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Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

V2X is seeking an accomplished Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer specializing in machine design, automation and controls. In this pivotal role, you will lead the conception, development, and ...

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 is seeking an accomplished Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer specializing in machine design, automation and controls. In this pivotal role, you will lead the conception, development, and ...

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 ...

Principal Product Engineer - FEA Description Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 ... Multi-step, history-dependent mechanical and thermo-mechanical loading, including manufacturing and ...

Eng Prin - Mech

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$96K - $164K/yr

BAE Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Fort Wayne, Indiana! "We Protect Those Who Protect Us ® " is our mission, and we're looking for engineers who share our ...

Eng Prin - Mech

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$96K - $164K/yr

BAE Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Fort Wayne, Indiana! "We Protect Those Who Protect Us ® " is our mission, and we're looking for engineers who share our ...

The Principal Product Engineer - FEA leads advanced structural and thermal analyses for complex mechanical systems. This role emphasizes deep expertise in finite elements analysis (FEA), particularly ...

The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development and manufacturing of Bowmar ... The above list reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal function ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Mechanical Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$81.8K

$138K

$162.2K

How much do principal mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal mechanical engineer in Indiana is $138,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,400.00 and $148,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Principal Mechanical Engineer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,049 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

National Starch and Chemical

Indianapolis, IN • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you've experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Westchester, IL

Workplace type: Hybrid

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will lead across a broad range of mechanical engineering expertise and technical support in multiple Ingredion facilities across all Ingredion segments to meet manufacturing, quality, safety, reliability, and cost goals. Considered Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Mechanical Engineering for Utilities and Process Equipment. Supports the mechanical design of utilities and process equipment, and systems, equipment troubleshooting and optimization, development and review of projects, and support during and after major project implementation. Provides an elevated level of technical leadership through mentoring, leading multi-disciplined teams, solving technical challenges, and ensuring Ingredion applies the best technologies in its business segments globally.

This role reports to the Director of Global Process Engineering, Utilities


What you will do:

Technical Competencies

  • Provide mechanical engineering, design, and technical expertise as needed to optimize the operation of multiple Ingredion facilities across all segments. This includes conducting engineering studies, developing mechanical systems and equipment specifications, as well as selecting, designing, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical engineering subjects including bulk solids material handling, conveyor system, storage; liquid/slurry material movement and storage; high inertia rotating equipment, primary utilities; boilers, air compressors and cogeneration systems; tanks, silos and pressure vessels; equipment and systems sizing, design, fabrication, troubleshooting and failure analysis; general mechanical technology such as strength of materials, machine design, fluid mechanics and materials of construction.
  • Evaluate and review appropriate equipment and mechanical systems designs for projects and existing operations to ensure compliance with safety, applicable codes, standards, and best practices.
  • Evaluate proposed projects to ensure optimal technology selection, comprehensive scope inclusion, properly sized mechanical systems and equipment, an adequate budget estimate, and alignment with business objectives.
  • Leads multi-disciplinary teams to analyze and solve complex mechanical problems and implement solutions.
  • Utilizes and contributes to our knowledge management systems, driving the availability and implementation of best practices across the organization.
  • Authors and disseminate engineering standards to implemented across the organization.

Core Competencies

  • Engineering skills apply to optimize the financial benefits of various business alternatives.
  • Actively engage stakeholders on complex business issues and drive collaboration to ensure the best solution.
  • Identifies gaps and improvements to drive EHSSQ compliance globally.
  • Identifies and drives best-in-class technology to resolve reliability issues.
  • Leads deviation treatment to solve the most complex problems across multiple sites and implements sustainable solutions in collaboration with local teams.
  • Applies knowledge of IPS operational governance, process standardization, and deviation treatment.
  • Develops prioritized Best Operating Practices (BOP) and critical routines, provides training of their application, and supports the implementation and adherence tracking.
  • Leads the documentation and sharing of success cases and lessons learned across the organization to multiply favorable impact of top KPIs and drive standardization.

What you will bring:

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field with equivalent experience.
  • Extensive experience in Mechanical engineering and plant manufacturing required. Experience with multi-site, regional, or global experience preferred.

Who you are:

  • Use an elevated level of industry knowledge and expertise to deliver critical business objectives.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to collaborate within multi-disciplined groups to deliver results.
  • Drives global collaboration to improve knowledge and services across the Ingredion network.
  • Utilize finite resources across multiple regions to efficiently address technical requirements.
  • Actively develops early-career process engineers through Mentorship and Training.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

  • Total Rewards Package - Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success.
  • Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support - Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
  • Flexible Work Arrangements - We value flexibility to support you both professionally and personally.
  • Career Growth - Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee Recognition Program - A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
  • Employee Discount Program - Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability-mental or physical-marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law ("protected classifications"). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

Yes, Within Country

Pay Range:

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.