Log InSign Up
Article

What does a Principal Mechanical Engineer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A principal mechanical engineer is responsible for the design, development, and testing of mechanical products and systems. They may also be involved in the manufacturing process, and they may supervise other engineers and technicians.

Principal Mechanical Engineer job duties include:

  • Developing and improving mechanical products, processes, and systems
  • Identifying customer needs and translating them into technical requirements
  • Creating prototypes and testing products to ensure they meet performance and quality standards
  • Investigating root causes of failures to find solutions to prevent future problems
  • Coordinating with other engineers, drafters, and technicians to ensure successful product development
  • Managing projects from conception to completion within budget and schedule constraints
  • Consulting with clients to determine project scope and objectives
  • Preparing reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations
  • Training and mentoring junior engineers

Principal Mechanical Engineer Job Requirements

A Principal Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and testing of mechanical products and systems. They typically have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, and many also have a master's degree or doctorate. In addition to their education, they must also be licensed by the state in which they work. Principal Mechanical Engineers typically have 5-10 years of experience working in mechanical engineering or a related field.

Principal Mechanical Engineer Skills

  • Manage and lead a team of engineers
  • Delegate tasks and responsibilities
  • Understand complex technical problems and offer solutions
  • Oversee the design and implementation of mechanical engineering projects
  • Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget
  • Write reports and present findings to clients
  • Conduct research to develop new and improved mechanical engineering technologies
  • Teach and mentor junior engineers
  • Stay up-to-date with latest engineering trends and advancements
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Related: Top Principal Mechanical Engineer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Principal Mechanical Engineer

There are many different routes to becoming a Principal Mechanical Engineer. Some people start their careers as mechanical engineers and then move into management positions. Others may start out in management and then move into engineering roles. Still others may come from a technical background and then move into engineering or management roles.

The most important thing for anyone interested in becoming a Principal Mechanical Engineer is to get a good education. A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is the minimum requirement for this position. Many employers will also require experience working in the field of mechanical engineering.

Once you have the necessary education and experience, the next step is to apply for jobs. When applying for jobs, be sure to highlight your skills and experience in both engineering and management. You should also be prepared to discuss your goals and objectives for your career as a Principal Mechanical Engineer.

Once you have been hired, it is important to continue to develop your skills. Attend conferences and seminars related to your field, and stay up-to-date on new developments in mechanical engineering. In addition, it is important to network with other professionals in your field. By doing these things, you will increase your chances of being promoted to a higher position within your company or organization.

Related: Principal Mechanical Engineer Resume Example

Related: Principal Mechanical Engineer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles