Job Summary Ainsley Search Group is partnering with an established manufacturer in the South Jersey area to identify an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of innovative consumer and electromechanical products. This is a hands-on technical leadership opportunity for an engineer who enjoys taking ideas from initial concept through design, prototyping, testing, and full-scale manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in new product development, injection-molded plastic components, and mechanical design using SolidWorks. Key Responsibilities Lead mechanical design and new product development projects from initial concept through production launch. Develop original product concepts, mechanical designs, and complete assemblies for consumer and electromechanical applications. Design injection-molded plastic components, including housings, enclosures, structural features, and mechanical assemblies. Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials using SolidWorks. Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles to support efficient production. Evaluate material selection, component functionality, manufacturing methods, and tooling considerations. Develop and evaluate prototypes through hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and design validation. Collaborate with electrical engineering, manufacturing, quality, and external suppliers throughout the development process. Work with tooling and manufacturing partners to transition designs into production. Identify opportunities to improve product functionality, reliability, durability, and manufacturing costs. Provide technical direction and mentorship to other engineers while remaining actively involved in design work. Manage multiple product development initiatives while maintaining project schedules and technical requirements. Support product testing, engineering documentation, and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. 8+ years of experience in mechanical design, product development, or a closely related engineering field. Demonstrated experience developing new physical products from initial concept through manufacturing and commercialization . Strong hands-on experience designing injection-molded plastic components and assemblies. Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings. Strong understanding of plastic part design, including wall thickness, draft angles, ribs, bosses, snap fits, and tooling considerations. Experience with prototyping, design verification, testing, and manufacturing support. Knowledge of mechanical design principles, material selection, tolerance analysis, and GD&T. Ability to independently lead complex mechanical design projects and make sound technical decisions. Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Experience providing technical guidance or mentorship to other engineers. What Makes This Opportunity Attractive Opportunity to lead the development of new products from the ground up. Hands-on engineering role with significant technical ownership. Ability to influence product design decisions and development strategies. Collaborative environment with direct interaction between engineering and manufacturing. Opportunity to mentor engineers while continuing to perform technical design work. Established manufacturing organization with ongoing product development initiatives. Competitive compensation and benefits package.