Sr. Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Title:  Senior Design Engineer – Centrifugal Pumps & Fluid Power

Location: Crawfordsville, IN
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $110-125k

Sterling 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 Do

• Lead centrifugal pump and fluid power product designs from concept through production launch
• Define product architecture, technical requirements, and design strategy
• Analyze pump performance, efficiency, NPSH, system curves, bearing life, and axial thrust
• Evaluate hydraulic and electric motor performance and pump/motor system interaction
• 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
• Apply advanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design verification
• Review and approve engineering drawings, designs, and ECNs
• Troubleshoot complex manufacturing, supplier, and field issues using root cause analysis
• Serve as a technical authority across multiple product lines
• Mentor engineers and establish engineering/design best practices
• Partner with Manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and other engineering teams

What We’re Looking For

• 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 applied knowledge of hydraulic and electric motors
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and hydraulic systems
• Experience with pump performance, efficiency, NPSH, system curves, bearing life, and axial thrust
• Understanding of hydraulic motor operation, including torque/speed relationships and efficiency
• FEA and FMEA experience required
• Advanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, engineering drawings, and ECN experience
• Expert-level Autodesk Inventor
• Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring experience
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills
• Experience supporting NPD and VAVE initiatives

Why This Opportunity

This 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.

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Qualified 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.