Principal Engineer - Mechanical Development

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

Job summary

Brunswick Corporation, a global marine leader committed to advancing marine technology, is seeking a Mechanical Development Principal Engineer to lead engine system design and development.

You will own assigned engine systems, provide system-level guidance, and mentor engineers while balancing performance, durability, NVH, cost, and manufacturability.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design and develop engine systems from concept through production.
• Provide system-level guidance and tradeoffs across engine development.
• Develop DFMEAs and Design Validation Plans; perform testing and document results.
• Mentor and guide team members; reinforce best practices.
• Lead design reviews and root-cause investigations across components.

Skills

Engine system design

Technical leadership

Design validation planning

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

ProE

DFSS tools

Job description

Join Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to advancing marine technology. We seek a Mechanical Development Principal Engineer to lead engine system design and development, providing technical guidance across all engine components.

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, technical judgment, and engineering recommendations across all engine development efforts.

Essential Functions

• Design and develop engine systems, including valvetrain, pistons, connecting rods, balance systems, and bearings, from concept through production.
• Advise on 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).
• Collaborate with component engineers, suppliers, and the analysis group to verify component designs meet system requirements.
• Develop component and system level DFMEAs and Design Validation Plans; execute required testing and document results.
• Design cost‑effective experiments to validate concepts and reduce technical risk.
• Challenge legacy solutions and introduce innovative, manufacturable designs.
• Generate patentable ideas that support commercial success.
• Represent system‑level tradeoffs involving performance, durability, NVH, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
• Participate in design reviews, issue resolution, and root‑cause investigations across component boundaries.
• Mentor and technically guide team members.
• Help define and reinforce best practices and internal technical standards for engine development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Eight or more 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 Design Validation Plans.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Compensation

Salary range: $103,200 - $164,500 annually. Base pay depends on qualifications, experience, business needs, and location. Additional compensation includes an annual discretionary bonus and eligibility to participate in Brunswick’s benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401 k with up to 4% match, Health Savings Account with company contribution, well‑being program, and product purchase discounts.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodations are available during the application or interview process; contact [e-mail] for support.