Principal Mechanical Engineer

Title: Mechanical Engineer III / Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Portland, ME OR Worcester, MA OR Plymouth, MA

Hire Type: Direct Hire or Contract-to-Hire

Compensation: $136,000 - $189,000 based on experience

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a growing engineering organization seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer III or Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership and engineering expertise on complex industrial, infrastructure, utility, and energy-related projects. This role will support LNG, RNG, natural gas transmission, and distribution projects while leading engineering activities from planning and design through project execution. The ideal candidate will be a licensed Professional Engineer with strong project leadership skills, technical expertise, and experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of engineering projects while maintaining quality, efficiency, and safety standards.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for engineering projects and disciplines.
• Conduct field visits, site assessments, and construction coordination activities.
• Review engineering designs, calculations, specifications, reports, and supporting documentation for technical accuracy and compliance.
• Identify project risks, engineering issues, and deficiencies while implementing corrective actions and solutions.
• Participate in proposal preparation, project planning, budgeting support, and scope development.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, vendors, clients, and regulatory agencies throughout project execution.
• Support project scheduling, forecasting, cost tracking, and resource planning activities.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers, designers, drafters, and field personnel.
• Support quality assurance and quality control initiatives.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and development of engineering staff.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, engineering best practices, and technology enhancements.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering experience.
• Experience supporting industrial, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, utility, or energy-related projects.
• Strong knowledge of LNG, RNG, natural gas transmission, and distribution systems preferred.
• Field, operations, commissioning, maintenance, or construction experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience directing engineering teams and multidisciplinary project efforts.
• Experience developing project scopes, technical proposals, cost estimates, and project budgets.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Valid driver's license required for project‑related travel and field work.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Master's Degree in Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License required.

Advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, methods, standards, and practices.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.