Mechanical Engineer, Senior

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Blaine, MN

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Automation, Automation System Development, Bill of Materials (BOM), Biology, Business Growth, Communication Skills, Component Selection, Continuous Improvement, Cost Estimates, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Design Services, Documentation, Engineering, Engineering Drawing, Leadership, Machining, Manufacturing Management, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Equipment, Mentoring, Partner Sales, Problem Solving Skills, Professional Engineer, Project Design, Project Development, Project Execution, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Regulatory Requirements, Schematics, Staff Development, Structural Engineering, Team Player, Technical Analysis, Technical Leadership, Technical Strategy, Technical Support, Vendor/Supplier Selection, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Blaine, MN
POSTED
1 day ago
Position Summary
We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design and development of custom automation equipment for the medical device and life sciences industries. This individual will play a key role in leading complex engineering projects from concept through execution while supporting proposal development, mentoring engineers, and driving engineering excellence across the organization.

This is an opportunity for a highly experienced mechanical engineer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and influencing both technical strategy and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
  • Lead the mechanical design and development of custom automation systems and equipment.
  • Develop project concepts and support technical proposals, quotations, and cost estimates.
  • Evaluate technical, schedule, and cost risks throughout project execution.
  • Provide technical guidance to engineers and project managers on design, manufacturing, and project execution.
  • Lead design reviews and ensure designs meet quality, performance, and regulatory requirements.
  • Create and review engineering documentation, drawings, specifications, and multi-level bills of materials.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to source components, evaluate solutions, and obtain quotations.
  • Support project execution through technical leadership from concept to completion.
  • Perform engineering calculations, design validation, and mechanical analysis.

Business & Customer Support
  • Partner with sales teams during customer meetings by providing technical expertise.
  • Support proposal development and business growth initiatives.
  • Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.
  • Help establish and improve engineering standards, processes, and design methodologies.

Leadership & Mentorship
  • Mentor and develop mechanical engineers across the organization.
  • Foster collaboration and continuous improvement within engineering teams.
  • Lead by example with strong technical expertise and professionalism.
  • Support employee development and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 10+ years of mechanical design experience, or an Associate degree/technical diploma with 15+ years of custom automation experience.
  • Extensive experience designing custom automation or special-purpose machinery.
  • Strong knowledge of machine design principles and manufacturing processes.
  • Proficiency with GD&T and engineering documentation.
  • Experience creating multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs).
  • Knowledge of machining processes, materials, coatings, and heat treatments.
  • Experience designing pneumatic systems and interpreting pneumatic schematics.
  • Strong understanding of machine safety and industrial automation.
  • Experience performing engineering calculations involving structural analysis, kinematics, and dynamics.
  • Experience working with suppliers on component selection and sourcing.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred
  • Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks (preferred).
  • Experience with AutoCAD or DraftSight.
  • Experience with SolidWorks Electrical.
  • Experience using SolidWorks Simulation or other FEA software.
  • Familiarity with MathCAD or similar engineering calculation software.
  • Knowledge of GAMP documentation standards.
  • Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP and PDM systems (SolidWorks EPDM preferred).
  • Previous engineering leadership or mentoring experience.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.
Work Environment
  • Office and engineering environment with occasional time spent in a machine shop.
  • Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
  • Occasional domestic and international travel, including overnight travel.

About the Company

S

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:

 

  • Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.

 

  • Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.

 

Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1969
WEBSITE
http://www.sterling-engineering.com