Sr. Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering, Inc.; Crawfordsville (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering, Inc. seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer / Technical Authority to lead the design, development, and sustainment of complex centrifugal pump and fluid power products in Crawfordsville, IN.

Lead product architecture and production launches with deep pump expertise. The candidate should have 7+ years of relevant experience, 5+ years in centrifugal pumps, and strong hydraulics/motors knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• 7+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on centrifugal pump experience.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic and electric motors.
• Experience with NPD and VAVE initiatives.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead centrifugal pump and fluid power product designs from concept through production launch.
• Define product architecture, technical requirements, and design strategy.
• Analyze pump performance, NPSH, system curves, bearing life, and axial thrust.
• Lead major New Product Development (NPD) and VAVE initiatives.
• Develop testing, validation, and qualification strategies, including hydraulic/performance testing.
• Perform and review FEA and FMEA; review ECNs and engineering drawings.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing, supplier, and field issues using root cause analysis.
• Serve as a technical authority across multiple product lines; mentor engineers.

Skills

Centrifugal pump design

FEA analysis

FMEA analysis

GD&T

Autodesk Inventor

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

FEA software

ECN tooling

Job description

Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer – Centrifugal Pumps & Fluid PowerLocation: Crawfordsville, INHire Type: Direct HireCompensation: $110-125kSterling Engineering is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer / Technical Authority to lead the design, development, and sustainment of complex centrifugal pump and fluid power products. This is a senior-level opportunity for an engineer with deep pump expertise who can lead major product development initiatives, solve complex technical challenges, and mentor other engineers.What You’ll DoLead centrifugal pump and fluid power product designs from concept through production launchDefine product architecture, technical requirements, and design strategyAnalyze pump performance, efficiency, NPSH, system curves, bearing life, and axial thrustEvaluate hydraulic and electric motor performance and pump/motor system interactionLead major New Product Development (NPD) and VAVE initiativesDevelop testing, validation, and qualification strategies, including hydraulic/performance testingPerform and review FEA and FMEAApply advanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design verificationReview and approve engineering drawings, designs, and ECNsTroubleshoot complex manufacturing, supplier, and field issues using root cause analysisServe as a technical authority across multiple product linesMentor engineers and establish engineering/design best practicesPartner with Manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and other engineering teamsWhat We’re Looking ForBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology7+ years of relevant engineering experience5+ years of hands-on centrifugal pump experienceStrong applied knowledge of hydraulic and electric motorsStrong understanding of fluid dynamics and hydraulic systemsExperience with pump performance, efficiency, NPSH, system curves, bearing life, and axial thrustUnderstanding of hydraulic motor operation, including torque/speed relationships and efficiencyFEA and FMEA experience requiredAdvanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, engineering drawings, and ECN experienceExpert-level Autodesk InventorDemonstrated technical leadership and mentoring experienceStrong project management, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skillsExperience supporting NPD and VAVE initiativesWhy This OpportunityThis is an opportunity to take technical ownership of complex fluid-handling products while influencing product strategy, new product development, manufacturing performance, and engineering best practices. You’ll have the autonomy to make critical technical decisions while serving as a mentor and subject matter expert within the engineering organization.#inc1Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.