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.

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.