Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer

Salt River Project; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plan

401(k) plan with employer matching

Medical, vision, dental, and life ins.

Job summary

Salt River Project is seeking a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer in Tempe, AZ, to lead design and project delivery for major plant upgrades and maintenance. The role emphasizes mentorship, cross-functional leadership, and robust technical guidance across capital and operating budgets.

The position requires 14+ years of experience, ABET-accredited engineering education, and strong communication with stakeholders. Hybrid work is available, with relocation and travel to SRP facilities as needed.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of professional engineering experience.
• Author or co-author of technical papers.
• MBA or advanced engineering degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering design and project management for major upgrades and repairs.
• Provide staff mentoring and technical leadership across SRP projects.
• Develop specifications, evaluate bids, and prepare management recommendations.
• Represent SRP in industry committees and technical discussions.
• Ensure safety and compliance within the design and project execution.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Budgets & scheduling

Stakeholder communication

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE registration or equivalent

Job description

Location: Tempe, AZ, US

Date: Jul 9, 2026

Requisition ID: 20312

Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer

Summary

Searching for a hard working, motivated individual to join our Engineering Design & Drafting team within Generation Engineering! As the Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer on our team, you would support all power plant facilities on minor and major upgrades, repairs, and improvements for both capital and o/m scale budgets while providing mentorship and guidance to other Engineers. This position includes engineering design and project management responsibilities to complete projects from start to finish and support others in developing their technical expertise and project management skills. Performs as an engineering project/program leader/engineer on projects/programs which are large or have many complex features. Prepares specifications, evaluates bids, and prepares recommendation materials for management consideration when evaluating large or complex procurements. Performs as a staff consultant and/or advisor in a technical specialty. May performs engineering design, analysis, and studies in an area of technical specialty requiring a significant knowledge of related fields. Provides engineering discipline leadership when administering and reviewing work performed by consultants and others. May prepare and/or conduct written and oral reports and presentations. When required/requested, serves on industry committees and task forces as a representative of SRP. Active leadership role in promoting safety within department. Actively develops and trains engineers on technical, project management, and/or best practices related activities. Identifies or creates development opportunities. Establishes standards and facilitates Standards Change Processes in the discipline when required. Leads collaboration across SRP. Represents SRP in legal and regulatory matters or proceedings of technical nature when required. Demonstrates substantive thought leadership to further new ideas, products, services, and/or business processes to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and/or customer satisfaction. Demonstrates substantive leadership in organizational change management to foster the success of new business products, services, and/or business processes. Performs as project/program leader/engineer on projects/programs of major scope and importance. Plans and develops the scope, approval, and implementation of engineering projects which have an important effect on major programs of the organization. Performs as a staff consultant and/or advisor with respect to a technical specialty in the application of advanced concepts, principles and processes. Provides full technical leadership when administering and reviewing work performed by consultants, outside agencies, and others. When required/requested, serves in a leadership role within external organizations and represents SRP’s position on issues of importance. Company spokesperson in communicating technical subject matter to the public when required.

Benefits

• Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Available your first day: Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)
• Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance
• Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)
• Short and long-term disability plans
• Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs
• 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking

Education

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited curriculum, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution, ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) or any state or internationally recognized PE registration.

Experience

• Minimum 14 years of professional experience actively engaged in engineering plus professional recognition is required.
• Must have demonstrated the successful accomplishment of work as defined for this position.
• Authored internal and/or external technical papers.

Additional Requirements and Qualifications

• MBA, Masters in Engineering or any state or internationally recognized Professional Engineering registration by the International Professional Engineers Agreement is preferred.
• Responsible for budgets, schedules, and management of resources for programs and projects of major scope.
• Demonstrated network of internal and external contacts including customers, outside agencies, and suppliers of significant equipment and services.
• Occasional travel to suppliers' facilities, industry functions, and SRP facilities.
• Ability to work effectively with various organizations within SRP.
• Ability to use engineering tools required for the job.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to work effectively with SRP executive management.

Hybrid Workplace

SRP currently offers a hybrid workplace, which allows employees whose jobs can be performed remotely, and who have sufficient technical capability, to telework up to three days per week. Although teleworking is available, all employees must live and work in Arizona.

Drug/Alcohol Policy Statement

To promote the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, SRP is committed to maintaining a drug/alcohol free work environment. Although marijuana may now be legal in Arizona, except as otherwise specified under Arizona law, SRP considers it to be an illegal drug for the purpose of our drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Any candidate found to be impaired during the hiring process or who has the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance in their system during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test may be disqualified from further consideration in the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Salt River Project (SRP) is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law.

Work Authorization

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Currently, SRP does not sponsor H1B visas, OPT, or other employment-related visa's.