Job Description
Job Overview:
NOW HIRING: Entry-Level & Experienced Crane Technicians | Full-time
PAY: $26.00 - $50.00+/hour LOCATION: Local service | Douglassville PA
TRAVEL: Up to approximately 3 months per year as needed
Two Paths — One Team
We are hiring Crane & Hoist Service Technicians at two experience levels. Whether you're an experienced crane technician ready to step into a high-autonomy field role, or a skilled industrial tradesperson looking to build a career in crane service, we have a place for you.
New to crane service?
SEE SECTION 1: DEVELOPING CRANE & HOIST SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Already have crane & hoist experience?
SKIP TO SECTION 2: EXPERIENCED CRANE & HOIST SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Both roles are field-based, locally assigned positions with travel as needed. Both carry the same benefits, the same premium pay structure, and the same expectations around safety, professionalism, and accountability. The difference is where you start — and what ACECO invests in getting you to the next level.
Compensation & Premium Pay — Both Levels
Developing Technician: $26.00 – $38.00/hour
Experienced Technician: $33.00 – $50.00+/hour
- Overtime after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week
- Saturday = 1.5x base hourly rate
- Sunday = 2x base hourly rate
- 10 recognized holidays = 2x base hourly rate
- +$3/hour qualifying overnight travel premium, subject to applicable OT and double-time multipliers
- +$2/hour qualifying off-shift premium, subject to applicable OT and double-time multipliers
- +$2/hour flat premium for onsite nuclear work
- $70/day per diem for qualifying overnight travel
- Paid travel time in accordance with company policy
SECTION 1: DEVELOPING CRANE & HOIST SERVICE TECHNICIAN
$26.00 – $38.00 / hour | Crane Experience Not Required
Build Your Career in Crane & Hoist Service
Crane experience is not required. If you have experience as an industrial electrician, maintenance technician, electro-mechanical technician, millwright, controls technician, or field service technician, we can provide the crane-specific training and field experience needed to develop you into an independent Crane & Hoist Service Technician.
Starting compensation is based on relevant industrial experience, electrical and mechanical capabilities, and demonstrated technical ability.
What You'll Learn
- Inspect overhead cranes and hoists — frequent and periodic inspections
- Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on crane and hoist systems
- Troubleshoot industrial electrical and mechanical systems
- Work with 480 VAC / three-phase equipment
- Read and interpret electrical schematics
- Troubleshoot motors, brakes, contactors, VFDs, and controls
- Diagnose mechanical crane and hoist problems
- Complete professional inspection and service documentation
- Communicate equipment deficiencies and repair recommendations to customers
As your skills develop, you'll progress toward independently performing inspections, troubleshooting equipment, completing repairs, and managing customer service assignments.
Who We're Looking For — Developing Level
We encourage applicants with backgrounds in:
- Industrial electrical or electro-mechanical maintenance
- Industrial maintenance or manufacturing maintenance
- Millwright work
- Automation and controls
- Industrial field service
- Mechanical or electrical service
Previous overhead crane and hoist experience is a plus, but not required. We're looking for candidates with strong electrical and/or mechanical aptitude, safe work habits, troubleshooting ability, a willingness to learn, and professional communication skills.
Travel & On-Call
These are Local Service Technician positions. Technicians primarily support their assigned service area but must be willing to travel up to approximately 3 months per year as needed. ACECO covers approved business travel expenses, including hotels, airfare, rental vehicles, and other approved expenses. Qualifying overnight assignments also receive $70/day per diem.
Local Service Technicians may volunteer to participate in the on-call rotation to support urgent customer needs. On-call participation is voluntary and compensated in accordance with company policy.
What Development Looks Like
Progression at ACECO is based on demonstrated capability, not a set timeline. Some technicians develop quickly; others build their skills at a different pace depending on background and experience. Both are fine — what matters is continued growth, accountability, and a commitment to getting better.
Foundation
- Complete ACECO safety, compliance, and equipment-specific training
- Learn ACECO service standards, documentation processes, and customer expectations
- Begin performing inspections, maintenance, and basic repairs with guidance
- Build working relationships with senior technicians, supervisors, and customers
- Demonstrate safe work practices and adherence to all safety protocols
Building Independence
- Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance with increasing independence
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical crane systems with less supervision
- Develop proficiency with 480 VAC / three-phase electrical systems
- Build a reputation with customers as reliable, professional, and technically capable
Full Independence
- Independently manage customer service assignments
- Perform inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs without direct oversight
- Communicate findings and recommendations directly to customers with confidence
- Demonstrate the technical skills and professionalism expected of an experienced technician
Earn Your Company Service Truck
As you develop your skills and demonstrate the ability to independently perform required crane and hoist inspections, you may become eligible for an F-250/2500-class company service truck that you can take home, subject to management approval.
