engineering, manufacturing, and sales
- Strong ownership mindset and accountability for design output
- Alignment with ACECO values: Work Hard, Have Fun, and Do the Right Thing
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
- Full-time, on-site availability Monday–Friday
- Ability to independently create, review, and revise mechanical and structural drawings
- Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and customers
- Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear facilities if required
Work Environment
- Combination of office and manufacturing shop environments
- Regular collaboration with Engineering, Sales, and Manufacturing teams
- Occasional exposure to shop conditions and equipment
- Required use of PPE when in designated areas
What’s In It For You?
At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we invest in people who want to do meaningful work, grow their skills, and build a long-term career.
- Competitive salary based on experience, skills, and market data
- Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance available day one
- Generous paid time off with rollover each year
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- 10 paid company holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and continued technical development opportunities
- Design custom, engineered lifting systems—not repetitive catalog work
- High ownership from order intake through manufacturing support
- Direct collaboration with shop and field teams
- Clear path to Senior Designer or Engineering roles
What to Expect from Our Hiring Process
- Every application is reviewed by our internal team—we do not rely on automated screening tools
- Qualified candidates typically hear from us within 2 business days
- We aim to keep the process clear, efficient, and professional
How to Apply:
We hire people who take ownership of their work—if that sounds like you, we encourage you submit your application online HERE!
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screen, subject to applicable laws and regulations
American Crane & Equipment Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The company maintains and observes employment policies that do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, age, ancestry and any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. This applies to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, overtime, job classifications, work assignments, promotions, demotions, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and all other conditions of employment.
This position requires:
- Valid proof of identity and authorization to work in the U.S. (Form I-9)
- Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810. If government authorization is required for access to controlled technology, employment or start date may be delayed or withdrawn in accordance with applicable law
- Certain positions and projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear facilities in compliance with NRC regulations (10 C.F.R. Parts 26 & 73)
The pay for this position is dependent on circumstances including an applicant’s skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, market data, and other relevant factors.
American Crane & Equipment Corporation offers a wide array of comprehensive benefit programs and services including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts to our benefits-eligible employees. Additional benefits include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid time off, paid holidays, and disability coverage. Some benefits offerings are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.
NOTE: American Crane & Equipment Corporation is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for employment opportunities, unless they have a written agreement for the position they are contacting us about. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at American Crane & Equipment Corporation without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of American Crane & Equipment Corporation, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by American Crane & Equipment Corporation as a result of the referral or through other means.
Full-time
On-site hours
Monday-Friday
8:00am-4:30pm
