Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
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Overview
Compensation
$160,000-$170,000/year
Job Description
Title: Principal Mechanical Design EngineerLocation: Chicago (Ravenswood area)Hire Type: Direct Hire OR Indefinite contract Compensation: $160k-170K yrlyBenefits:Comprehensive Benefit PackageMust have Skill Set: Strong Leadrship Skills
About the Opportunity
Join a global leader in advanced product development and manufacturing solutions serving highly regulated industries. This organization partners with some of the world’s most recognized brands to design, develop, and manufacture complex, high-performance products used worldwide.
They are expanding capabilities and seeking an experienced Technical Leader / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to drive innovation, lead mechanical design efforts, and guide multidisciplinary teams through the full product development lifecycle.
Position Overview
This is a high-impact leadership role for a results-driven engineer with strong mechanical design expertise and proven success leading cross-functional teams. You will oversee multiple programs, solve complex engineering challenges, and ensure designs are optimized for performance, manufacturability, and scalability.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-paced product development environments and enjoys mentoring engineers while shaping next-generation products.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate mechanical design activities across one or more product development programs
- Partner with cross-functional and multi-site teams to achieve technical and business objectives
- Define priorities, timelines, and resource needs for engineering programs
- Develop and communicate technical action plans internally and externally
- Identify risks early and recommend practical solutions balancing cost, timing, and requirements
- Design, build, and test prototypes to evaluate product performance
- Solve complex technical challenges throughout development and commercialization
- Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
- Collaborate with tooling, automation, and manufacturing teams for high-volume production readiness
- Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical contributors
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 7+ years of product development or mechanical design engineering experience
- Strong knowledge of regulated industry standards (FDA, ISO, or similar)
- Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and related engineering software
- Experience leading technical aspects of product/device development programs
- Background in high-volume manufacturing, injection molding, and automation
Preferred Skills
- Strong leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively across multiple locations and functions
- Experience in consulting or client-facing engineering environments
- Basic understanding of electronics and software integration
Why Consider This Role?
- Lead high-visibility engineering programs with real business impact
- Work on innovative products used globally
- Collaborate with world-class engineering and manufacturing teams
- Strong growth opportunity within an expanding global organization
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
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FAQs About Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs at Sterling Engineering, Inc.
What is the work location for this position at Sterling Engineering, Inc.?
This job at Sterling Engineering, Inc. is located in Chicago, IL, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Sterling Engineering, Inc.?
Candidates can expect a pay range of $160,000 and $170,000 per year.
What employment applies to this position at Sterling Engineering, Inc.?
The employer has not provided this information. This may be discussed during the hiring process.
What is the process to apply for this position at Sterling Engineering, Inc.?
You can apply for this role at Sterling Engineering, Inc. either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.