Senior Design Engineer

Primary Function

Provides technical leadership and ownership for the design, development, and sustainment of complex products and systems, with primary focus on centrifugal pump applications. Possesses a strong functional and mechanical understanding of hydraulic motors and fluid power systems, including performance characteristics, efficiency, NPSH, and system interactions.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads complex product and system design from concept through production launch, with a focus on centrifugal pumps.
• Defines technical strategy, product architecture, and performance requirements for fluid power systems.
• Applies advanced fluid dynamics and hydraulic analysis to evaluate fluid handling product performance, efficiency, NPSH, bearing life, axial thrust, and system curves.
• Demonstrates functional understanding of hydraulic motors, including mechanical operation, torque-speed relationships, and efficiency characteristics.
• Evaluates pump and motor interaction within hydraulic systems to ensure proper performance and reliability.
• Serves as a technical authority, mentor, and key contributor to product strategy and continuous improvement.
• Leads and approves design reviews and critical technical decisions.
• Drives major NPD and VAVE initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Defines testing strategies and oversees validation and qualification activities, including hydraulic and performance testing.
• Applies advanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design verification methods.
• Approves engineering designs, drawings, and ECNs.
• Acts as subject matter expert across multiple product lines.
• Resolves complex manufacturing, supplier, and field issues through advanced root cause analysis.
• Mentors engineers and provides technical leadership in design best practices and fluid power fundamentals.

Education And/or Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology required.
• 7+ years of relevant engineering experience required.
• 5+ years of experience with centrifugal pumps and applied knowledge of hydraulic and electric motors.

Other Special Requirements

• Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring capability.
• Advanced systems-level problem-solving skills.
• High level of autonomy and sound engineering judgment.
• Ability to support application-specific customer requirements.
• FEA experience required.
• FMEA experience required.
• Initiative and drive for results.
• Demonstrated productivity, multi-tasking ability, patience, and dependability.
• Effective and influential communication skills (written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal).
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and on solo assignments.
• Highly effective project management skills.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Autodesk Inventor (expert level).
• Advanced analysis, simulation, and FEA tools.