Principal Mechanical Engineer

Cooper Perkins, 517 York Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States of America, San Francisco 94110, US

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

As strategies, technologies and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.

Our diverse teams of experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough use of technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.

An innovation and transformation consultancy, we are over 4000 specialists in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. Our people are strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers and technologists.

We operate globally from offices across the UK, US, Netherlands and Nordics

You’re a seasoned mechanical engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and leading multidisciplinary teams. You bring curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to engineering excellence. You’re energized by turning inventive ideas into innovative products—and you know how to guide others in doing the same.

You communicate clearly and confidently with clients and colleagues alike, and you build trust through transparency, integrity, and collaboration. You’re not afraid to speak the truth, especially when it helps move the work forward.

What You’ll Do

Lead the design, development, and delivery of robust mechanical and electromechanical systems—from concept through mass production.

Guide cross-functional teams through technical problem-solving, prototyping, validation, and client engagement.

Shape project strategy and execution, ensuring alignment between engineering rigor, user needs, and business goals.

Serve as a senior technical advisor to clients, helping define product architecture, development pathways, and innovation opportunities.

Contribute to business development through proposal writing, client conversations, and thought leadership.

Mentor junior engineers and consultants, fostering growth and technical excellence across the team.

Qualifications

BS or MS in mechanical engineering or related field, with 10+ years of experience in product development or consulting.

Proven leadership in complex, multidisciplinary projects, especially those involving electromechanical systems and user-centered design.

Expertise in one or more of the following : mechatronics, structural design, dynamics, thermal systems, fluid dynamics, controls, acoustics, precision mechanisms, or DFM.

Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and engineering analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, FEA, etc.).

Strong communication skills and experience working directly with clients and external partners.

A portfolio or selected work examples that demonstrate your impact and approach

Additional information

Additional Information

Hybrid working - our approach is to be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. However, the actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment, including up to 5 days per week on a client site

Benefits package at PA

Group medical insurance

Health Savings Account with company match

Teladoc and informed Nurse line resources

Long term care plan

Vision plan

401(k) Savings Plan with company profit sharing contribution

Commuter and Parking tax-savings benefit

15 days paid vacation days with the opportunity to buy five additional days

Company and Voluntary income protection benefits

Gym and health incentive reimbursement

Pet and legal insurance Plans

Employee Assistance Plan

Annual performance-based bonus

In compliance with California Equal Pay Transparency Act, PA is required to provide a reasonable salary range for this role. This salary range is specific to the State of California and is commensurate with experience, market data, applicant skills, internal equity and / or degrees / certifications. California Salary : $174,500 - $233,000.00

The salary range for this role takes into account the many factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At PA, our compensation philosophy is to hire at or near the midpoint of the stated range and it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the maximum for the role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

#J-18808-Ljbffr