Casper, Phillips & Associates (CP&A) is encouraging structural engineers, both trainees and experienced professionals, to consider the diverse opportunities in the crane industry, which often goes unnoticed despite its significant engineering demands.
Crane structures require input from various engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineers to design power transmission systems, electrical engineers for controls, and structural engineers to ensure the integrity of the overall design.
“Crane engineering involves interesting analysis, especially when you’re dealing with large-scale, complex structures. The potential for structural engineers in this field is huge,” said Richard Phillips, mechanical engineer, CP&A.
The crane industry shares similarities with robotics and kinetic architecture—both fields that attract mechanical engineers. Automated cranes, for example, function like giant robots. Similarly, systems like retractable stadium roofs require engineers with expertise in load calculations and structural movement. As vessel sizes grow, so too does the demand for taller, more robust cranes to meet the needs of the global shipping industry.
One example of the scale involved is the floating crane system capable of lifting 3,500 metric tons, or nearly eight million pounds, a task that demands both innovative thinking and specialized expertise. Yet, the intricate engineering of cranes often goes unnoticed by the public despite their prominence on city skylines, particularly at busy port terminals.
CP&A provides a broad range of services, including specification, design, manufacturing review, modifications, and accident investigations, which gives them a unique vantage point to witness a shortage of structural engineers in the field. Phillips noted that crane projects are particularly well-suited for engineers skilled in bridge design, since parts of the crane, such as the bridge on which the trolley travels, are conceptually similar to a bridge.
“Working with cranes can open doors for engineers interested in bridges,” Phillips said. “A crane boom is essentially a bridge, and there’s a lot of potential for engineers to transition between these fields.”
Beyond engineering challenges, the crane industry also offers opportunity for travel. CP&A is currently involved in projects across the US and internationally, including in Indonesia, Canada, Germany, and Argentina. As global demand for cranes continues to rise, especially for ship-to-shore cranes, engineers have the chance to work on projects around the world.
“There’s a lot of global demand for cranes, especially as vessels grow in size,” Phillips said. “Cranes need to keep up, and that means more opportunities for engineers.”
Cranes also have a growing connection with stadiums. Mobile roofs for stadiums, for instance, require engineering expertise similar to that of crane systems, such as load calculation, fatigue analysis, and integrating mechanical and electrical systems.
For CP&A, the use of advanced analytical tools like nonlinear time history analysis (NLTHA) has proven invaluable. This approach is particularly effective when designing systems like their crane base anti-seismic isolation system (BASIS), which helps protect crane structures from seismic activity. “Cranes are unique, and typical structural codes aren’t always applicable,” said Phillips. “We’ve had to develop specialized techniques, like non-linear time history analysis, to handle the unique challenges of crane design.”
Phillips emphasized the opportunity for engineers to solve new, unique problems when working in crane design, particularly on custom projects. “AI and computers are great at refining existing solutions, but designing a custom crane is an entirely new challenge,” he said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that you’re solving problems that have never been solved before.”
As Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) approaches in 2025, CP&A sees it as a perfect opportunity to shed light on the fascinating work involved in crane engineering. The event will showcase the importance of safe, high-quality load lifting while also promoting education in the industry.
“For most people, cranes are just part of the landscape,” Phillips said. “GLAD gives us a chance to highlight the engineering behind them and the exciting opportunities that exist for structural engineers. The crane industry is an area that’s still overlooked, but there’s so much potential.”
The challenge for CP&A, as Phillips pointed out, is attracting the right talent. While fields like computer science and environmental engineering are drawing increasing interest from students, structural engineering in the crane industry remains underappreciated.
“The industry needs more engineers, especially structural engineers,” Phillips said. “If we can get the word out about the exciting work in cranes, I think more students will take notice.”
For structural engineers looking for new challenges, Phillips advises that the skills learned in traditional fields like bridge design will serve them well in crane engineering. “The laws of physics are the same everywhere,” he said. “Once you understand the basics, crane design isn’t as different as people think. It’s just a matter of learning the unique vocabulary.”
As more engineers look to advance their careers, the crane industry offers an opportunity to make a significant impact, with the potential for hands-on, rewarding work that stretches across the globe.
