Principal Mechanical Engineer

PAR Systems; Shoreview (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

PAR Systems in Minnesota seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead advanced automated systems design, setting mechanical standards and driving innovation across the company. This leadership role shapes long-term strategy and influences processes, standards, and projects.

You will guide senior and mid-level engineers, lead cross-functional design reviews, and collaborate with Controls, Software, Manufacturing, and Sales to ensure customer requirements are met and high standards are

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex design projects from concept through detailed engineering (mechanical).
• Mentor senior and mid-level engineers and drive best practices across teams.
• Collaborate with Controls, Software, Manufacturing, PM and Sales to meet customer requirements and PAR standards.
• Travel to customer sites to provide hands-on technical leadership and support installations.

Skills

Leadership

12+ yrs exp

SolidWorks

Mechanical design

Automation components

Cross-functional

US Person

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

SolidWorks CAD

Job description

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+)
• Precision tooling design experience
• 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