Principal Mechanical Engineer

Position: Principal Mechanical Engineer - New Product Development
Location: Weekly hybrid in Orange, CA
Terms: Direct-hire
Compensation: 140,000 to 160,000 annual base salary
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Partnered with a client seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the development of a brand new product from early concept through production launch. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys turning early ideas into manufacturable, market ready products and owning the full engineering lifecycle.
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You'll define product architecture, solve complex mechanical challenges, and collaborate closely with industrial design partners, ODMs, and contract manufacturers to deliver innovative, scalable solutions. This is a hands on engineering role with a leadership mindset who thrives in ambiguity and enjoys building from the ground up.
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What You'll Do

• Own mechanical product development from concept through production


• Define requirements, performance targets, system architecture, and key tradeoffs


• Perform hands on design, analysis, and troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and firmware interfaces


• System integration and ensure performance and manufacturability


• Guide testing strategy, validation plans, and review lab and field results


• Analyze data to drive design improvements and corrective actions


• Create and manage BOMs and design documentation


• Partner with ODMs and contract manufacturers to ensure cost, quality, and production readiness


• Apply structured design and quality tools (FMEA, RCCA, design reviews)


• Support patent development and technical documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's preferred)


• 7+ years of mechanical or electro mechanical product development experience


• Proven experience leading products from concept through production


• Strong mechanical fundamentals and independent problem solving ability


• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks preferred), BOM ownership, and vendor collaboration


• Familiarity with structured problem solving and risk tools (FMEA, RCCA)


• Knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid systems


• Vacuum pump or fluid handling experience is a plus


• Willingness to travel up to 20% (1 international travel/year)

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Company:
Our client has been honored as a Best Place to Work in SoCal for three consecutive years (2023-2025), who offers more than a job, they offer a career journey.

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Rewards:

• Matching 401k up to 4% with immediate vesting.


• Excellent medical benefits including an HSA plan and monthly contributions.


• Supplemental Term Life, Employee Assistance Programs (EAD), Disability, and more.


• Hire to Retire philosophy that includes personal career development plans.


• Onsite music program with lessons from guitar, piano and voice coaches.


• And more!

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.