Location: On-site only | 531 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, PA 19518 (No remote work available)
Schedule: Monday–Friday | Full-time
Compensation: Competitive compensation based on experience, technical depth, fabrication and welding knowledge, industry background, and market data
Build Your Career with ACECO
We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer with strong fabrication expertise to develop, optimize, and support the manufacturing processes behind our custom crane and material handling equipment.
This role sits at the intersection of engineering and production. You'll work directly with the welders, fitters, and assemblers who build our products — and with the engineers who design them — to make sure we're fabricating efficiently, safely, and on time.
We are looking for someone who understands what it takes to turn steel into a finished crane. Someone who can read a blueprint and think through the full fabrication sequence — from material prep and fit-up through welding, assembly, rigging, and shipping. Someone who knows that design intent and shop floor reality don't always agree, and who can bridge that gap.
The right person will spend significant time in the shop, not just behind a desk. You'll study our fabrication processes, evaluate our rigging and handling methods, engineer shipping solutions for finished cranes, and drive real improvements in cycle time, throughput, quality, and safety.
You won't get lost here. Your perspective will matter, your judgment will be relied upon, and your impact will be visible across the organization.
What This Role Really Is
This is a hands-on manufacturing engineering role focused on steel fabrication, welding, large equipment assembly, rigging, and shipping within a custom, engineer-to-order manufacturing environment.
ACECO builds electric overhead cranes, hoists, and heavy material handling equipment. Every product is engineered to order. That means standard playbooks only get you so far — you need to understand fabrication fundamentals deeply enough to apply them to custom work, every time.
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The Manufacturing Engineer owns the development and optimization of fabrication and assembly processes. You'll optimize routing, work cell layout, and material flow. You'll review rigging and handling methods for large weldments. You'll engineer shipping provisions for finished cranes and components. You'll develop fixtures and support structures for factory acceptance tests. And you'll lead lean initiatives tailored to an engineer-to-order environment.
You'll also play a key role in supporting capital equipment projects, the transition to a new ERP system, and collaboration with Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain to keep manufacturing running at its best.
Success requires someone who can move comfortably between a conversation about weld sequencing on the shop floor and a design review with Engineering — and who can translate what they see in both settings into better processes, better decisions, and better outcomes.
Who Thrives Here — and Who Does Not
You'll do well here if you:
Think like a fabricator — you see a drawing and immediately consider how it gets cut, fit, welded, assembled, rigged, and shipped
Are comfortable spending real time on the shop floor, not just reviewing data from your desk
Understand steel fabrication and welding processes deeply enough to optimize them, not just document them
Can read blueprints and fabrication drawings and spot both design intent and manufacturing risk
Have a practical understanding of rigging, handling, and moving large weldments and assemblies safely
Enjoy collaborating across departments — Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Safety
See continuous improvement as a mindset, not just a project
Are comfortable making make-versus-buy recommendations backed by real analysis
Take ownership of outcomes rather than simply following instructions
This role is likely not a fit if you:
Prefer working exclusively at a desk or in a lab environment
Have engineering experience only in high-volume, repetitive manufacturing — our work is custom, every time
Want to design products but not concern yourself with how they're fabricated, assembled, rigged, and shipped
Prefer theoretical process improvement without hands-on shop floor involvement
Avoid difficult conversations about efficiency, quality, cost, or process change
Are uncomfortable working full-time on-site in an active heavy fabrication environment
Prefer maintaining legacy processes rather than driving real improvements
What Success Looks Like in the First Year
First 90 Days
Build strong working relationships with Manufacturing leadership, fabrication and welding teams, assembly, Engineering, Quality, and Purchasing
Develop a thorough understanding of ACECO's products, manufacturing capabilities, and current fabrication and assembly processes
Spend meaningful time on the shop floor learning how work flows through material prep, fabrication, welding, assembly, rigging, and shipping
Begin reviewing in-process rigging and handling methods for large weldments and assemblies — lift points, sling selections, and below-the-hook device selections
Learn the current ERP system and understand how manufacturing data is structured
Identify early opportunities for process improvement and quick wins
Second Quarter
Own the review of rigging and handling methods; coordinate engineered and critical lifts with Production Engineering as required
Begin engineering shipping provisions for finished cranes and components — shipping fixtures, blocking and bracing, tie-downs, restraints, and preservation and packaging
Develop and plan fixtures, supports, and test weights for factory acceptance tests (FATs)
Provide design-for-manufacturability input during design reviews and contribute manufacturing input to estimating and quoting
Support the ERP transition by ensuring manufacturing data is accurate, structured, and maintainable
Collaborate with Engineering and Production to redline drawings for design changes
Begin developing and improving manufacturing processes for steel fabrication, welding, and large equipment assembly
Third Quarter
Drive measurable improvements in fabrication processes — routing, work cell layout, material flow, throughput, and rework reduction
Lead lean initiatives tailored to the engineer-to-order environment — reducing cycle time, improving first-pass yield, and eliminating waste
Support capital equipment projects with drawing reviews, installation planning, and coordination
Collaborate on the development of manufacturing KPIs and continuous improvement metrics
Provide routine feedback to Engineering on design improvements that increase quality and efficiency
Fourth Quarter
Operate as a trusted manufacturing engineering resource across the organization
Continue driving process optimization and standardization while maintaining flexibility for custom builds
Support equipment purchase recommendations with data-driven analysis of capabilities and efficiency gains
Identify new technology opportunities to support and advance manufacturing
Contribute to building a stronger continuous improvement culture on the shop floor
Why Join ACECO?
