Principal Mechanical Motor Design Engineer

Principal Mechanical Motor Design Engineer
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Rotating Equipment & Electrification
Design Large-Scale Rotating Equipment Built for Demanding Applications

Some engineering opportunities focus on maintaining existing products.

Others provide the opportunity to influence the design, manufacturability, testing, and long-term performance of highly engineered systems that operate in demanding industrial environments.

This opportunity falls into the second category.

Our client is expanding a specialized engineering organization responsible for the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of large AC traction motors and generators used in heavy-duty electric drive applications.

We're seeking a Principal Mechanical Motor Design Engineer who wants to be involved throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept development and detailed design through manufacturing support, testing, validation, and continuous product improvement.

This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving real-world challenges and wants to see their work move from concept to production.

The Opportunity:
You'll join a growing electrification engineering team focused on advanced rotating equipment and electric drive technology.

Working alongside experienced electrical engineers, manufacturing personnel, testing specialists, designers, and technical leadership, you'll help develop and improve highly engineered motor and generator systems used in demanding industrial applications.

This role offers significant technical ownership, visibility, and long-term career growth potential.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:
Unlike many engineering roles that focus on a narrow portion of the product lifecycle, this position offers broad ownership and direct involvement from concept development through manufacturing, testing, validation, and continuous improvement.

Engineers are attracted to this opportunity because it provides:

• Ownership across the entire product lifecycle
• Direct interaction with manufacturing and testing teams
• Exposure to large-scale motors, generators, and rotating equipment
• A highly collaborative, low-ego engineering culture
• Strong technical leadership and mentorship
• Meaningful influence on product design and engineering decisions
• Variety of work spanning design, manufacturing support, testing, troubleshooting, and product improvement
• Long-term technical and leadership growth opportunities

What You'll Do:

• Lead mechanical design of large AC motors and generators
• Design rotors, shafts, housings, bearing systems, sealing systems, and cooling systems
• Develop detailed 3D models and production-ready engineering drawings
• Support new product development from concept through release
• Partner closely with manufacturing teams to improve quality and manufacturability
• Support prototype builds and production implementation
• Participate in testing, validation, and performance improvement activities
• Conduct root cause investigations and resolve technical issues
• Review and release engineering documentation
• Provide technical leadership on complex rotating equipment programs

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Significant experience designing large motors, generators, or rotating equipment
• Strong 3D CAD experience
• Solid understanding of GD&T and engineering drawing practices
• Experience supporting manufacturing and production environments
• Product testing and validation experience
• Knowledge of bearings, shafts, cooling systems, sealing systems, and rotating machinery
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Backgrounds That Translate Well:
We are particularly interested in candidates from:

• Rail and locomotive industries
• Large industrial motor manufacturers
• Generator manufacturers
• Mining equipment manufacturers
• Heavy rotating equipment organizations
• Industrial electrification environments
• Power generation equipment
• Paper and pulp motor application

What Separates Top Candidates:
The strongest candidates have personally:

• Designed rotating equipment
• Released products to manufacturing
• Worked directly with manufacturing teams
• Supported testing and validation efforts
• Solved product performance issues
• Owned products throughout the full development lifecycle

We're looking for engineers who have built products, not simply analyzed them.

Compensation & Benefits:
Our client understands that experienced rotating equipment professionals are highly specialized and difficult to find.
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience, technical expertise, and overall qualifications.

In addition to base compensation, the position offers:

• Annual incentive bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings program
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
• Long-term technical and leadership development opportunities

Exceptional candidates may also be considered at a higher organizational level based on experience and demonstrated expertise.

Relocation Assistance:
Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Milwaukee offers the amenities of a major metropolitan area, excellent travel accessibility, lakefront living, professional sports, outstanding dining, and easy access to Chicago while maintaining a favorable cost of living compared to many larger U.S. cities.

* Please note all resumes and candidate information submitted are kept in the strictest confidence. No resume will be released without the candidate's prior permission.

About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of Manpower Engineering
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower Engineering, Experis, Talent Solutions – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2026 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 17th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent .