Principal Mechanical Systems Architect & Technical Lead

SkyWater Search Partners; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Skywater is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to act as a senior technical leader and SME within a growing engineering team. The role defines mechanical system architecture, translates customer needs into executable plans, and mentors engineers while staying closely involved in problem solving.

The position emphasizes technical ownership and cross-disciplinary collaboration, with a focus on delivering complex solutions for customers in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience with machinery, equipment, or complex engineered products.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects beyond individual design work.
• Strong communication with customers and across engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish and define mechanical system architecture for complex machinery and product programs.
• Translate customer requirements into technical scope, milestones, deliverables, and plans.
• Provide project-level technical leadership across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Mentor mechanical engineers and designers with hands-on involvement in decisions.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, controls, and other disciplines for integrated systems.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, scoping, and proposals.
• Remain actively involved in design decisions and manufacturing considerations.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Project leadership

Customer interaction

Mentoring

Systems thinking

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Skywater is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to act as a senior technical leader and SME within a growing engineering team. The role defines mechanical system architecture, translates customer needs into executable plans, and mentors engineers while staying closely involved in problem solving.

The position emphasizes technical ownership and cross-disciplinary collaboration, with a focus on delivering complex solutions for customers in a fast-moving environment.