Principal Mechanical Engineer

Wilder Systems; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO

Job summary

Wilder Systems in Austin is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead engineering initiatives and mentor a dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on R&D and robotics for aerospace applications. Responsibilities include driving technical vision and ensuring compliance with engineering standards.

Compensation ranges from $155,000 to $200,000 base, alongside benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k) plan. Join us in solving complex challenges in industrial manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical drawings.
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Responsibilities

• Lead and influence the company's engineering strategy.
• Mentor and train engineers in best practices.
• Drive R&D efforts exploring cutting-edge technologies.
• Maintain engineering standards and quality assurance.

Skills

Mentoring

CAD Software (SolidWorks)

Mechanical Design

Communication Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Robotics

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Job description

Wilder Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to be responsible for turning design requirements into viable products. Specific tasks include R&D design, mentoring engineers, defining design strategies, and ensuring compliance with standards.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in mechanical design, enjoys mentorship, and brings experience in robotics for aerospace.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership: Lead and influence the company's engineering strategy, aligning it with long-term business goals.
2. Technical Vision: Define and communicate the company's technical vision, guiding the direction of advanced projects and R&D efforts.
3. Mentorship and Training: Mentor and train senior and junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
4. Innovation and Research: Drive research and development efforts, exploring cutting‑edge technologies and methodologies to maintain the company's competitive edge.
5. Technical Governance: Establish and maintain engineering standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes.
6. Project Ownership: Assumes responsibility for delivering high quality products critical to business success.
7. Required Guidance: Serves as a critical source of guidance and expertise for the engineering team, actively contributing to knowledge sharing, and providing direction on complex technical challenges.
8. Customer Support: Responsible for customer relationships, interacts with customers to solicit directional information, investigate new technical challenges and work with customers around new initiatives.

General Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or similar field
• Willingness to lead and mentor junior engineers
• 10 or more years of professional experience in mechanical engineering or a related field
• Strong communication, organizational, time management, leadership, and decision‑making skills
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings and have an expert understanding of basic electrical and mechanical control systems
• Works well in high‑pressure situations, during tight deadlines, and in front of customers
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Able to travel occasionally

Required Experience

• Working knowledge of best practices for tooling fixture design
• Advanced Proficiency in CAD software, SolidWorks preferred
• Part drawing generation and attention to detail
• Advanced proficiency in GD&T and Design for Manufacturing techniques
• Demonstrated experience mentoring design teams
• Expert level of basic machinery design – includes design process, engineering mechanics and materials, failure prevention, and characteristics of the principal types of mechanical elements
• Knowledge of design for manufacturing and assembly best practices

Preferred Experience

• 6+ years of experience working directly with aerospace automation
• 6+ years of experience designing aerospace tooling
• Broad knowledge of automation hardware (drive trains, actuators, guides, etc.)
• Automation and robotic work experience
• Finite Element Analysis
• Background knowledge of CATIA
• Product Data Management Software
• Generating Bills of Material

About Wilder Systems

Wilder Systems designs, manufactures, and installs robotic systems for industrial manufacturing applications in the aerospace industry. Our tools are used in direct manufacturing and maintenance of aerospace structures. We have a dynamic, talented, and collaborative engineering team and want those who are energized by solving our customers’ toughest problems.

Compensation

$155,000-$200,000 Base

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• PTO

Schedule

8-hour shift with an expectation of overtime when required