Principal Engineer, PE

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Engineer – Test & Measurement to serve as the highest-level technical authority within our engineering organization. This role is responsible for establishing and governing engineering standards, analysis methodologies, and certification practices that ensure the technical excellence, integrity, and compliance of our products and engineering processes. As the enterprise technical expert, you will provide final technical authority on the organization's most complex structural analyses and engineering decisions while partnering closely with Engineering Management to drive technical strategy, mentor engineers, and continuously elevate engineering capabilities across the department.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Professional Engineer who is passionate about solving complex engineering challenges, advancing engineering best practices, and shaping the future of structural analysis and product certification.

Responsibilities not limited to:

• Serve as the organization's highest technical authority for complex structural analysis, seismic and wind certification, and engineering methodologies.
• Define, develop, and govern engineering standards, technical procedures, modeling assumptions, validation methods, and certification workflows.
• Review and approve critical engineering analyses, modeling assumptions, boundary conditions, load cases, and final technical deliverables for high-risk projects.
• Develop and validate advanced finite element analysis (FEA) methodologies, including:
• Nonlinear static analysis
• Modal analysis
• Response spectrum analysis
• Transient dynamic analysis
• Multi-load-case structural analysis
• Provide technical oversight and review of complex test fixture designs while ensuring alignment between analytical models and experimental testing.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve department technical manuals, engineering standards, and best practices.
• Lead technical investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions resulting from testing anomalies or product performance issues.
• Ensure engineering compliance with applicable building codes, certification requirements, and accreditation standards.
• Review technical certification packages, Certificates of Conformance, and supporting engineering documentation prior to release.
• Support engineering audits, accreditation activities, customer technical reviews, and regulatory discussions as the organization's technical subject matter expert.
• Collaborate with Engineering Management, Technical Specialists, Product Engineering, Sales, Laboratory Operations, and Field Testing teams to ensure technically sound project execution.
• Mentor and coach engineers on advanced structural analysis, finite element modeling, testing methodologies, engineering judgment, and technical report writing.
• Lead technical peer reviews and promote knowledge sharing across the engineering organization.
• Monitor emerging engineering technologies, codes, software, and industry trends to recommend strategic improvements that maintain best-in-class engineering capabilities.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Structural Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• 8–12+ years of progressive engineering experience in structural analysis, testing, and product certification
• Extensive experience performing detailed structural analysis using stiffness methods
• Advanced proficiency with finite element analysis software such as FEMAP, ANSYS, or equivalent
• Experience with AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, or comparable 2D/3D CAD software
• Strong background supporting experimental testing programs, including seismic and wind testing
• Deep knowledge of:
• International Building Code (IBC)

• Demonstrated experience applying structural codes and standards to non-structural equipment certification
• Proven ability to prepare, review, and approve complex engineering analyses and technical reports
• Excellent technical communication, collaboration, mentoring, and problem-solving skills
• Experience supporting ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation and external engineering audits

What you will bring:

• Recognized technical expertise in structural engineering, seismic analysis, and engineering certification.
• Sound engineering judgment with the ability to make high-impact technical decisions that influence enterprise-wide engineering practices.
• A passion for mentoring engineers and strengthening organizational technical capability.
• The ability to translate complex engineering concepts into practical solutions while balancing technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and business objectives.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership without direct management responsibility.

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At VMC Group and companies we believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally. When you join our team, you gain more than just a job — you gain access to a range of benefits designed to promote your well-being, growth, and financial security.

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous annual time off policy
• 12 Company-Paid holidays
• A Solid Wellness Program to support your personal health goals
• Professional development opportunities

Join our team and build a rewarding career where your contributions are valued and your growth is supported. Be a part of a fast-growing, technology-driven manufacturing company — APPLY TODAY!

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We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.