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Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Batavia, NY · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$152K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer Job Details A Principal ME will demonstrate expertise in the design, analysis and integration planning of precision, opto-mechanical subsystems such as gimbaled ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer Job Details A Principal ME will demonstrate expertise in the design, analysis and integration planning of precision, opto-mechanical subsystems such as gimbaled ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$107K - $198K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal Mechanical Engineer Requisition ID: 1833 Position Location: Sterling, VA Position Reports To: Manager, Mechanical Engineering Supervises Others: No At Trident Systems Space Electronic ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer , you will shape the future of our automation technology, setting the standard for mechanical design excellence and driving innovation across the company. This is a ...

Pragmatic Optimism Excellence without Ego Proactive Collaboration About the Role Mainspring is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as a company-level technical authority in a critical ...

New

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

Principal Mechanical Engineer As a Principal Mechanical Engineer you will play a key role in creating best‑in‑class experiences for our customers through innovative design, helping us push our ...

PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER - NUCLEAR Job Summary The Principal Nuclear Engineer- Mechanical in Engineering Services provides governance and oversight for multiple mechanical component activities ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$107K - $198K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal Mechanical Engineer Requisition ID: 1790 Position Location: Sterling, VA Position Reports To: Manager, Mechanical Engineering Supervises Others: No At Trident Systems Space Electronic ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer , you will shape the future of our automation technology, setting the standard for mechanical design excellence and driving innovation across the company. This is a ...

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

Showing results 21-40

Principal Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$86K

$145.1K

$170.5K

How much do principal mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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 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.
More about Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,075 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Fermilab

Batavia, NY • On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Fermilab rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$124,800.00-$164,200.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:
The Fermilab Infrastructure Services Division (ISD) is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer. This individual is responsible for major, complex, high-level engineering projects requiring engineering creativity in developing innovative concepts and techniques. The (ISD) Principal 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 extensive & diversified engineering requirements in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, requirements and standards, and all Department of Energy (DOE) orders. This role may oversee sub-contractors or supervise/ manage an engineering group/department.

What your day-to-day as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at Fermilab will look like:

  • Analyze data and perform engineering calculations.
  • Develop specifications, designs, and documents for major and technically complex, high-level, and highly visible engineering projects and design solutions. Work involves a variety of complex and advanced engineering techniques.
  • Plan and/or lead large or complex projects from inception to completion and brings them to operating status. Estimates manpower, schedules work, coordinates and directs technicians.
  • Provide technical direction to draftsmen, designers, engineering associates, technicians, or less senior engineers. Coordinates and/or supervises technicians and other engineers and sub-contractors. May manage the activities of engineering groups or departments.
  • Identify problems or tasks requiring engineering solutions and provides a thorough analysis of alternatives.
  • Participate in procurement, as well as manufacture, installation, testing, and operation.
  • Assist or lead in the development of cost estimates, as well as the monitoring and/or management of budgetary obligations.
  • Review and approve work before hardware and financial resources are committed, ensuring conformance to specifications and cost/time constraints.
  • Enhance the national and international presence of projects or the Lab through participation in and collaboration on project reviews, as well as participation in technical conferences and publication.
  • Serve on safety panels, review committees, and other subcommittees as assigned. May serves as chair of subcommittee(s) or division/section committees.
  • Contribute to setting lab-wide engineering policies, safety standards or technical standards.
  • May provide supervision or leadership of a team including hiring, promotions, performance reviews, training, disciplinary actions, team exits, and other duties as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Essential Skills and Competencies for Succes:

  • Bachelor's in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 8+ years of engineering experience, or a Master's or PhD in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 6+ years of engineering experience.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • In-depth knowledge and proficiency in application of theories, concepts, principles, and methodology for the engineering discipline.
  • Possess extensive project planning skills in developing specifications and documents for major and technically complex, high-level, and highly visible engineering projects and engineering design solutions.
  • Ability to perform a variety of complex and advanced engineering techniques.
  • Experience with AutoCAD required, and/or Revit is a plus.
  • Professional Engineer licensure in the State of Illinois is desired.

The successful candidate will have experience in one or more of the following related areas:

  • Design of HVAC Systems
  • Design of piping Systems
  • Design of plumbing systems and code experience
  • HVAC "Controls/DDC" background desired
  • Experience with energy modeling/hvac softwares specially CDS-Trace desired
  • Exposure to Building Commissioning
  • Familiarity with Ashrae requirements and applications desired
  • Working knowledge of building codes related to mechanical systems

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

  • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid time off
  • Life insurance
  • Short and Long-term disability insurance
  • Retirement benefits
  • Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:


Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.


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