Principal Engineer – Mechanical, Induction & Synchronous Motors

TECO Westinghouse•Round Rock, TX

About The Position

The Principal Engineer – Mechanical, Induction & Synchronous Motors provides senior-level mechanical engineering leadership for the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and production support of induction and synchronous motors. Working with general direction from senior engineering staff or Engineering management, the role independently resolves complex technical challenges, leads product and process improvement initiatives, and provides technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and designers. The position supports new and existing products throughout the product lifecycle, from proposals and design development through manufacturing, testing, installation, commissioning, and field service. The Principal Engineer may serve as the mechanical technical lead for assigned motor orders, product development projects, corrective actions, and product improvement initiatives. The role involves frequent coordination with Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Project Management, Factory Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Test, Service, Accounting, suppliers, and customers. General supervision is provided; the engineer is expected to take ownership of assigned projects and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
10–15 years of related mechanical engineering experience.
10–15 years of experience using relevant CAD, PDM/PLM, engineering calculation, and/or simulation software.
Experience performing structural FEA and mechanical analysis.
Experience with rotor dynamics, shaft, bearing, balance, and vibration analysis.
Experience supporting manufacturing, testing, field service, nonconformance disposition, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions for engineered products.
Experience writing technical reports, specifications, procedures, or papers and presenting technical information to internal and external audiences.
Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, engineering materials, manufacturing processes, fits and tolerances, GD&T, and design for manufacturability.
Working knowledge of large motor mechanical systems, including shafts, rotors, bearings, frames, end brackets, cooling and ventilation components, lubrication systems, seals, foundations, and structural interfaces.
Ability to analyze vibration, stress, deflection, fatigue, critical speed, thermal growth, and mechanical integrity using appropriate engineering methods.
Ability to read and interpret customer specifications, manufacturing drawings, repair specifications, test results, standards, operating and maintenance instructions, and technical literature.
Ability to define complex problems, collect and evaluate data, establish facts, assess alternatives, and draw valid engineering conclusions.
Ability to prepare clear engineering reports, technical correspondence, specifications, and design documentation.
Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with employees, customers, suppliers, regulatory representatives, and senior management.
Working knowledge of statistical tools and structured problem-solving methods.
Strong ownership, sound judgment, attention to detail, bias for action, and commitment to continuous learning and practical application.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret manufacturing drawings, repair specifications, test results, and technical journals.
Ability to respond effectively to inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, and members of the business community, and to communicate effectively with senior management, customers, trade associations, and other external groups.
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts, including exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations, and mathematical operations involving statistical and analytical methods.
Ability to carry out written, oral, or diagram-based instructions, identify solutions in standardized situations, and independently evaluate complex technical challenges using sound engineering judgment.
Self-starter who works effectively, takes ownership of assigned projects, and manages responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Experience involving large rotating electrical equipment, induction motors, synchronous motors, generators, or comparable industrial equipment.
Experience with ANSYS or equivalent software.
Experience with DyRoBeS or equivalent software.
Experience applying relevant motor and rotating-equipment standards, including applicable NEMA, IEEE, IEC, and API requirements.
Professional Engineer license or other relevant professional certification.

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design and development of induction and synchronous motors using established design practices, CAD/PDM systems, engineering standards, and configuration-control processes.
Perform and review mechanical calculations and analyses involving structures, rotor dynamics, shafting, bearings, frames, end brackets, cooling systems, fits and tolerances, bolted joints, material selection, thermal growth, vibration, and other motor mechanical systems.
Verify designs using closed-form calculations, finite element analysis (FEA), rotor dynamics tools, and other simulation methods; develop and maintain calculation tools and design methods for broader engineering use.
Translate customer specifications and application requirements into technically sound, manufacturable, testable, and cost-effective motor designs.
Provide technical input to Sales and Applications Engineering for proposals and negotiations involving standard and non-standard motor products.
Review and approve manufacturing drawings, models, bills of material, specifications, repair instructions, test requirements, and other product documentation.
Resolve technical questions, evaluate deviations, and develop engineering solutions supporting factory operations and field service.
Lead mechanical disposition of nonconformances and engineering responses to root-cause investigations and corrective actions while maintaining safety, performance, reliability, and compliance.
Plan and support design verification and validation, including prototype builds, mechanical inspections, vibration testing, overspeed or balance-related evaluations, and test data reviews.
Assess project feasibility, technical risks, costs, schedules, and resource requirements; prepare schedules and provide timely status updates and risk reporting.
Execute assignments according to project schedules, with emphasis on on-time completion, quality, and clear documentation; coordinate and monitor work assigned to junior engineers and designers.
Lead product improvement, standardization, design reuse, productivity, cost reduction, manufacturability, quality, and cycle-time reduction initiatives.
Develop and improve mechanical design guidelines, engineering standards, lessons learned, templates, and technical documentation.
Review the work of less-experienced engineers and designers and provide technical direction, coaching, and mentorship.
Prepare engineering reports, technical presentations, customer responses, and supporting documentation for internal and external audiences.
Support new product development by preparing specifications, designing and evaluating prototypes, defining validation plans, reviewing test results, and completing product release documentation.
Review product compliance with company standards, customer requirements, and applicable industry codes and standards.
Represent the company in technical discussions with customers, suppliers, service organizations, and industry groups as assigned.
Contribute to technical papers, intellectual property disclosures, and knowledge-sharing activities.
Perform other duties as required to meet business and organizational needs.