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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ADP, Inc.

NY · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Full Time Management Cape Canaveral, FL, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 1262 Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) is a space mission enabler providing flexible, cost ...

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V2X

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer is a senior technical authority responsible for solving the most demanding mechanical design challenges, guiding integrated product teams, and driving ...

V2X

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer is a senior technical authority responsible for solving the most demanding mechanical design challenges, guiding integrated product teams, and driving ...

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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer information

See salary details

$86K

$145.1K

$170.5K

How much do principal mechanical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal mechanical design engineer in the United States is $145,075.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,000.00 and $156,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal mechanical design engineer?

A Principal Mechanical Design Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems and products. They oversee project teams, provide technical guidance, and ensure that engineering solutions meet performance, safety, and quality standards. In addition to designing products, they collaborate across disciplines, mentor junior engineers, and play a key role in project management and strategic decision-making within engineering departments.

How does a principal mechanical design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will frequently work with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, manufacturing specialists, project managers, and quality assurance professionals. Collaboration often involves coordinating design reviews, integrating feedback from various disciplines, and ensuring that mechanical solutions align with overall project goals and constraints. Effective communication and leadership are key, as you may also mentor junior engineers and help resolve technical challenges that impact multiple team members. This collaborative environment not only enhances project outcomes but also provides opportunities for learning and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal mechanical design engineer, and why are they important?

A Principal Mechanical Design Engineer requires advanced mechanical engineering knowledge, strong project management skills, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering with substantial industry experience. Proficiency in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly expected. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating across disciplines. These skills and qualifications ensure the engineer can lead complex projects, drive innovation, and maintain high standards of safety and performance.

What is the difference between Principal Mechanical Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, professional certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, entry to mid-level certifications
Work EnvironmentLead design projects, oversee teams, collaborate with cross-functional departmentsDevelop and modify mechanical designs, support project teams
Industry UsageUsed in senior technical roles across manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveCommon in product development, manufacturing, engineering firms

The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer typically holds a senior technical role, leading design initiatives and mentoring teams, whereas the Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on executing design tasks and supporting project development. Both roles require strong engineering skills, but the principal position involves more leadership and strategic responsibilities.

What states have the most Principal Mechanical Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Mechanical Design Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Mechanical Design Engineer jobs?

For Principal Mechanical Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,075 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site

Sterling Engineering Inc.
See more jobs at Sterling Engineering Inc.external

$160K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate mechanical design activities across one or more product development programs

  • Partner with cross-functional and multi-site teams to achieve technical and business objectives

  • Design, build, and test prototypes to evaluate product performance

Job description

Title: Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Chicago (Ravenswood area)
Hire Type: Direct Hire OR Indefinite contract 
Compensation: $160k-170K yrly
Benefits:Comprehensive Benefit Package
Must have Skill Set: Strong Leadrship Skills 

 

About the Opportunity
Join a global leader in advanced product development and manufacturing solutions serving highly regulated industries. This organization partners with some of the world’s most recognized brands to design, develop, and manufacture complex, high-performance products used worldwide.

They are expanding capabilities and seeking an experienced Technical Leader / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to drive innovation, lead mechanical design efforts, and guide multidisciplinary teams through the full product development lifecycle.

Position Overview
This is a high-impact leadership role for a results-driven engineer with strong mechanical design expertise and proven success leading cross-functional teams. You will oversee multiple programs, solve complex engineering challenges, and ensure designs are optimized for performance, manufacturability, and scalability.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-paced product development environments and enjoys mentoring engineers while shaping next-generation products.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and coordinate mechanical design activities across one or more product development programs
  • Partner with cross-functional and multi-site teams to achieve technical and business objectives
  • Define priorities, timelines, and resource needs for engineering programs
  • Develop and communicate technical action plans internally and externally
  • Identify risks early and recommend practical solutions balancing cost, timing, and requirements
  • Design, build, and test prototypes to evaluate product performance
  • Solve complex technical challenges throughout development and commercialization
  • Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
  • Collaborate with tooling, automation, and manufacturing teams for high-volume production readiness
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical contributors
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 7+ years of product development or mechanical design engineering experience
  • Strong knowledge of regulated industry standards (FDA, ISO, or similar)
  • Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and related engineering software
  • Experience leading technical aspects of product/device development programs
  • Background in high-volume manufacturing, injection molding, and automation
Preferred Skills
  • Strong leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple locations and functions
  • Experience in consulting or client-facing engineering environments
  • Basic understanding of electronics and software integration
Why Consider This Role?
  • Lead high-visibility engineering programs with real business impact
  • Work on innovative products used globally
  • Collaborate with world-class engineering and manufacturing teams
  • Strong growth opportunity within an expanding global organization

 


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.