Design Principal Engineer

Drive the development of new technologies and mass-production products for power equipment and powersports, from concept through launch. This role combines advanced mechanical design, project leadership, and cost management to deliver innovative, high-quality products that delight customers and support a future-focused vision of mobility and environmental responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the generation of high-level mechanical designs and drawings for new technologies and components using advanced computer-aided design tools.
• Create and validate 2D and 3D layouts to ensure proper fit, form, and function of components and systems in line with established specifications.
• Apply engineering methods such as calculations, simulations, FTA, FMEA, and adherence to guidelines, standards, and regulations to confirm design robustness.
• Develop drawings and specifications that support prototype builds, engineering estimates, supplier negotiations, factory assembly confirmation, and final mass-production release.
• Lead and guide project teams to meet development targets, including quality, cost, and delivery, while ensuring key milestones are achieved on schedule.
• Plan and coordinate resource needs, including effective use of contractor resources, and escalate requirements appropriately to leadership when needed.
• Communicate project status clearly and consistently, and lead or actively participate in project meetings, technical discussions, and development events.
• Establish and maintain bills of materials to track new technologies, features, and components, ensuring accurate configuration control throughout the development cycle.
• Use cost tables, cost simulation software, and supplier quotations to estimate part and system costs, ensuring projects remain within defined cost targets.
• Generate and develop advanced ideas that enhance product competitiveness through improved features, technologies, or development and factory efficiencies.
• Lead or support market quality investigations and value analysis themes, using structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement effective countermeasures.

Requirements

• More than 12 years of engineering experience, preferably within powersports or power equipment, with a strong emphasis on leading projects independently.
• Proven project leadership experience, including ownership of schedule, quality, and cost targets for complex engineering programs.
• Advanced proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD), with the ability to create high-level 3D models and detailed 2D drawings for mechanical systems.
• Experience with 2D and 3D layout development to ensure correct fit, form, and function of components and assemblies.
• Hands-on experience applying FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to assess and mitigate technical risks.
• Strong understanding of engineering standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical design and mass production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cost targets using cost tables, cost simulation software (such as Apriori), and supplier quotations.
• Extensive experience in new product development, including concept creation, detailed design, and transition to mass production.
• Deep mechanical engineering focus, particularly in the design of components and systems for power equipment and powersports products.
• Ability to work without supervision on complex technical tasks, while also guiding and mentoring project team members.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including root-cause analysis and development of effective, sustainable countermeasures.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information and project status to diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience; candidates without a degree may be considered with substantial relevant experience.
• Experience working specifically with power equipment products such as zero-turn (ZTR) lawnmowers, string trimmers, and snow blowers.
• Experience working with powersports products such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles.
• Knowledge of and experience designing for manufacturing processes including metal stamping, plastic injection molding, and die casting.
• Proficiency with high-level CAD platforms, with a preference for Catia; experience with other systems such as SolidWorks or Creo is also valued.

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire position based in Haw River, NC. The position is fully onsite.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $48.60 - $60.72 per hour.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)