Principal Mechanical Engineer

PAR Systems company; Shoreview (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Matching

Health Insurance

Paid Holidays

Job summary

PAR Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer in Shoreview, MN to lead advanced automation designs and set mechanical engineering standards. You will steer projects from concept through detailed engineering while mentoring engineers and coordinating with controls, software, manufacturing, project management, and sales teams to ensure high-quality solutions.

You will drive prototypes, feasibility studies, and lab validation, plus travel to customer sites as needed to provide hands-on

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering.
• 12+ years in designing advanced automated systems.
• SolidWorks or other 3D CAD tools experience; able to design assemblies, machined parts, sheet metal.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex design projects from concept through detailed engineering.
• Mentor senior and mid-level engineers; drive technical rigor and best practices.
• Collaborate with Controls, Software, Manufacturing, PM and Sales to meet customer requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Mentor engineers

Cross-functional teamwork

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor/Master in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

3710 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126, USA

Job Description

Posted Monday, June 8, 2026 at 6:00 AM

At PAR Systems, automation is more than assembling parts; it’s turning visionary ideas into tangible, high-impact solutions. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will shape the future of our automation technology, setting the standard for mechanical design excellence and driving innovation across the company. This is a leadership role that goes beyond individual projects: your technical vision will influence our processes, standards, and long-term strategy.

Success Criteria:
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority for mechanical engineering, guiding and mentoring senior and mid-level engineers while fostering a culture of innovation, best practices, and technical rigor. You will lead complex design projects from concept through detailed engineering, collaborating closely with Controls, Software, Manufacturing, Project Management and Sales teams to ensure that solutions meet customer requirements and PAR’s high standards.

Your work will include driving proof-of-concept prototypes, feasibility studies, and lab validation, all while pushing the boundaries of automation technology and solving the most challenging engineering problems. You will also lead internal and external design reviews and occasionally travel to customer sites to provide hands-on technical leadership, troubleshoot complex systems, and support installation and commissioning.

In addition to technical project leadership, you will provide strategic guidance on new business initiatives, identifying opportunities for innovation, improving reliability, and expanding PAR’s capabilities in life sciences and automated assembly. You will define and refine mechanical design standards and scalable processes that improve efficiency, repeatability, and quality across the company.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering
• 12+ years of experience designing advanced automated systems, with demonstrated leadership on high-impact projects
• Mastery of 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) and advanced methodologies to design assemblies, machined parts, welded fabrications and sheet metal components
• Experience sizing, selecting and deploying common automation components, including servo motors, pneumatics, photoelectric/laser and proximity sensors, and robotic packages
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and drive complex projects to successful completion
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• US Person

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing high-speed and/or high-volume automation machinery
• Large-scale, modular automated systems experience ($10M+)
• Experience with cam-driven or continuous-motion automation systems
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing and its application to tooling design
• Experience working in a regulated environment (ISO 9001/ISO 13485)
• Experience establishing and improving engineering standards, processes, and best practices

You’ve learned about what you'll be doing, here are thebenefitsyou'll gain when you join our team:

• Global team recognized for their passion of inventing
• First-of-a-kind product culture and project exposure
• Training and development from industry-leading experts
• Cutting edge benefit programs that include: 401(k) & matching; Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Disability & Life Insurance; PTO, Paid Holidays, & Parental Leave for both Parents; Tuition Reimbursement

PAR Systems is an equal opportunity employer and we value individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or any other status protected by applicable law. We use AI to assist with sorting applications, but real humans do all the evaluating and deciding. If selected for an interview, please advise our Human Resources department if you require accommodation during the interview or assessment process and we will support your accessibility needs. We offer market competitive pay and benefits based upon the candidate’s skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Our starting rate of pay for this salaried position is targeted at $130,000-160,000 annually.

3710 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126, USA