Plainville, CT, 06062, USA
3 days ago
Principal Product Design Engineer
On-Site We are seeking a **Principal Product Design Engineer** to serve as a technical authority in the design and development of rugged electro-mechanical sensors for industrial fluid sensing and control applications. This role combines hands-on design with engineering mastery of mechanical fundamentals to translate complex requirements into manufacturable, reliable, and high-performance products. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in mechanical design, materials, fluid dynamics, and manufacturing processes, with the ability to drive cross-functional development of integrated sensor systems used in the most demanding industrial/critical environments. **Essential Functions** : + Convert customer requirements into engineering requirements, design objectives, exploratory research topics, feasibility analyses, innovation opportunities, risk assessments, and comprehensive design specifications. + Lead mechanical design of sensor components and systems with tight tolerance control and robust structural integrity. + Utilize 3D CAD modeling and simulation tools to evaluate stress, vibration, heat transfer, and fluid flow characteristics influencing sensor performance. + Develop material selection criteria emphasizing liquid compatibility, thermal stability, corrosion resistance, mechanical durability, and manufacturability. + Specify and optimize manufacturing and assembly processes including injection molding, CNC machining, die casting, stamping, welding, crimping, over-molding, and adhesive bonding. + Design leak-tight sealing systems using O-rings, gaskets, welded joints, and other sealing strategies suitable for critical industrial environments. + Define and execute mechanical and environmental validation plans to verify performance, reliability, and compliance with industrial standards. Construct prototypes and design articles for verification and validation testing. + Collaborate closely with electrical, firmware, and manufacturing teams leading the cohesive integration of mechanical, electronic, and sensing subsystems. + Author and publish comprehensive engineering documentation, including detailed engineering drawings, design specifications, simulation results, tolerance analyses, test plans, FMEA, safety review, failure analysis reports, and bill of material cost. + Apply core engineering principles—thermal analysis, fluid mechanics, strength of materials, and material science—throughout all development phases. + Assess and integrate the latest technological developments by researching industry trends, vendor networks, competitors, and academic sources. + Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of mechanical design methodologies and product development best practices. **Critical Success Factors:** + **Technical Excellence** : Apply deep mechanical engineering expertise to deliver robust, high-performance sensor designs. Robust design documentation of experimentation, analysis, verification and validation, and final design deliverables are key outcomes. + **Design for Manufacturability & Lifecycle Performance:** Design with process capability, material behavior, and environmental durability in mind, ensuring long-term performance and cost efficiency. Sensor products that are easy to build, highly reliable, and maintain consistent performance throughout their operational life are key outcomes. + **Cross-Functional Collaboration** : Integrate seamlessly with electrical, firmware, and manufacturing teams to ensure cohesive product development. Anticipation of team needs, successful production scale up, and on-time product launches are key outcomes. **Education & Experience Required:** + Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred. + 10+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience, ideally in industrial instrumentation, electro-mechanical devices, or precision systems. Similar industrial background considered. + Expert proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and simulation tools for mechanical, thermal, and/or fluidic analysis (FEA/CFD). + Proven experience in design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) across injection molding, machining, casting, welding and assembly processes. + Strong background in mechanical design, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical behavior of materials under industrial operating conditions. Ideally critical applications where high reliability are essential. + Established skills in sealing system design (O-rings, gaskets, welds) for high-reliability sensor housing, Ingress Protection (IPx) ratings, and pressure-rated assemblies. + Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory compliance (examples: CE, UL, CSA, ASME, ISO, ASTM, MIL-STD, etc.) relevant to industrial instrumentation. + Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a track record of leading technically challenging design initiatives. **Desired Skills:** + **Analytical & Problem-Solving** - Decompose complex mechanical challenges, perform root cause analysis, and design innovative, practical solutions. + **Attention to Detail** - Ensure precision in dimensional control, materials, and assembly for long-term reliable sensor stability and accuracy in critical environments. + **Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration** - Partner effectively with electrical, firmware, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless system integration. + **Adaptability & Learning** – Research and rapidly learn and apply new technologies, technique and methodologies to advance innovation and time-to-market. + **Communication** - Produce clear, thorough technical documentation and communicate results effectively within engineering and manufacturing teams. \#LI-JW2 **Ralliant Corporation Overview** Ralliant, originally part of Fortive, now stands as a bold, independent public company driving innovation at the forefront of precision technology. With a global footprint and a legacy of excellence, we empower engineers to bring next-generation breakthroughs to life — faster, smarter, and more reliably. Our high-performance instruments, sensors, and subsystems fuel mission-critical advancements across industries, enabling real-world impact where it matters most. At Ralliant we're building the future, together with those driven to push boundaries, solve complex problems, and leave a lasting mark on the world. **About Gems Setra** Gems Setra is a leading global supplier of sensing and monitoring technologies, operating within the Precision Technologies platform of Ralliant Corporation. Through our comprehensive portfolio of premium sensing products, we deliver solutions to customer problems and challenges. As two Fortive businesses merged in 2022, Gems Setra's vision is to connect our customers to their environment to create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. Gems Sensors product offerings include a range of products that encompass liquid level, flow, and pressure sensors, miniature solenoid valves, proximity switches, and integrated fluid management solutions. The Setra Systems product line offers an extensive selection of high-quality sensing instruments for humidity, current, vacuum, energy, and pressure measurements. At the heart of our combined company's mission lies a shared dedication between Gems Sensors and Setra Systems to deliver high-quality sensing solutions, backed by reliable customer support on a global scale. As a part of Ralliant, we embrace a culture of innovation, driving progress and empowering advancements in the industries and customers we serve. We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ralliant Corporation and all Ralliant Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Ralliant and all Ralliant Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at applyassistance@Ralliant.com. **Bonus or Equity** This position is also eligible for bonus as part of the total compensation package. **Pay Range** The salary range for this position (in local currency) is 104,300.00 - 193,700.00
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