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Lead Rigger Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design and development of custom rigging equipment and structural systems tailored to the specific needs of a project. They lead the ...

Tests rigging to ensure safety and reliability before engaging in hoisting or lifting * Supervisory Responsibilities: Ability to respectfully confront people when needed and lead through example

Familiarity with the types of cranes, rigging equipment, and materials used in lifting and ... Perform jobsite walkdowns with Barnhart Sales lead as needed to obtain information needed for ...

Familiarity with the types of cranes, rigging equipment, and materials used in lifting and ... Perform jobsite walkdowns with Barnhart Sales lead as needed to obtain information needed for ...

Obtain Rigger qualification card within (6) months of hire date. * Learn about equipment used for ... Demonstrate ability to take initiative and lead by example. * Prior experience in heavy ...

Experience: 5+ years of experience in the crane, rigging, or heavy lifting industry, with ... Serve as lead engineer on large opportunities that include multiple scopes and unconventional ...

Experience: 5+ years of experience in the crane, rigging, or heavy lifting industry, with ... Serve as lead engineer on large opportunities that include multiple scopes and unconventional ...

Tower - Foreman

Manchester, TN · On-site

$24.50 - $30/hr

Lead work on tower top, looking after all aspects of work while on the tower, ensuring that a safe and quality installation has been performed, including rigging, hoisting, landing, fastening ...

A&P Mechanic - Crew Lead

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$26.75 - $35.25/hr

We are seeking a skilled Crew Lead A&P Mechanic to support maintenance operations on King Air and ... rigging, adjustments, and system checks Follow AMMs, IPCs, wiring diagrams, service bulletins, and ...

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Lead Rigger information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$23

$33

How much do lead rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead rigger in Tennessee is $23.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Rigger, you need expertise in rigging techniques, load calculations, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant rigging certifications. Familiarity with equipment such as cranes, hoists, slings, and industry-standard safety systems (e.g., OSHA regulations) is crucial. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help ensure safe and efficient teamwork on complex projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for preventing accidents, managing crews effectively, and delivering reliable results in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges Lead Riggers face when coordinating large-scale projects, and how can they be addressed?

Lead Riggers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, last-minute equipment changes, and ensuring the safety of both crew and equipment during complex setups. Effective communication with production teams and thorough pre-planning are key to overcoming these obstacles. Utilizing up-to-date rigging software and adhering strictly to safety protocols also helps maintain timelines and minimize risks. Building a strong, collaborative team and conducting regular safety briefings are industry best practices that support successful project execution.

What are Lead Riggers?

Lead Riggers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the setup, operation, and safety of rigging systems used to move and secure heavy equipment, structures, or scenery, especially in industries like construction, entertainment, and events. They supervise rigging teams, ensure all lifting operations comply with safety regulations, and coordinate closely with other departments to execute complex lifts or installations. A Lead Rigger must have extensive knowledge of rigging techniques, load calculations, and equipment, as well as strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Lead Riggers and similar skilled trades can earn around $3,000 or more per month through experience and specialized skills, often without requiring a college degree. These roles typically involve working in construction, entertainment, or industrial settings and may require certifications or apprenticeships. High-demand trades like electrical work, plumbing, or crane operation also offer similar earning potential without a degree.

What is the difference between Lead Rigger vs Rigger?

AspectLead RiggerRigger
CredentialsCertifications in rigging, safety, and sometimes specialized equipmentBasic rigging certifications or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role on construction sites, film sets, or industrial projectsHands-on rigging work in similar environments
ResponsibilitiesOversees rigging teams, plans rigging operations, ensures safety compliancePerforms rigging tasks, sets up equipment, assists in lifting operations

The main difference between a Lead Rigger and a Rigger is that the Lead Rigger has supervisory responsibilities, planning, and safety oversight, while a Rigger focuses on executing rigging tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the Lead Rigger manages teams and coordinates operations.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Rigger jobs in Tennessee? For Lead Rigger jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Rigger jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Rigger jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Lead Rigger job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 66% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 13% Nights, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,115 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Senior Design Engineer

Senior Design Engineer

Barnhart

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Barnhart rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 139 rated vehicle equipment hire


Job description

Job Summary:

