Job Title: Design Principal Engineer
Job Description
The Design Principal Engineer drives the development of new technologies and mass-production products for power equipment and powersports, from concept through launch. This role combines advanced mechanical design, project leadership, and cost management to deliver innovative, high-quality products that delight customers and support a future-focused vision of mobility and environmental responsibility. You will lead cross-functional teams, guide complex designs, and champion continuous improvement in both product performance and development efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Lead the generation of high-level mechanical designs and drawings for new technologies and components using advanced computer-aided design tools.
- Create and validate 2D and 3D layouts to ensure proper fit, form, and function of components and systems in line with established specifications.
- Apply engineering methods such as calculations, simulations, FTA, FMEA, and adherence to guidelines, standards, and regulations to confirm design robustness.
- Develop drawings and specifications that support prototype builds, engineering estimates, supplier negotiations, factory assembly confirmation, and final mass-production release.
- Lead and guide project teams to meet development targets, including quality, cost, and delivery, while ensuring key milestones are achieved on schedule.
- Plan and coordinate resource needs, including effective use of contractor resources, and escalate requirements appropriately to leadership when needed.
- Communicate project status clearly and consistently, and lead or actively participate in project meetings, technical discussions, and development events.
- Establish and maintain bills of materials to track new technologies, features, and components, ensuring accurate configuration control throughout the development cycle.
- Use cost tables, cost simulation software, and supplier quotations to estimate part and system costs, ensuring projects remain within defined cost targets.
- Generate and develop advanced ideas that enhance product competitiveness through improved features, technologies, or development and factory efficiencies.
- Lead or support market quality investigations and value analysis themes, using structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement effective countermeasures.
Essential Skills
- More than 12 years of engineering experience, preferably within powersports or power equipment, with a strong emphasis on leading projects independently.
- Proven project leadership experience, including ownership of schedule, quality, and cost targets for complex engineering programs.
- Advanced proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD), with the ability to create high-level 3D models and detailed 2D drawings for mechanical systems.
- Experience with 2D and 3D layout development to ensure correct fit, form, and function of components and assemblies.
- Hands-on experience applying FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to assess and mitigate technical risks.
- Strong understanding of engineering standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical design and mass production.
- Demonstrated ability to manage cost targets using cost tables, cost simulation software (such as Apriori), and supplier quotations.
- Extensive experience in new product development, including concept creation, detailed design, and transition to mass production.
- Deep mechanical engineering focus, particularly in the design of components and systems for power equipment and powersports products.
- Ability to work without supervision on complex technical tasks, while also guiding and mentoring project team members.
- Strong problem-solving skills, including root-cause analysis and development of effective, sustainable countermeasures.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information and project status to diverse stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience; candidates without a degree may be considered with substantial relevant experience.
- Experience working specifically with power equipment products such as zero-turn (ZTR) lawnmowers, string trimmers, and snow blowers.
- Experience working with powersports products such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles.
- Knowledge of and experience designing for manufacturing processes including metal stamping, plastic injection molding, and die casting.
- Proficiency with high-level CAD platforms, with a preference for Catia; experience with other systems such as SolidWorks or Creo is also valued.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Haw River, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.60 - $60.72/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Haw River,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.