What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer, Senior position at Sterling Engineering?
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
Required
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.