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design and development of custom rigging equipment and structural systems tailored to the specific needs of a project. They lead the planning, design, and implementation of new equipment while making sure each design satisfies the needs of the project, adheres to relevant safety standards, and meets required deliverables. The role involves working closely with project and production managers, as well as field experts. The Senior Design Engineer position also involves mentoring junior engineers, contributing to continuous improvement efforts, and driving innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in crane and rigging design projects.
Job Requirements:

  • Experience: 5+ years of experience in structural or mechanical equipment design, preferably within the crane, rigging, or heavy lift/transport industry.
  • Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, OSHA 10
  • Technical Proficiency: Must possess an in-depth understanding of engineering principles related to structural steel design, cranes, rigging, and load calculations. Extensive experience with steel construction and fabrication processes preferred. Proficiency with CAD, 3D modeling software, and industry-specific tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar programs is essential. Familiarity with the types of cranes, rigging equipment, and materials used in lifting and transporting heavy loads is also important. Finally, strong knowledge of relevant design standards and regulations, including OSHA, AISC, ASME, ANSI, and others specific to designing structural steel and rigging equipment, is necessary to maintain compliance and uphold industry best practices.
  • Software Proficiency: Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting. Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software (AutoCAD/Inventor) and calculation software (RISA 3D/Ansys/Mathcad) is required.
  • Problem-Solving and Analytical Expertise: Ability to analyze and optimize structural steel and mechanical designs. Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong desire to teach and develop technical expertise in junior engineers.
  • Communication: Strong communication skills for reporting, documentation, and communicating with clients or team members. Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with crane operators, riggers, engineers, and project managers. Ability to accurately document and review design packages and incorporate changes when necessary.
  • Project Management Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to develop and update project schedules to ensure timely completion. Ability to estimate cost for design projects and fabrication. Ability and willingness to lead a team of junior engineers by fielding questions and reviewing their work.
  • Physical Requirements: Willingness and ability to visit job sites regularly and work in outdoor and potentially hazardous environments, which may involve standing, walking, crawling, climbing ladders or scaffolding, and lifting moderate weights.
  • Fit for Duty: Must pass a drug test, fit for duty and background check.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Create detailed design packages, including fabrication drawings, calculations, specification sheets, operation manuals, test certificates, etc.
  • Perform steel design and structural analysis tasks.
  • Understand industry regulations and standards (AISC, ASME, OSHA) and help ensure designs are in accordance.
  • Develop and review design parameters for engineering clarity and customer communication.
  • Create 3D models and technical drawings for equipment assemblies.
  • Prepare technical specifications, operating instructions, and maintenance requirements for newly designed equipment.
  • Create and review calculation packages that analyze relevant load cases to accurately support equipment design.
  • Develop and review mockup and load test plans and participate in the setup and execution of the tests.
  • Obtain working knowledge of existing Barnhart heavy lift and specialty rigging equipment.
  • Identify materials and communicate with the fabrication shop on schedule and design optimization.
  • Track project timelines and progress reports of a team of junior engineers.
  • Estimate and review the cost of design, fabrication, and testing for various design projects.
  • Provide on-site technical assistance during lifting and rigging operations to ensure lift plans are followed correctly.
  • Identify and manage operational risk in line with industry regulations.
  • Help ensure that equipment is maintained and in safe working condition and report any defects or issues.
  • Work alongside field personnel such as crane operators, riggers, and fabricators to support day-to-day project operations.
  • Communicate with clients and project managers to clarify requirements and relay project status updates.
  • Support the procurement of necessary materials and equipment by liaising with suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Record any changes to the design package, project scope, or schedule, ensuring all updates are properly documented.
  • Identify minor technical issues on-site and work with senior engineers to resolve them.
  • Participate in post-project reviews, helping to gather feedback and data for future designs.
  • Continuously learn and stay updated on the latest industry practices, safety regulations, and engineering standards.
  • Aid in the development of technical skills of junior engineers related to crane operations, rigging, and engineering design.
  • Support in the professional development of junior engineers.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Competitive salary
  • Bonus program that pays for performance
  • 401K contributions matched up to 10% of pay
  • Benefits Package including medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an ABET accredited 4-year university.

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 network 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.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran


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