Principal Engineer

Position Summary

Research and execute complex or innovative engineering assignments that require developing new or improved methods, techniques, and procedures. Contribute to and be responsible for completing significant or critical assignments with broad product, technology, customer, and strategic business impact.

Scope/Supervision and Interaction

• Develop new or refined equipment, materials, processes, products, concepts, and/or scientific methods by applying advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for assigned areas.
• Evaluate costs, available resources, time limitations, company planning, and other technical and economic factors.
• Provide expert technical information concerning manufacturing or processing techniques, materials, properties, and process advantages and limitations affecting long-range plant and product engineering planning.
• Make technical proposals and presentations to various internal and external customer groups to influence business decisions.
• Conduct analyses and/or tests pertaining to the development of new designs, methods, materials, equipment, or processes and complete required documentation.
• Compile and analyze operation, test, and research data to establish performance standards for newly designed or modified equipment or products.
• Investigate, research, and operationalize new technologies in specialty or related areas to improve cost and performance.
• Apply and lead continuous improvement initiatives through the development of new engineering technology, product development, analytic tools, and key production principles and techniques.
• Act as a consultant to top management on significant issues. May provide technical leadership to others in integrated product development teams.
• Serve as a technical subject expert and resource. Share specialized knowledge with others and ensure knowledge transfer on technologies and products.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in mechanical, aerospace, electronic, or systems engineering or a related technical discipline. MS preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through ten or more years of related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electronic, and/or optics engineering principles, theories, concepts, techniques, industry practices, regulations, and policies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to lead and implement, continuous improvement principles and techniques.
• Ability to use standard business applications software and specialized data analysis, design, and project management tools.
• Ability to apply comprehensive knowledge of other related engineering areas or from other technical experts to own area of expertise.
• Ability to plan and conduct complex assignments where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables and/or incomplete data.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex policies and recommend major changes to procedures.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Ability to lead technology projects complex in scope and/or work of others.