Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Fort Worth, TX
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Salary: $125,000 – $150,000 (based on experience)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership across product development, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role serves as the organization's senior mechanical engineering resource, leading the design, development, and optimization of high-volume manufactured products while mentoring engineering staff and driving operational excellence.

The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in mechanical design, manufacturing processes, automation, and new product development with strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the senior Mechanical Engineering subject matter expert across the organization.
• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of mechanical products and assemblies.
• Provide technical guidance, design reviews, and engineering support for product development and manufacturing initiatives.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level mechanical engineers.

Product Development

• Lead new product development efforts from concept through production.
• Drive next-generation product innovation and product enhancements.
• Evaluate product performance and implement design improvements to enhance quality, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Develop engineering documentation, specifications, drawings, and design standards.

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement

• Lead manufacturing engineering initiatives supporting high-volume production.
• Improve manufacturing processes through automation, fixture design, tooling improvements, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Optimize production efficiency, workflow, equipment utilization, and assembly methods.
• Support equipment readiness, validation, and production ramp-up activities.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities without compromising product quality.

Project Management

• Lead cross-functional engineering projects from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations.
• Ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.
• Prepare project documentation, technical reports, and engineering records.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Support product testing, validation, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, manufacturing best practices, and safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience
• 5+ years supporting manufacturing engineering, process engineering, project management, or technical leadership in a manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting high-volume mechanical or electromechanical manufacturing
• Proven experience with new product development from concept through production
• Strong experience with injection molded plastic part design and tooling
• Experience designing and implementing manufacturing automation and assembly processes
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional engineering projects
• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership
• Previous supervisory or engineering management experience is a plus

Technical Skills

• Mechanical product design
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• CAD and 3D modeling software (SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or similar)
• Engineering drawing creation and interpretation
• Injection molding and tooling design
• Manufacturing automation and assembly equipment
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Product validation and testing
• Root cause analysis and continuous improvement
• Project management
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Project, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Experience

• Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
• Basic electrical and electronic principles
• Ability to read wiring schematics
• High-volume manufacturing equipment and processes

Leadership Competencies

• Technical leadership and decision-making
• Excellent project management skills
• Ability to mentor and develop engineering talent
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong organizational skills with a results-driven mindset
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement

Work Environment

This position is based in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular interaction with production operations.

The role may involve:

• Exposure to manufacturing equipment, moving machinery, airborne particles, and varying temperatures
• Moderate industrial noise levels
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated production areas

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb within a manufacturing environment
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 35 pounds
• Ability to read engineering drawings, technical documentation, and computer screens
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Regular and reliable attendance

Travel

• Up to 20% travel for customer visits, supplier meetings, manufacturing support, training, and industry events.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineering leader to influence product innovation, manufacturing excellence, and strategic growth. You'll lead high-impact engineering initiatives, mentor a talented team, and help shape the future of innovative manufactured products in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.