Principal Project Lead

Overview

Our client is a leading engineering firm that designs and builds custom mechanized systems for complex structures. Known for innovation and technical depth, they work across aerospace, stadiums, entertainment, and observatories to solve high-risk engineering challenges with precision and reliability.

This senior leadership role oversees the technical and programmatic direction of major design-build engineering projects. The role ensures that all deliverables meet safety, performance, and customer expectations while aligning with organizational objectives.

• Guide technical decisions and project direction to meet defined engineering goals.
• Manage cross-disciplinary integration and resolution of complex technical risks.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to engineering staff across active projects.
• Act as the lead technical contact for client stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Project Manager to maintain oversight of timelines, budgets, procurement activities, and task execution.
• Identify and mitigate potential project risks proactively.
• Escalate critical issues and unresolved risks to executive leadership when necessary.
• Ensure decisions account for safety, performance, budget, and schedule priorities.
• Facilitate internal and external design reviews throughout project milestones.
• Foster productive relationships with vendors, client representatives, and third-party collaborators.
• Coordinate effectively with shop, field, and fabrication partners.
• Align project execution with internal standards and leadership guidance.
• Contribute to ongoing process improvements within the organization.
• Provide regular project updates to executive leadership detailing progress, resource needs, risks, and financial performance.
• Support proposal development for new business, including technical input, scope creation, estimating, and risk identification.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or a current Green Card holder.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Structural, Electrical, or Controls Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• 10 to 15 years of experience leading complex, large-scale design-build projects.
• Proven ability to direct technical strategy and make cross-functional decisions.
• Demonstrated history of meeting demanding technical, scheduling, and financial objectives.
• Familiarity with safety-critical systems in industries such as aerospace, kinetic architecture, and themed entertainment.
• Proficiency with engineering and project tools including Solid Works, ANSYS, MS Project, and Excel.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert with a capacity to lead high-stakes decisions.
• Strong mentoring skills and ability to elevate team performance.
• Highly results-driven with a balance of creativity and operational discipline.
• Collaborative approach with internal teams and client stakeholders.

• Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• Health coverage, retirement plans, and other company-sponsored perks.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, to support work-life balance.
• Flexible schedules and work life balance.
• Strong focus on employee development with on-the-job training and career growth.
• A positive company culture that values diversity and collaboration.

The pay range for this role is: 130, USD per year (Minneapolis, Minnesota)