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Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wilder Systems

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

Wilder Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to be responsible for turning design requirements into viable products. Specific tasks include R&D design, mentoring engineers, defining ...

Ring Inc

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$194 - $263/hr

Proactive Collaboration About the Role Mainspring is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as a company-level technical authority in a critical mechanical engineering domain for our Linear ...

New

Wilder Systems

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$155 - $200/hr

Wilder Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to be responsible for turning design requirements into viable products. Specific tasks include R&D design, mentoring engineers, defining ...

jobr.pro

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Position Overview Saronic is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide senior technical leadership across the mechanical engineering organization. This role reports to the Director of ...

System One

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$165K - $210K/yr

Principal Mechanical Engineer Location: Charlotte, NC Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $165,000.00 - $210,000.00 Work Model: Onsite - onsite Responsibilities * Serve as Mechanical Lead on EPC power ...

New

Pura

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Pleasant Grove, UT · On-site

Principal Mechanical Engineer Join Us at Pura--Reimagining Fragrance for the Future At Pura, we believe life is better when it smells good. Fragrance has the unique power to transform spaces, elevate ...

Pura

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Pleasant Grove, UT · On-site

Principal Mechanical Engineer Join Us at Pura-Reimagining Fragrance for the Future At Pura, we believe life is better when it smells good. Fragrance has the unique power to transform spaces, elevate ...

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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.
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Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
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

Wilder Systems

Austin, TX • On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Wilder Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to be responsible for turning design requirements into viable products. Specific tasks include R&D design, mentoring engineers, defining design strategies, and ensuring compliance with standards.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in mechanical design, enjoys mentorship, and brings experience in robotics for aerospace.
Responsibilities
  1. Strategic Leadership: Lead and influence the company's engineering strategy, aligning it with long-term business goals.
  2. Technical Vision: Define and communicate the company's technical vision, guiding the direction of advanced projects and R&D efforts.
  3. Mentorship and Training: Mentor and train senior and junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
  4. Innovation and Research: Drive research and development efforts, exploring cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to maintain the company's competitive edge.
  5. Technical Governance: Establish and maintain engineering standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes.
  6. Project Ownership: Assumes responsibility for delivering high quality products critical to business success.
  7. Required Guidance: Serves as a critical source of guidance and expertise for the engineering team, actively contributing to knowledge sharing, and providing direction on complex technical challenges.
  8. Customer Support: Responsible for customer relationships, interacts with customers to solicit directional information, investigate new technical challenges and work with customers around new initiatives.
General Requirements
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or similar field
  • Willingness to lead and mentor junior engineers 
  • 10 or more years of professional experience in mechanical engineering or a related field
  • Strong communication, organizational, time management, leadership, and decision-making skills
  • Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings and have an expert understanding of basic electrical and mechanical control systems
  • Works well in high pressure situations, during tight deadlines, and in front of customers
  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Able to travel occasionally
Required Experience
  • Working knowledge of best practices for tooling fixture design
  • Advanced Proficiency in CAD software, SolidWorks preferred
  • Part drawing generation and attention to detail
  • Advanced proficiency in GD&T and Design for Manufacturing techniques
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring design teams
  • Expert level of basic machinery design - includes design process, engineering mechanics and materials, failure prevention, and characteristics of the principal types of mechanical elements
  • Knowledge of design for manufacturing and assembly best practices

Preferred Experience
  • 6+ years of experience working directly with aerospace automation
  • 6+ years of experience designing aerospace tooling
  • Broad knowledge of automation hardware (drive trains, actuators, guides, etc.) 
  • Automation and robotic work experience
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Background knowledge of CATIA
  • Product Data Management Software
  • Generating Bills of Material

About Wilder Systems
Wilder Systems designs, manufactures, and installs robotic systems for industrial manufacturing applications in the aerospace industry. Our tools are used in direct manufacturing and maintenance of aerospace structures. We have a dynamic, talented, and collaborative engineering team and want those who are energized by solving our customers’ toughest problems.
Compensation
$155,000-$200,000 Base
Benefits
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • PTO

Schedule
8-hour shift with an expectation of overtime when required

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