Career Growth
We are looking for people who want to build a long-term skilled-trade career. As you demonstrate additional crane-service capabilities and independence, you can progress into ACECO's Experienced Crane & Hoist Service Technician structure.
Experienced Crane & Hoist Service Technicians earn $33.00 – $50.00+ per hour based on demonstrated capability and experience.
Bring us your electrical and mechanical foundation. We'll help you develop the crane expertise.
SECTION 2: EXPERIENCED CRANE & HOIST SERVICE TECHNICIAN
$33.00 – $50.00+ / hour | Direct Crane & Hoist Experience Required
Step Into a Role That Matches Your Experience
If you have direct experience inspecting, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing overhead cranes and hoists, we want to talk with you.
This is field service work where you are trusted to diagnose problems, make decisions, and represent ACECO directly with customers. Strong technicians build real reputations at ACECO.
Base Pay: $33.00 – $50.00+ per hour, based on demonstrated crane-service experience and technical capability.
What You'll Do
- Inspect overhead cranes and hoists — frequent and periodic inspections
- Perform preventive maintenance and repairs
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical crane systems
- Diagnose 480 VAC / three-phase electrical systems
- Troubleshoot motors, brakes, contactors, VFDs, controls, and radio systems
- Read and interpret electrical drawings and schematics
- Identify equipment deficiencies and recommend repairs
- Complete accurate inspection and service documentation
- Communicate professionally with customers
- Work independently while maintaining ACECO safety and quality standards
- Support installations, modernizations, outages, and specialized projects as required
What We're Looking For — Experienced Level
Direct overhead crane and hoist experience is preferred. We are particularly interested in technicians with:
- Crane and hoist inspection experience
- Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
- Experience with 480 VAC / three-phase equipment, VFDs, crane controls
- Experience with motors, brakes, contactors, radio controls
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
- Experience with installations, modernizations, and outage work
- Industrial field service and customer-facing service experience
Placement within the $33–$50+/hour range is based on demonstrated crane and hoist experience, inspection capabilities, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills, technical independence, certifications, and overall experience.
Travel & On-Call
These are Local Service Technician positions. Technicians primarily support their assigned service area but must be willing to travel up to approximately 3 months per year as needed. ACECO covers approved business travel expenses, including hotels, airfare, rental vehicles, and other approved expenses. Qualifying overnight assignments also receive $70/day per diem.
Local Service Technicians may volunteer to participate in the on-call rotation to support urgent customer needs. On-call participation is voluntary and compensated in accordance with company policy.
What Success Looks Like
Expectations are set based on where you come in. Technicians hired at the higher end of the pay range are expected to operate independently and take ownership of customer assignments quickly. The milestones below reflect general expectations — your actual ramp will be calibrated to your experience and capability at hire.
First 90 Days
- Learn ACECO service standards, safety expectations, and documentation processes
- Independently complete inspections, maintenance, and basic repairs
- Build trust with customers through professionalism and technical competence
- Accurately document service work and communicate findings
- Begin handling more complex troubleshooting scenarios independently
First Year
- Operate as a reliable, independent field resource across your assigned service area
- Take ownership of customer relationships and technical outcomes
- Handle complex troubleshooting, repairs, and service escalations
- Support installations, modernizations, outages, and specialized projects
- Demonstrate the accountability, documentation quality, and professionalism that define ACECO's senior technicians
Take-Home Service Truck
Technicians who demonstrate the ability to independently perform required crane and hoist inspections may be assigned an F-250/2500-class company service truck that can be taken home, subject to management approval.
Grow Your Career at ACECO
Our strongest technicians can take ownership of a customer's problem from inspection through troubleshooting and repair. They work safely, communicate clearly, accurately document their work, and professionally represent ACECO at customer facilities.
Senior technicians may also have opportunities to lead projects, support complex installations and outages, mentor developing technicians, and work on specialized industrial and nuclear lifting equipment.
