Principal Mechanical Engineer

Overview

The Principal Engineer – Mechanical is responsible for technical leadership of engineering teams and projects, driving new product development, overseeing continuation engineering initiatives, and providing technical direction and expertise across the organization. This role requires a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles, extensive experience, and the ability to drive innovation and excellence in product design and development.

Responsibilities

VALUE ANALYSIS / VALUE ENGINEERING

• Lead Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) activities to improve product value through optimization of cost, performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and lifecycle considerations
• Identify and prioritize cost-reduction opportunities through design simplification, component standardization, material and process selection, supplier alternatives, and reduction of part count and manufacturing complexity
• Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Service, Sales, and other stakeholders to identify and evaluate product improvement opportunities
• Develop technical and business justification for proposed changes, including cost-benefit analysis, implementation cost, technical risk, validation requirements, and expected savings
• Ensure cost-reduction initiatives preserve or improve product performance, safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and customer value
• Promote Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA), standardization, modular design, and reuse of proven architectures across product families
• Establish methods to track and communicate the technical and financial impact of implemented VA/VE initiatives

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP

• Serve as a technical authority for complex mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering challenges, providing guidance and direction across projects, product families, and the broader engineering organization
• Lead design reviews and provide technical oversight for critical product architecture, design decisions, analytical methods, and validation strategies
• Mentor engineers and support development of technical capability, engineering judgment, and engineering best practices throughout the organization
• Identify and advance opportunities to improve product architecture, engineering methods, design practices, and technical capability across product families
• Drive systematic resolution of complex or recurring technical problems through root-cause analysis, engineering analysis, testing, and corrective action
• Represent Engineering in technically complex customer, supplier, and cross-functional discussions, providing technical expertise and supporting resolution of critical issues

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING

• Lead the design and development of innovative products and systems from initial concept through final production
• Lead technical feasibility and trade-off studies considering product performance, cost targets, manufacturability, reliability, technical risk, and schedule to guide product-development decisions
• Develop detailed design specifications, 3D models, and engineering drawings of fabricated parts and assemblies using CAD systems
• Specify and evaluate purchased components, subsystems, and services
• Perform simulations, prototyping, and testing to validate designs and ensure product performance and reliability meet all specifications
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to align product development with market needs and customer requirements
• Establish and drive design-to-cost objectives during new product development, balancing customer requirements, product performance, reliability, and total delivered cost

PROJECT LEADERSHIP

• Provide technical leadership for complex product-development programs, establishing technical direction, resolving critical design issues, managing technical risk, and supporting achievement of project cost, schedule, and performance objectives
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure project success
• Monitor project progress, identify and resolve issues, and communicate status updates to stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and company policies

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure compliance with and contribute to continuous improvement of company standards and Engineering department processes and best practices
• Support Lean initiatives and continual compliance with ISO 9001 standards and procedures
• Contribute to the development and execution of engineering strategic goals, initiatives, and standards
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in mechanical and HVAC engineering, and promote relevant knowledge and technology adoption across the engineering organization
• Share technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices with other members of the engineering team
• Contribute to a positive work atmosphere by collaborating with your peers and participating in team engagement events
• Comply with company safety and health rules and policies and promote safe work practices. Report any safety concerns to senior managers

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline, with at least 10 years of directly relevant experience
• Significant experience in new product development and continuation engineering
• Deep understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Working knowledge of electrical power and controls systems
• Extensive experience with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD and PLM software

Key Qualities & Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships across teams, functions, and organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical requirements, product cost, schedule, manufacturing capability, technical risk, and customer value in engineering decision-making
• Ability to provide technical leadership across multiple complex projects and priorities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies