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Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZF

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

As the Principal Mechanical Engineer for ADAS, you will lead mechanical design and development for ZF ADAS electronics products, including cameras, ECUs, and related assemblies that support advanced ...

JS Consulting

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Title- Principal Mechanical Engineer Project Location - Tampa, Florida onsite Duration- Fulltime Visa- USC/ GC Client is searching for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead building system ...

Quiet Capital

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the design and implementation of advanced R&D equipment and complex machinery. This role requires strong technical expertise, procedural ...

WorleyParsons

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$146K - $214K/yr

- Principal Mechanical Engineer- Materials Handling Group (LON03E8) Principal Mechanical Engineer- Materials Handling Group - LON03E8 Company : Worley Primary Location USA-CA-Long Beach Other Locations ...

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$86K

$145.1K

$170.5K

How much do principal mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal mechanical 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 engineer?

A Principal Mechanical Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for leading mechanical design projects, overseeing teams, and ensuring technical excellence in product development. They often play a strategic role in planning, innovation, and providing expert guidance to solve complex engineering challenges. Principal Mechanical Engineers typically have significant experience, advanced technical knowledge, and are involved in mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring projects meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a principal mechanical engineer expect to handle on a typical team?

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will often lead multidisciplinary teams on complex projects, overseeing the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems or products. Your responsibilities commonly include setting technical direction, mentoring junior engineers, ensuring quality standards, and collaborating closely with project managers and other engineering disciplines. You may also be involved in client consultations, risk assessments, and making high-level decisions to drive innovation and efficiency. The role often requires balancing hands-on technical work with strategic planning and leadership duties.

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

To thrive as a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you need deep expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering and significant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), FEA tools, and knowledge of relevant industry standards or certifications (like PE licensure) are essential. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering projects, innovation, and alignment with organizational goals.

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

AspectPrincipal Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and oversight of complex mechanical systems, often in leadership rolesDesign, analysis, and testing of mechanical components and systems
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and energy sectorsCommon in similar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The Principal Mechanical Engineer typically holds advanced credentials and leads complex projects, focusing on strategic oversight. Mechanical Engineers are more involved in hands-on design and analysis tasks. Both roles are vital in engineering teams, but the Principal Mechanical Engineer usually has more experience and responsibility.

How much does a principal mechanical engineer earn?

A principal mechanical engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often require advanced skills in CAD software, project management, and engineering design.

What does a principal mechanical engineer do?

A principal mechanical engineer leads the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and components, often overseeing projects and providing technical guidance. They typically have advanced knowledge of engineering principles, CAD tools, and industry standards, and may coordinate teams to ensure project goals are met efficiently.
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Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,075 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI • On-site

ZF
10K+ employees
Learn more about ZFexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

ZF rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

 Req ID 90232 | Gbl Elec HQ - Farmington Hills, United States Capri USA Group, Inc.

Job Description

As the Principal Mechanical Engineer for ADAS, you will lead mechanical design and development for ZF ADAS electronics products, including cameras, ECUs, and related assemblies that support advanced driver assistance features such as AEB, ACC, LKA, TSR, Park Assist, Surround View, and E-Mirror. This role is part of ZF's ADAS & HPC business during an exciting period of growth, transformation, and planned divestiture, offering the opportunity to help shape next-generation driver assistance and high-performance computing technologies.

What you can look forward as the Principal Mechanical Engineer: 

  • Perform mechanical design activities for ADAS components and assemblies, including cameras, ECUs, brackets, and related electronic product hardware
  • Apply engineering best practices such as DFMEA, DFM/DFA, Six Sigma, CAE, tolerance analysis, and GD&T to develop robust design solutions
  • Leverage knowledge of product designs, materials, process technologies, and electronic assembly requirements to support manufacturable designs
  • Collaborate with Electrical Engineering, Optics, CAD, purchasing, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure design requirements are met
  • Partner with product engineering teams to propose, evaluate, and recommend design changes and technical solutions
  • Perform and coordinate prototype laboratory testing, component/system characterization, validation test definition, and validation support
  • Develop project timelines, execute plans to established milestones, follow internal development processes, mentor colleagues, and support management
  • Support cross-functional application programs, design re-use, dual-sourcing validation plans, customer requirement gap analysis, new business quotations, and vehicle integration for test vehicle development

Your Profile as Principal Mechanical Engineer:

  • 7+ Years of Mechanical Engineering experience in Automotive field (Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred)
  • Experience designing mechanical components/assemblies for Automotive electronics
  • Knowledge of ADAS electronics or camera design
  • Experience with CAD design tools, including Catia V5
  • Electronics packaging/manufacturing and aluminum component design
  • Project management and budget execution
  • Internal/external client communication
  • Flexibility, independence, design completion, and technical communication skills

What We Offer:

  • A supportive collaborative team environment
  • Annual Incentive Plan
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Personal Time
  • 401k Plan
  • Health Care Benefits
  • Paid Holidays 
  • A strong diversity culture
  • Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities

Be part of our ZF team as Principal Mechanical Engineer and apply now!

Contact

Gabriela Palacio

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran

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