Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job Summary: Talent Software Services is in search of a Principal Mechanical Engineer for a contract position in Milwaukee, WI. The opportunity will be for one year with a strong chance for a long-term extension.

Position Summary: We are seeking a professional to join our Refrigeration Controls Product Engineering team. This role emphasizes mechanical design, drawing development, product validation, and quality-driven engineering practices. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in CREO, Windchill, SAP, GD&T, and the design of sheet metal components, machined parts, and assemblies. This position will utilize critical thinking to lead design activities, support quality improvement efforts, and participate in structured problem solving using Lean and Six Sigma methods. You will play a key role in ensuring product integrity through testing, validation, structured reviews, and continuous improvement.

Primary Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
Mechanical Design & Drafting

• Create, modify, and manage 3D models and 2D drawings in PTC CREO.
• Design sheet metal parts, machined components, weldments, and mechanical assemblies.
• Apply GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to ensure accurate and functional documentation.
• Lead drawing and design reviews focusing on manufacturability, quality, and clarity.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to improve DFM/DFMA outcomes.

Quality & Part Validation

• Develop and execute part validation plans, including dimensional checks, functional testing, and durability assessments.
• Use structured problem-solving tools (8D, DMAIC, Ishikawa, etc.) to address quality issues.
• Support root cause analysis activities for production issues, field returns, or supplier defects.
• Work closely with Quality, Metrology, and Testing teams to define inspection criteria and acceptance standards.
• Maintain documentation to comply with internal quality systems and engineering standards.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance product reliability.
• Lead or participate in Kaizen events, PFMEA reviews, and process optimization efforts.
• Identify improvement opportunities in design, documentation, validation, or product structure.

Configuration & Document Management

• Manage CAD data, design releases, and workflow processes in PTC Windchill PLM.
• Maintain accurate Bills of Material (BOMs), revision history, and part metadata in SAP.
• Prepare Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Testing, and Product Management to meet product performance requirements.
• Support prototype builds, engineering trials, and pre-production validation activities.
• Communicate technical information clearly through engineering documents, presentations, and reports.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams to align design/documentation standards.

Technical Leadership in Design & Documentation

• Lead design development, drafting standards, and CAD best practices.
• Ensure product documentation is accurate, compliant, and aligned with configuration management processes.

Test Planning, Execution & Reporting

• Create detailed test procedures for component and product-level validation.
• Execute tests and ensure accurate data capture.
• Write and manage test reports, tracking results through completion and communicating outcomes to stakeholders.
• Maintain organized test data, records, and traceability.

Training & Mentorship

• Coach team members in drafting best practices, GD&T application, and validation procedures.
• Provide guidance on quality tools and continuous improvement methodologies.

Quality, Validation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead quality-improvement efforts grounded in data and structured problem-solving.
• Recommend design or process changes based on test results and field/production feedback.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited U.S. college or university.
• 5 years of experience in mechanical design, product engineering, or quality engineering.
• Strong proficiency in CREO Parametric and GD&T.
• Experience with drawing creation and revision, documentation standards, and assembly design.
• Knowledge of validation testing, inspection methods, and product quality tools.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Preferred:

• Experience with Windchill PLM and SAP ERP (BOMs, part structures, change management).
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or higher preferred but not required).
• Experience in manufacturing environments, including collaboration with suppliers and production teams.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project.
• Familiarity with metrology tools and inspection documentation processes.

If this job is a match for your background, we would be honoured to receive your application!

Providing consulting opportunities to TALENTed people since 1987, we offer a host of opportunities, including contract, contract to hire, and permanent placement. Let's talk