Principal Mechanical Engineer

Par Systems•Shoreview, MN

45d•$130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

At PAR Systems, automation is more than assembling parts; it's turning visionary ideas into tangible, high-impact solutions. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will shape the future of our automation technology, setting the standard for mechanical design excellence and driving innovation across the company. This is a leadership role that goes beyond individual projects: your technical vision will influence our processes, standards, and long-term strategy. Success Criteria:As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority for mechanical engineering, guiding and mentoring senior and mid-level engineers while fostering a culture of innovation, best practices, and technical rigor. You will lead complex design projects from concept through detailed engineering, collaborating closely with Controls, Software, Manufacturing, Project Management and Sales teams to ensure that solutions meet customer requirements and PAR's high standards. Your work will include driving proof-of-concept prototypes, feasibility studies, and lab validation, all while pushing the boundaries of automation technology and solving the most challenging engineering problems. You will also lead internal and external design reviews and occasionally travel to customer sites to provide hands-on technical leadership, troubleshoot complex systems, and support installation and commissioning. In addition to technical project leadership, you will provide strategic guidance on new business initiatives, identifying opportunities for innovation, improving reliability, and expanding PAR's capabilities in life sciences and automated assembly. You will define and refine mechanical design standards and scalable processes that improve efficiency, repeatability, and quality across the company.

Requirements

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering
12+ years of experience designing advanced automated systems, with demonstrated leadership on high-impact projects
Mastery of 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) and advanced methodologies to design assemblies, machined parts, welded fabrications and sheet metal components
Experience sizing, selecting and deploying common automation components, including servo motors, pneumatics, photoelectric/laser and proximity sensors, and robotic packages
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and drive complex projects to successful completion
Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills
US Person

Nice To Haves

Experience designing high-speed and/or high-volume automation machinery
Large-scale, modular automated systems experience ($10M+)
Precision tooling design experience
Experience with cam-driven or continuous-motion automation systems
Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing and its application to tooling design
Experience working in a regulated environment (ISO 9001/ISO 13485)
Experience establishing and improving engineering standards, processes, and best practices

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical authority for mechanical engineering
Guide and mentor senior and mid-level engineers
Lead complex design projects from concept through detailed engineering
Collaborate closely with Controls, Software, Manufacturing, Project Management and Sales teams
Drive proof-of-concept prototypes, feasibility studies, and lab validation
Lead internal and external design reviews
Travel to customer sites to provide hands-on technical leadership, troubleshoot complex systems, and support installation and commissioning
Provide strategic guidance on new business initiatives
Define and refine mechanical design standards and scalable processes