Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer - Automation Lead

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Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer

R&D Mechanical Engineering Full Time Professional Main Office, Raleigh, NC, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1077

Position Summary

TARGAN is seeking a highly accomplished Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as a senior technical leader within our R&D and Engineering organization. This individual will play a critical role in the invention, architecture, design, optimization, and commercialization of advanced automated electromechanical systems used in animal health and bio-industrial environments.

This role requires a highly creative, hands-on engineering expert who can lead complex product development initiatives from concept through commercialization while mentoring engineers and strengthening engineering standards. The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical engineering expertise with strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, strategic direction, technical mentorship, and a passion for solving complex problems through automation.

Key Job Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Product Development

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of complex automated electromechanical systems, machinery, and equipment from concept through production release.
• Architect robust, scalable, and serviceable systems involving mechanical, pneumatic, fluidic, motion control, sensor, and automation technologies.
• Translate business needs, customer workflows, and product concepts into practical engineering solutions.
• Lead technical decision-making for major engineering programs, balancing innovation, speed, cost, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Identify technical risks early and develop mitigation plans to maintain program timelines and performance goals.

Mechanical Design & Engineering Execution

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms.
• Design components including machine parts, sheet metal, welded structures, molded plastics, conveyors, actuators, precision mechanisms, and automated assemblies.
• Perform engineering calculations for sizing motors, pneumatics, actuators, structures, bearings, drives, and mechanical systems.
• Apply engineering tools such as FEA, tolerance analysis, FMEA, root cause analysis, and Design for Six Sigma principles.
• Create complete engineering documentation packages integrated with ERP, PLM, and release systems.
• Design and improve automated capital equipment and production systems involving robotics, motion control, sensors, cameras, pneumatics, and control interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with controls, electrical, vision, software, bioscience, manufacturing, and production teams.
• Improve equipment performance, uptime, safety, throughput, and maintainability.
• Support factory automation, workflow optimization, and field deployment initiatives.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and external manufacturers to execute Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Testability (DFT), and cost optimization initiatives.
• Support prototype builds, pilot systems, validation testing, and new product introduction.
• Resolve production and field issues through structured engineering problem-solving.
• Drive value engineering and continuous product cost reduction efforts.

Engineering Excellence & Governance

• Lead formal and informal design reviews, ensuring high technical standards across programs.
• Establish and improve engineering processes, standards, templates, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety and machine regulations including CE, OSHA, NEC, NFPA, and related standards.
• Support engineering change management and configuration control processes.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers in design methods, problem solving, professionalism, and technical growth.
• Provide guidance across engineering disciplines as a trusted senior technical advisor.
• May lead a team of mechanical engineers, including resource planning, workload allocation, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture focused on accountability, creativity, and execution.
• Deep expertise in mechanical design of industrial automation, machinery, or capital equipment.
• Strong hands-on experience with CAD systems (SolidWorks preferred).
• Extensive knowledge of motors, actuators, conveyors, pneumatics, bearings, mechanisms, and fabrication methods.
• Proven ability to solve complex technical problems and execute under tight timelines.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods including machining, welding, sheet metal, molding, casting, additive manufacturing, and assembly processes.
• Broad multidisciplinary understanding of controls, electrical systems, robotics, machine vision, and fluid systems.
• Strong communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Highly organized with strong project prioritization and multitasking ability.
• Creative thinker who can challenge assumptions and develop innovative solutions.
• Results-oriented leader with strong ownership mindset.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 20+ years of progressive engineering experience in mechanical design, automation equipment, industrial machinery, or related fields.
• Minimum 8+ years leading complex engineering programs or senior-level technical teams.
• Proven experience taking products from concept through commercialization.
• Experience in agricultural equipment, biotech equipment, medical devices, packaging automation, or industrial systems strongly preferred.
• Experience in regulated, high-reliability, or harsh operating environments is a plus.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed inside a flex space building consisting of offices, open desk space, laboratory, machine shop, and a manufacturing floor. Level of noise is usually quiet in the office environment and temperature controlled. Noise levels are elevated in the warehouse space where temperatures can vary depending on the outside elements and weather. Travel may be required, including up to 2-8 trips per year to visit suppliers, attend conferences, meetings (customer, investor, and business) and customer sites (hatcheries).