Principal Mechanical Engineer

About the role

The Home Depot is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of complex electromechanical automation systems. The role leads the architecture, design and commercialization of products from concept through production, partnering across engineering disciplines and business functions to deliver reliable, manufacturable and cost-effective solutions. It suits a senior technical leader who influences engineering strategy, mentors technical talent and helps set engineering practices.

Key responsibilities

• Lead complex electromechanical products from concept through commercialization, balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability and cost.
• Define product and system requirements and align mechanical, electrical, embedded software, controls, manufacturing, quality, supply chain and field service teams.
• Lead cross-functional product development programs from concept and architecture through launch, ramp-up and field deployment.
• Develop validation strategies including proof-of-concept prototypes, design verification, system validation and reliability testing.
• Drive DFM, DFA, DFS, DFR and cost optimization initiatives.
• Make and influence technical decisions on architecture, trade-offs, technology selection and risk management.
• Mentor mechanical engineers through coaching, design reviews, recruiting and career development.
• Improve engineering processes, design documentation and product lifecycle management as the company scales.
• Serve as a technical advisor to engineering leadership on technology strategy and product roadmaps.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline; Master's preferred.
• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience developing complex electromechanical products, with success leading them from concept to commercialization.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and influencing technical decisions.
• Strong understanding of product development methodologies, stage-gate processes, systems engineering and technical risk management.
• Excellent communication skills with executives, suppliers and customers.

Required skills

• Deep expertise in mechanical design, machine design, precision mechanisms, structural analysis, materials selection and manufacturing processes.
• DFM, DFA, DFS, DFR, tolerance analysis and cost optimization.
• Verification and validation plans, including prototype evaluation and reliability testing.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX or Inventor and engineering analysis tools.
• Preferred: automation equipment, robotics, material handling, motion control, sensors, pneumatics, servo systems, NPI, PLM, FMEA, GD&T, DFMEA/PFMEA and reliability engineering.

For California, Colorado, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Nevada, New York City, Ithaca (NY), Westchester County (NY) and Washington residents, the pay range is $150,000 - $200,000.