Employment & Field Requirements
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Technical or trade certifications preferred
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, pre-employment drug screen, and randomized drug testing during employment in accordance with applicable laws and company/customer requirements
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
- Ability to obtain and maintain a REAL ID or valid U.S. Passport
- Ability to obtain and maintain customer-required unescorted access to commercial nuclear facilities and other secure industrial sites
- Ability to meet the posted work schedule and travel requirements and maintain reliable attendance and punctuality
- Willingness to follow company and customer safety policies, wear required PPE, and complete required safety and compliance training
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs., work at heights, climb ladders, and perform confined-space work
- Ability to work in industrial environments with exposure to weather, noise, energized systems, and moving equipment
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
Customer Site Access Requirements
A significant portion of the work performed by ACECO's Crane & Hoist Service Technicians takes place at commercial nuclear generating facilities and other secure industrial customer sites.
Technicians must be able to obtain and maintain customer-required unescorted access authorization and comply with all customer security, fitness-for-duty, and access authorization requirements throughout their employment.
Depending on the customer and work assignment, additional screening may include:
- Criminal background investigations
- Credit history reviews
- Employment verification
- Motor vehicle record reviews
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Fitness-for-duty evaluations
- Customer-specific training, badging, and credentialing
Customer access determinations are made solely by the customer or applicable regulatory authority and are outside the control of American Crane & Equipment Corporation.
Work Environment
- Field-based work at industrial customer sites
- Exposure to cranes, hoists, energized systems, and moving equipment
- Work performed at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying weather conditions
- Strict adherence to safety protocols and PPE requirements
Why Join ACECO?
Field Impact
Your work directly affects customer safety and equipment uptime. When a crane goes down, production stops — and you're the one who gets it running again.
Autonomy & Ownership
This is field service work where you are trusted to diagnose problems, make decisions, and represent ACECO directly with customers.
Technical Growth
Work on complex industrial and nuclear lifting equipment that most technicians never get exposure to. ACECO builds custom cranes and heavy material handling equipment — the service side of the business matches that complexity.
Stability & Compensation
Established company with a long-term workforce, strong reputation, and a compensation structure that rewards skill and independence. Overtime, travel premiums, nuclear site pay, and per diem on top of competitive base rates.
ACECO Values
We look for people who align with ACECO values: Work Hard, Have Fun, and Do the Right Thing.
Who Thrives Here — and Who Doesn't
You'll do well here if you:
- Take ownership of field work and solve problems without being told what to do
- Are comfortable working independently in customer environments
- Communicate clearly and professionally with customers and internal teams
- Have strong electrical and/or mechanical troubleshooting ability
- Take safety seriously — for yourself and everyone around you
- Show up reliably, on time, and ready to work
- Are willing to travel when the work requires it
This role is likely not a fit if you:
- Prefer working in a shop or controlled environment with constant supervision
- Need step-by-step direction for every task
- Struggle with travel, on-call responsibilities, or customer-facing work
- Are uncomfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, or in industrial conditions
- Prefer a set routine — field service priorities can shift quickly
What's In It for You?
At ACECO, we invest in people who want to do meaningful work, grow their skills, and build a long-term career.
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance available Day One
- 401(k) with company match
- Vacation/PTO following successful completion of the 90-day probationary period, with rollover in accordance with company policy
- Prior crane-industry service will be taken into consideration when determining vacation/PTO eligibility
- 10 recognized paid holidays
- Company-provided uniforms and laundering service
- Company service truck once qualified
- Company-paid approved business travel expenses
- $70/day qualifying overnight per diem
- Training and career-development opportunities
- Compensated voluntary participation in local on-call rotation
- Overtime opportunities and premium pay rates
- Exposure to complex, high-consequence equipment and environments
Locations
We are hiring for locally assigned positions across multiple U.S. locations. Visit our Career Center for current openings by location.
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.
Qualified candidates typically hear from us within 2 business days.
We aim to keep the process clear, efficient, and professional. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment screening and employment/customer-access requirements.
Ready to Apply?
If you're a technician who takes ownership of your work — whether you're bringing years of crane experience or a strong industrial trade background you want to build on — we encourage you to apply.
Submit your application online through our Career Center.
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)
- As a condition of employment, individuals in this role must obtain and maintain a valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license or valid U.S. Passport
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.