Hands-On Engineering Impact
You'll work directly with the shop floor — the welders, fitters, riggers, and assemblers who build our cranes. Your improvements will be visible in the products that ship.
Custom, Complex Work
Every crane is engineered to order. You'll solve real fabrication challenges on large, custom steel structures — not optimize the same weldment a million times.
Full Lifecycle Involvement
From material prep through fabrication, welding, assembly, rigging, FATs, and shipping — you'll touch every stage of how a crane gets built and delivered.
Cross-Functional Visibility
You'll collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Safety, and leadership. You'll understand the full picture.
A Business in Growth Mode
ACECO is continuing to invest in people, technology, equipment, capabilities, and operational scale. The work you do will support that growth directly.
Capital Projects and Technology
You'll support equipment purchases, facility improvements, and the identification of new technology to advance manufacturing capabilities.
What You'll Do
Manufacturing Process Development and Optimization
Develop and improve manufacturing processes for steel fabrication, welding, and large equipment assembly
Optimize routing, work cell layout, and material flow to improve throughput and reduce rework
Lead lean initiatives tailored to engineer-to-order environments — reduce cycle time, improve first-pass yield, and eliminate waste while maintaining flexibility for custom builds
Maintain a deep understanding of manufacturing capabilities and areas where additional oversight is prudent
Rigging, Handling, and Shipping Engineering
Review in-process rigging and handling methods for large weldments and assemblies, including lift points, sling selections, and below-the-hook device selections
Coordinate engineered and critical lifts with Production Engineering as required and in advance of lifting activities
Engineer shipping provisions for finished cranes and components — shipping fixtures, blocking and bracing, tie-downs and restraints, and preservation and packaging requirements
Develop and plan required fixtures, supports, and test weights for factory acceptance tests (FATs); coordinate with Production Engineering as required
Outsourcing, Vendor Coordination, and Make-vs-Buy
Provide manufacturing input to estimating and quoting, including labor hours and make-versus-buy decisions
Supply and coordinate manufacturing input for design reviews and estimating
Design for Manufacturability and Engineering Collaboration
Provide design-for-manufacturability input during design reviews
Collaborate with Engineering and Production to redline drawings for design changes and ensure in-process components and materials are updated
Provide routine feedback to Production Engineering on design improvements and enhancements to increase quality and efficiency
Capital Projects, Technology, and Equipment
Support CapEx projects with drawing reviews, installation planning, and coordination with necessary resources
Collaborate on recommendations for equipment purchases to improve efficiency
Identify new technology required to support manufacturing
ERP Support, Safety, and Continuous Improvement
Support the transition of the ERP system by ensuring manufacturing data is accurate, structured, and maintainable
Collaborate in the development of manufacturing KPIs and implementation of a continuous improvement mindset
Collaborate with Safety on plant equipment and processes related to EHS
Other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
This role requires full-time, on-site availability Monday–Friday.
Candidates should be located within a reasonable daily commuting distance of:
531 Old Swede Road
Douglassville, PA 19518
If relocation is required, the selected candidate must relocate prior to starting. American Crane & Equipment Corporation does not provide relocation assistance.
