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Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Worley

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$152K - $210K/yr

Principal Mechanical Engineer Play an integral role in delivering complex energy, chemicals, and resources projects that shape the future of industry. As a senior technical leader within Worley, you ...

Fermilab

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

The ISD Senior Mechanical Engineer leads and contributes to projects in areas such as design, design review, procurement, manufacture, installation, test, and initial operations of a project with ...

Columbia Energy

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Principal Mechanical Engineer Location: Richland, WA Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services Salary: $120,000 - $180,000 DOE About Columbia Energy Columbia Energy & Environmental Services ...

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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

Burlington, MA • On-site

Viken Detection
Investigation and Physical Security Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Viken Detectionexternal

$145K - $170K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Viken Detection is seeking a highly experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership and architectural ownership across our advanced detection and imaging systems. This highest-level individual contributor role sets mechanical design strategy, drives cross-platform alignment, and tackles complex system-level challenges. The Principal Mechanical Engineer partners closely with Engineering, Physics, Program Management, and Operations to deliver high-performance, manufacturable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions from concept through sustaining engineering.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as mechanical system architect for major product platforms
  • Lead system-level design decisions, trade studies, and risk mitigation
  • Establish mechanical standards, best practices, and reusable design architectures
  • Drive cross-functional alignment across mechanical, electrical, software, and physics teams
  • Lead development of complex electromechanical systems including structures, mechanisms, and enclosures
  • Drive early-stage innovation by assembling and testing proof-of-concept prototypes to validate concepts and reduce technical risk
  • Own mechanical execution across the full product lifecycle from concept through sustaining
  • Resolve high-impact, cross-subsystem technical challenges
  • Oversee tolerance analysis, structural integrity, environmental robustness, and reliability
  • Partner with Operations to ensure manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective designs
  • Lead mechanical NPI efforts, production readiness, and supplier engagement
  • Incorporate production, quality, and field feedback into continuous improvement
  • Mentor engineers and lead technical design reviews
  • Influence engineering roadmaps, resourcing, and long-term technical strategy
  • Advise engineering leadership on mechanical risk, capability, and execution
  • Promote engineering rigor, documentation quality, and technical excellence
  • Travel as needed (e.g., to suppliers, manufacturing partners, field deployments, or customer sites) to support development, integration, and issue resolution

Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in complex product development
  • Proven technical lead or system owner on shipped products
  • Experience designing electromechanical systems such as handheld devices, large-scale industrial or vehicle-mounted equipment, or precision mechanisms
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection-molded plastics, structural metals, welded assemblies, and tolerance management
  • Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks or Onshape; working knowledge of FEA and mechanical simulation
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Demonstrated ownership of designs from concept through full-rate production
  • Experience with ruggedized, safety-critical, or harsh-environment products; collaboration with Physics or Imaging teams preferred
  • Passion for mission-driven engineering and real-world impact

Additional Information
Location: This role is based in Burlington, MA. We are seeking local candidates, as relocation assistance is not available.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Salary Description
$145,000 - $170,000

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