Principal Engineer - Mechanical Development

Mercury Marine; Fond du Lac (WI); On-site; USD 103,200 - 164,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company match

Paid vacation

Well-being program

Product purchase discounts

Job summary

Brunswick Corporation is seeking a Mechanical Development Principal Engineer for Mercury’s product development. You will own engine systems and guide cross‑functional teams on design, testing and optimization.

You will define architecture for NA, supercharged or turbocharged SI engines, develop DFMEAs/DVPs, and mentor junior engineers while driving manufacturable, cost‑effective solutions with a focus on performance and durability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in internal combustion engines.
• Demonstrated ownership of engine component or mechanical systems development.
• Broad understanding of overall engine system interactions.
• Proven ability to define and execute comprehensive DVPs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop engine systems from concept selection to production.
• Advise on new engine architectures for NA, supercharged, or turbocharged SI engines.
• Provide guidance on system layout and component selection.
• Work with engineers, suppliers, and analysis teams to verify designs meet requirements.
• Develop DFMEAs and DVPs, then execute testing and document results.
• Design cost‑effective experiments to prove concepts and reduce risk.
• Challenge legacy solutions and introduce manufacturable designs.
• Generate patentable ideas leading to commercial success.
• Provide system‑level tradeoff recommendations on performance, durability, NVH, weight, cost.
• Participate in design reviews, issue resolution, and root‑cause investigations.
• Mentor team members and reinforce engine development standards.

Skills

Engine development

DVPs execution

System-level thinking

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Creo / ProE

DFSS tools

Job description

Are you ready for what’s next?

Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality.

Position Overview

As a Mechanical Development Principal Engineer, you will serve as a senior technical authority within Mercury’s product development organization. This role combines direct ownership of assigned engine systems with a broader responsibility to provide system-level guidance and technical judgment across all engine development.

Essential Functions

• Design and develop engine systems (valvetrain, pistons, connecting rods, balance systems, bearings, etc.) from concept selection to production.
• Advise in developing new engine architecture for naturally aspirated, super charged, or turbo charged spark ignited engines.
• Provide guidance on system layout and component selection (bore-stroke, layout, valve train type, piston sizing, crank train layout, timing drive).
• Work with component engineers, suppliers, and the analysis group to verify component designs meet system requirements.
• Develop component & system level DFMEAs and Design Validation Plans (DVPs). Then, using the test plan identified, execute the required testing and document results.
• Design cost‑effective experiments to prove proposed concepts and reduce technical risk.
• Challenge legacy solutions and introduce innovative, manufacturable designs.
• Generate patentable ideas leading to commercial success.
• Provide engineering recommendations on system‑level tradeoffs involving performance, durability, NVH, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
• Participate in design reviews, issue resolution, and root‑cause investigations crossing component boundaries.
• Mentor and technically guide team members.
• Help define and reinforce engine development best practices and internal technical standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in internal combustion engines.
• Demonstrated ownership of engine component or mechanical systems development.
• Broad understanding of overall engine system interactions.
• Proven ability to define and execute comprehensive DVPs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Proficiency with Creo / ProE.
• Experience applying DFSS tools.
• Recognized technical leader within prior organizations.
• Strong understanding of engine related manufacturing processes including casting, forging, machining, injection molding, heat treatment, grinding, balancing, and assembly.

The hiring range for this position is $103,200 - $164,500 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job‑related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well‑being program, product purchase discounts and much more.

Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] for support.

Brunswick Corporation participates in E‑Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process.