Ideal Candidates Should Be Able to Demonstrate the Following:
Strong fabrication and welding knowledge and hands-on manufacturing process experience
Ability to interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and project schedules
Experience developing and optimizing manufacturing processes in a custom or engineer-to-order environment
Practical understanding of rigging, handling, and moving large weldments and heavy assemblies
Practical understanding of lean manufacturing principles applied to low-volume, high-mix production
Experience with make-versus-buy analysis and outsourcing coordination
Strong cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Purchasing
Comfort working on the shop floor alongside production teams
Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Initiative and ownership mindset — identifies problems and drives solutions
Education
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a closely related field strongly preferred
Associate degree with significant relevant manufacturing engineering experience will be considered
Equivalent demonstrated experience may be considered when supported by a strong technical manufacturing background
Experience
Meaningful experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on steel fabrication and welding processes
Hands-on fabrication experience — understanding of welding processes (GMAW, FCAW, SAW, SMAW), fit-up, fixturing, weld sequencing, and distortion control
Experience interpreting blueprints, fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and GD&T
Experience with rigging engineering, heavy lift planning, or handling of large weldments and assemblies
Experience in custom manufacturing, engineer-to-order, heavy fabrication, structural steel, or low-volume/high-mix environments strongly preferred
Experience engineering shipping provisions — fixtures, blocking and bracing, tie-downs, preservation, and packaging for heavy or oversized components
Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or Six Sigma methodologies
Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing data management
Capital equipment planning and installation support
CAD software (ability to read and review)
Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Requirements
Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
Ability to verify identity and employment authorization through Form I-9
Eligibility to access information or technology governed by applicable U.S. export-control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810, EAR, and/or ITAR, 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 work full-time on-site at ACECO Plant 1 in Douglassville, PA
Ability to meet the posted work schedule and work additional hours when manufacturing or project needs require
Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality
Willingness to follow all company safety policies and procedures
Willingness to wear required PPE in all designated manufacturing areas
Willingness to complete required safety, compliance, and role-specific training
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
Work Environment
This role involves a combination of office-based engineering work and regular presence on the manufacturing floor, in fabrication and welding areas, and in assembly bays.
The Manufacturing Engineer will interact frequently with production teams, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Safety, and leadership. Significant time will be spent in active manufacturing areas observing processes, reviewing rigging and handling operations, supporting FATs, and working alongside production.
Appropriate PPE and adherence to all safety procedures are required in designated manufacturing areas.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit for extended periods performing computer-based engineering work; frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and data entry
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach regularly while working on the manufacturing floor
Ability to lift and carry materials typically up to 25–30 lbs occasionally
Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
Comfort working in a heavy fabrication environment with typical shop conditions — noise, temperature variation, welding operations, and proximity to heavy equipment, cranes, and overhead lifting
What's In It for You?
At ACECO, this role offers the opportunity to directly improve how a growing, privately held, custom-engineered manufacturing organization builds its products.
Competitive compensation based on experience and capability
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Paid time off and paid company holidays
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Hands-on work with custom, heavy steel structures — not repetitive assembly
Full lifecycle involvement from fabrication through rigging, FATs, and shipping
Direct impact on manufacturing efficiency, quality, and throughput
Broad cross-functional exposure across Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, and Safety
Opportunity to support capital projects, new technology, and ERP transformation
Visible impact on organizational performance and growth
What to Expect From Our Hiring Process
Every application is reviewed by our internal Talent Acquisition team. We do not rely on automated screening tools.
We encourage applicants to tailor their resume to accurately reflect their manufacturing engineering experience, fabrication and welding knowledge, rigging or heavy lift experience, process improvement results, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable outcomes.
We focus on candidates who demonstrate ownership, judgment, reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail throughout the application process.
Qualified candidates typically hear from us within a few business days depending on applicant volume.
During the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples involving fabrication process optimization, lean initiatives, rigging and handling for large assemblies, shipping engineering, design-for-manufacturability feedback, make-versus-buy analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving on the shop floor. We will ask follow-up questions to better understand your individual role, judgment, decision-making process, and outcomes.
Ready to Apply?
We are looking for a manufacturing engineer who understands steel fabrication, thinks like a problem-solver, and wants to make a real impact on how we build our products.
If you want to improve fabrication and assembly processes inside a growing industrial organization that builds custom, engineered-to-order heavy equipment, we encourage you to apply.
Submit your application online through our Career Center.
Build your career with ACECO.
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.
About American Crane & Equipment Corporation
Machinery Manufacturing150 employeesFounded 1972
U.S. manufacturer of overhead cranes, hoists, and custom-engineered lifting solutions for nuclear, aerospace, military, and DOE customers.
