Principal Mechanical Engineer

jabil; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Jabil is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical architecture and product design from concept to production. You will drive robust, manufacturable, cost-effective solutions aligned with customer requirements.

The ideal candidate will combine systems thinking with hands-on engineering, transforming concepts into successful commercial products while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to optimize for cost and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in mechanical product development.
• Experience serving as lead mechanical engineer or mechanical architect on complex product development programs.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, or NX.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM, DFA, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing products through the full lifecycle from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical systems, assemblies, and components from concept through production.
• Generate and review 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Develop creative design solutions that meet performance, reliability, cost, and aesthetic requirements.
• Conduct engineering analysis, simulations, and testing to validate product performance.
• Support prototype builds and design iterations based on test results and customer feedback.
• Productization & Manufacturing Support: Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturing, assembly, quality, and serviceability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and sourcing teams to transition products from prototype to production.
• Support pilot builds, production validation, and launch activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, and product reliability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with electrical, software, industrial design, quality, and manufacturing teams.
• Participate in design reviews and technical decision-making processes.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to understand requirements and communicate technical solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical growth within the organization.

Skills

Mechanical Architecture

Product Design

Product Development

Productization

Systems Engineering

DFM

DFA

Cost Optimization

Risk Management

Technical Leadership

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

At Jabil (NYSE: JBL), we are proud to be a trusted partner for the world's top brands, offering comprehensive engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions. With 60 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide, Jabil combines global reach with local expertise to deliver both scalable and customized solutions. Our commitment extends beyond business success as we strive to build sustainable processes that minimize environmental impact and foster vibrant and diverse communities around the globe.

JOB SUMMARY

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in mechanical architecture and product design to lead the development of innovative products from concept through production. This individual will be responsible for driving mechanical design solutions, and ensuring products are robust, manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with customer requirements.

The ideal candidate combines systems-level thinking with hands-on engineering expertise and has a proven track record of transforming concepts into successful commercial products.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Design & Development
• Lead the design and development of mechanical systems, assemblies, and components from concept through production.
• Generate and review 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Develop creative design solutions that meet performance, reliability, cost, and aesthetic requirements.
• Conduct engineering analysis, simulations, and testing to validate product performance.
• Support prototype builds and design iterations based on test results and customer feedback.
• Productization & Manufacturing Support
• Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturing, assembly, quality, and serviceability.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Cost (DFC) principles.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and sourcing teams to transition products from prototype to production.
• Support pilot builds, production validation, and launch activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, and product reliability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with electrical, software, industrial design, quality, and manufacturing teams.
• Participate in design reviews and technical decision-making processes.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to understand requirements and communicate technical solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical growth within the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in mechanical product development.
• Experience serving as a lead mechanical engineer or mechanical architect on complex product development programs.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, or NX.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM, DFA, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing products through the full lifecycle from concept to production.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with consumer electronics, industrial equipment, automation systems, displays, or medical devices.
• Familiarity with FMEA, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and reliability engineering practices.
• Experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Knowledge of PLM and change management systems.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Mechanical Architecture
• Product Design
• Product Development
• Productization
• Systems Engineering
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Cost Optimization
• Risk Management
• Technical Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Jabil, including its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran stat