Principal Mechanical Engineer

Progressive Staffing LLC; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

FSA

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

PTO

Job summary

Progressive Staffing LLC in Buffalo, NY seeks a Principal/Lead Mechanical Engineer for end-to-end project work from concept to commissioning. This permanent, in-office role leads mechanical and piping design teams, mentors staff, and develops equipment specifications.

Requires 10+ years in an industrial environment, strong communication, and proficiency with ASME codes; relocation not offered; US work authorization required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years’ engineering experience in an industrial environment.
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organization and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and piping design teams on complex projects.
• Mentor engineers and designers, ensuring technical excellence and compliance.
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary knowledge across civil/structural, electrical, and instrumentation.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff while overseeing mentorship programs.
• Develop specifications for mechanical equipment and piping systems.
• Perform design reviews, calculations, and drawings for accuracy.
• Conduct piping stress analyses and ensure codes compliance.
• Support field inspections and site walkdowns to ensure safe operations.

Skills

Mechanical design

Piping design

Leadership

Mentoring

FEA

ASME codes

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAESAR II

AutoPIPE

Job description

Full time | Progressive Staffing LLC | United States

Posted On 07/22/2026

Job Information

$90,000 - $140,000 annually depending on experience

Work Experience 5+ years

City Buffalo

State/Province New York

Job Description

PRINCIPAL / LEAD MECHANICAL ENGINEER (Permanent) Our client, a global engineering organization with a hub in WNY, is looking to add a Principal / Lead Mechanical Engineer to their growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys end-to-end project work, is hands-on, and l oves to see projects from initial concept all the way through construction and commissioning. This role joins a team oriented and collaborative environment that provides an outstanding culture.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Mechanical and Piping Design teams in the successful execution of complex and technically challenging projects
• Manage and mentor a team of Mechanical Engineers and Designers, ensuring technical excellence, quality, and project compliance
• Demonstrate strong interdisciplinary knowledge in civil/structural, electrical, and instrumentation engineering, with the ability to fulfill Project Engineering responsibilities as required
• Recruit, train, and develop technical staff while overseeing the department's mentorship program
• Contribute actively to business growth by strengthening relationships with existing clients and pursuing opportunities with new clients
• Develop engineering specifications for mechanical equipment, mechanical systems, and process piping systems to meet project and operational requirements
• Prepare, review, and verify design drawings, technical specifications, calculations, and engineering documents to ensure accuracy
• Conduct mechanical stress analyses using finite element analysis (FEA), hand calculations, and other analytical methods
• Apply extensive knowledge of ASME Pressure Vessel and ASME Process Piping Codes in the design and evaluation of mechanical systems
• Perform piping stress analyses utilizing industry-standard software such as CAESAR II and AutoPIPE
• Perform engineering calculations for process and utility systems, including: pressure drop analysis of piping networks for compressible and incompressible fluids, pump sizing & selection, pressure Safety Valve (PSV) / rupture disk sizing, and piping / equipment insulation system design
• Conduct field inspections and site walkdowns, design steam distribution systems, and process piping layouts and system designs—all to support safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations
• Establish piping specifications and select valves, fittings, and other in-line components for industrial process systems
• Assess material compatibility and corrosion considerations for equipment and piping systems handling a wide range of chemicals and process fluids
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve process system performance issues, equipment failures, and operational challenges to improve system reliability and efficiency
• Work well both independently and in a team environment
• Other duties as assigned/as necessary

Details:

• Position is full-time, direct hire
• 100% in-office
• $110,000 - $150,000 annually depending on experience
• Excellent benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, FSA, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, PTO
• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 10+ years’ engineering experience in an industrial environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong organization skills and time management skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated
• Relocation not available
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; Visa sponsorship is not available