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Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tribonet

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

The Principal Engineer for Ball Screw Design & Development serves as the technical authority for precision ball screw mechanisms used in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial applications. This ...

Columbia Energy

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Richland, WA · On-site

$120K - $170K/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 ...

Tribonet

The Principal Engineer for Ball Screw Design & Development serves as the technical authority for precision ball screw mechanisms used in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial applications. This ...

Ring Inc

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

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 ...

Pura

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Pleasant Grove, UT · On-site

Principal Mechanical Engineer Hardware Engineering Org · Reports to Director of Mechanical Engineering · Full Time · Remote / Hybrid Join Us at Pura--Reimagining Fragrance for the Future At Pura ...

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 ...

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 ...

Bostondynamics

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Waltham, MA · On-site

$155K - $193K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to set the architectural vision for high-performance Actuator Products on next-generation humanoid robotic platforms. This role sits at the intersection ...

Pura

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Pleasant Grove, UT · On-site

Principal Mechanical Engineer Hardware Engineering Org • Reports to Director of Mechanical Engineering • Full Time • Remote / Hybrid Join Us at Pura-Reimagining Fragrance for the Future At Pura ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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

Saginaw, MI • On-site

Tribonet
See more jobs at Tribonetexternal

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

An educational platform on tribology the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join one of our largest aerospace manufacturing clients sitting onsite in Saginaw, Michigan. The Principal Engineer for Ball Screw Design & Development serves as the technical authority for precision ball screw mechanisms used in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial applications. This role owns the design architecture, analytical approach, materials selection, manufacturing methods, and validation strategy of new ball screw products. The Principal Engineer provides deep subject-matter expertise, leads complex development efforts, and mentors engineering teams to ensure product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, development, and analysis of ball screw assemblies, including screw shafts, nuts, return systems, recirculation mechanisms, and drive interfaces.
  • Define ball screw geometry, preload strategy, lead accuracy, life requirements, and lubrication approaches based on system needs and environmental constraints.
  • Perform detailed analytical modeling: load distribution, Hertzian contact stress, fatigue life, torque prediction, friction modeling, stiffness and compliance, thermal effects, wear, and backlash behavior.
  • Lead FEA/CAE activities involving nonlinear contact, dynamic loading, thermal-mechanical interactions, and structural optimization.
  • Conduct advanced failure analyses (FMEA, root-cause analysis) for wear, spalling, brinelling, lubrication breakdown, material defects, and contamination sensitivity.
  • Define and validate material specifications, heat-treat requirements, coatings/platings, cleanliness, and surface finish to achieve life and reliability targets.
  • Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineering on grinding, thread-rolling, grooving, nut machining, ball sizing, assembly sequencing, and quality control processes.
  • Lead testing strategy including endurance testing, torque characterization, efficiency measurement, load testing, lubrication trials, and environmental qualification.
  • Serve as technical lead or chief engineer for ball screw-related programs, providing guidance to project engineers and designers.
  • Partner with customers on requirements definition, performance trade studies, design reviews, and issue resolution.
  • Drive continuous improvement and innovation in ball screw technologies, including new recirculation architectures, materials, and friction-reduction methods.
  • Ensure compliance with AS9100, aerospace design standards, traceability requirements, and export-control regulations.
  • Prepare and present high-level technical reports, design justifications, risk analyses, and engineering review packages to internal leadership and customers.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in mechanical design, with at least 5 years specializing in ball screws, actuation systems, or precision motion components.
  • Demonstrated expertise in contact mechanics, tribology, fatigue analysis, and precision mechanical design.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD and CAE tools (SolidWorks, ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of aerospace/industrial product development lifecycles.
  • Deep knowledge of ball screw architecture, geometry optimization, preload techniques, and mechanical efficiency factors.
  • Expertise in failure modes, reliability engineering, and life prediction specific to rolling-element mechanisms.
  • Ability to lead complex projects, mentor engineers, and influence technical direction.
  • Excellent communication and customer-facing skills, able to deliver complex technical material clearly.
  • Strong capability in risk management, trade studies, and data-driven decision making.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering focused on tribology, contact mechanics, or machine design.
  • Experience with electromechanical actuator systems.
  • Background in high-precision manufacturing or grinding/thread-rolling process development.
  • Experience with DO-160, MIL-STD environmental qualification, or similar aerospace standards.
  • Six Sigma, DFSS, or advanced reliability engineering certification.
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