Design Principal Engineer

Job Title: Design Principal Engineer Job Description The Design Principal Engineer drives the development of new technologies and mass-production products for power equipment and powersports, from concept through launch. This role combines advanced mechanical design, project leadership, and cost management to deliver innovative, high-quality products that delight customers and support a future-focused vision of mobility and environmental responsibility. You will lead cross-functional teams, guide complex designs, and champion continuous improvement in both product performance and development efficiency. Responsibilities Lead the generation of high-level mechanical designs and drawings for new technologies and components using advanced computer-aided design tools. Create and validate 2D and 3D layouts to ensure proper fit, form, and function of components and systems in line with established specifications. Apply engineering methods such as calculations, simulations, FTA, FMEA, and adherence to guidelines, standards, and regulations to confirm design robustness. Develop drawings and specifications that support prototype builds, engineering estimates, supplier negotiations, factory assembly confirmation, and final mass-production release. Lead and guide project teams to meet development targets, including quality, cost, and delivery, while ensuring key milestones are achieved on schedule. Plan and coordinate resource needs, including effective use of contractor resources, and escalate requirements appropriately to leadership when needed. Communicate project status clearly and consistently, and lead or actively participate in project meetings, technical discussions, and development events. Establish and maintain bills of materials to track new technologies, features, and components, ensuring accurate configuration control throughout the development cycle. Use cost tables, cost simulation software, and supplier quotations to estimate part and system costs, ensuring projects remain within defined cost targets. Generate and develop advanced ideas that enhance product competitiveness through improved features, technologies, or development and factory efficiencies. Lead or support market quality investigations and value analysis themes, using structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement effective countermeasures. Develop and implement countermeasure specifications and lead recurrence prevention activities to improve product reliability and customer satisfaction. Drive new product development from concept design through detailed design, considering manufacturability for processes such as stamping, plastic injection, and die casting. Focus design activities on power equipment and powersports products, including items such as lawnmowers, string trimmers, snow blowers, ATVs, and side-by-sides. Work independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership of complex engineering challenges and guiding others in best practices and technical standards. Support cross-functional and inter-branch collaboration by learning and effectively using internal systems, processes, and terminology. Maintain professional conduct at all times and follow all departmental, safety, and company policies, procedures, and rules. Essential Skills More than 12 years of engineering experience, preferably within powersports or power equipment, with a strong emphasis on leading projects independently. Proven project leadership experience, including ownership of schedule, quality, and cost targets for complex engineering programs. Advanced proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD), with the ability to create high-level 3D models and detailed 2D drawings for mechanical systems. Experience with 2D and 3D layout development to ensure correct fit, form, and function of components and assemblies. Hands-on experience applying FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to assess and mitigate technical risks. Strong understanding of engineering standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical design and mass production. Demonstrated ability to manage cost targets using cost tables, cost simulation software (such as Apriori), and supplier quotations. Extensive experience in new product development, including concept creation, detailed design, and transition to mass production. Deep mechanical engineering focus, particularly in the design of components and systems for power equipment and powersports products. Ability to work without supervision on complex technical tasks, while also guiding and mentoring project team members. Strong problem-solving skills, including root-cause analysis and development of effective, sustainable countermeasures. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information and project status to diverse stakeholders. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience; candidates without a degree may be considered with substantial relevant experience. Experience working specifically with power equipment products such as zero-turn (ZTR) lawnmowers, string trimmers, and snow blowers. Experience working with powersports products such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles. Knowledge of and experience designing for manufacturing processes including metal stamping, plastic injection molding, and die casting. Proficiency with high-level CAD platforms, with a preference for Catia; experience with other systems such as SolidWorks or Creo is also valued. Willingness and ability to learn new CAD tools and internal systems, supported by training resources such as online courses. Familiarity with cost simulation tools like Apriori or similar software used to estimate and optimize part and assembly costs. Demonstrated experience leading projects and teams without direct supervision, including coordination of contractors and cross-functional partners. Comfort operating in an environment with unique internal systems, terminology, and processes, and the ability to adapt quickly to new ways of working. Strong organizational skills, including maintaining accurate bills of materials and documentation throughout the product development lifecycle. Commitment to continuous improvement, both in product performance and in development processes. Openness to a structured interview process that may include virtual interviews and in-person panel discussions for candidates who progress. Work Environment This role primarily operates in an office and engineering environment, with most work performed at a desk using a computer and CAD tools, involving frequent keyboard use. The position may also require time in shop or lab areas where prototypes and components are evaluated, which can involve exposure to typical industrial hazards such as pressurized equipment, moving parts, explosives or flammables, and toxic chemicals. Physical demands are generally light, with limited kneeling, standing, squatting, reaching, or bending. Travel requirements vary based on project needs and responsibilities and may include occasional domestic and overseas trips for meetings, testing, supplier visits, or conferences. Overtime can be expected at times to meet project deadlines and support key milestones. The work environment emphasizes professional conduct, adherence to safety practices, and compliance with all departmental and company policies and procedures. The organization offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive base salary structure, performance-related regional bonuses where applicable, a manager vehicle program, robust medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and shutdown periods, company-paid short- and long-term disability coverage, and a retirement plan with company match and additional contributions. Eligible employees may also receive relocation assistance. The culture supports career growth through advancement opportunities, internal mobility, education reimbursement, and structured training and development programs. Additional benefits may include lifestyle and childcare reimbursement accounts, elder care support, tuition assistance and student loan repayment, wellbeing initiatives, community engagement programs, and access to product-related programs, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Haw River, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $48.60 - $60.72/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Haw River,NC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.