Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer

About the role

Posted September 25, 2026. Skywater is hiring a Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as a senior technical leader and SME within a growing engineering staff. The role involves defining mechanical system architecture, translating customer requirements into executable technical plans, providing leadership across multidisciplinary projects, mentoring engineers, and remaining closely involved in engineering decisions and problem solving. The position offers significant technical ownership, exposure to a variety of engineering challenges, and the opportunity to influence how complex solutions are developed and delivered. It is best suited for someone who enjoys leading through technical expertise rather than moving into a traditional people‑management role. The ideal candidate will bring broad mechanical systems experience, strong product development fundamentals, and the ability to work effectively with customers and engineering teams in environments where the solution is not already fully defined. This is an onsite position in the Twin Cities.

Responsibilities

• Establish and define mechanical system architecture for complex machinery, equipment, and product development programs.
• Translate customer requirements into technical scope, engineering milestones, deliverables, technical plans, and project tasks.
• Provide project-level technical leadership across multiple concurrent engineering initiatives.
• Mentor and provide technical direction to mechanical engineers and designers.
• Partner with electrical, software, controls, and other engineering disciplines to support integrated system development.
• Participate directly in customer meetings, technical reviews, project scoping, and proposal development.
• Remain actively involved in design decisions, technical problem solving, manufacturing considerations, and project execution.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience, preferably from an OEM or custom equipment environment.
• Significant mechanical engineering experience involving machinery, equipment, or complex engineered products.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects beyond individual design execution.
• Broad understanding of mechanical systems such as structures, hydraulics, engines/power systems, and manufacturing.
• Experience working directly with customers and communicating complex technical concepts effectively.
• Strong product development fundamentals with the adaptability to operate in varied, fast‑moving engineering environments.

Pay

Salary: $160,000 (range $140,000–$180,000).