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# Sr. Design Engineer

- **Company:** Sterling Engineering
- **Location:** Crawfordsville, IN, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $110,000 - $125,000
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Autodesk Inventor, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Performance Testing
- **Published:** November 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/33315d3b-87e3-4f32-8d5a-5b4da8100c19/sr-design-engineer

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
 * 7+ years of relevant engineering experience
 * 5+ years of hands-on centrifugal pump experience
 * Strong applied knowledge of hydraulic and electric motors
 * Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and hydraulic systems
 * Experience with pump performance, efficiency, NPSH, system curves, bearing life, and axial thrust
 * Understanding of hydraulic motor operation, including torque/speed relationships and efficiency
 * FEA and FMEA experience required
 * Advanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, engineering drawings, and ECN experience
 * Expert-level Autodesk Inventor
 * Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring experience
 * Strong project management, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills
 * Experience supporting NPD and VAVE initiatives

Why This Opportunity This is an opportunity to take technical ownership of complex fluid-handling products while influencing product strategy, new product development, manufacturing performance, and engineering best practices. You'll have the autonomy to make critical technical decisions while serving as a mentor and subject matter expert within the engineering organization.

## Description

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer / Technical Authority to lead the design, development, and sustainment of complex centrifugal pump and fluid power products. This is a senior-level opportunity for an engineer with deep pump expertise who can lead major product development initiatives, solve complex technical challenges, and mentor other engineers.
What You'll Do

 * Lead centrifugal pump and fluid power product designs from concept through production launch
 * Define product architecture, technical requirements, and design strategy
 * Analyze pump performance, efficiency, NPSH, system curves, bearing life, and axial thrust
 * Evaluate hydraulic and electric motor performance and pump/motor system interaction
 * Lead major New Product Development (NPD) and VAVE initiatives
 * Develop testing, validation, and qualification strategies, including hydraulic/performance testing
 * Perform and review FEA and FMEA
 * Apply advanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design verification
 * Review and approve engineering drawings, designs, and ECNs
 * Troubleshoot complex manufacturing, supplier, and field issues using root cause analysis
 * Serve as a technical authority across multiple product lines
 * Mentor engineers and establish engineering/design best practices
 * Partner with Manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and other engineering teams