Principal Mechanical Engineer – Networking Systems
Hewlett Packard Enterprise· enterprise· Enterprise IT· Oct 7, 2026 · 21d ago
Sunnyvale, California, United States of America
In office
Full-time
Principal
$136K–$213K est.
10+ years exp
Job description
Principal Mechanical Engineer – Networking Systems
This role has been designed as ‘’Onsite’ with an expectation that you will primarily work from an HPE office.
Who We Are:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud company advancing the way people live and work. We help companies connect, protect, analyze, and act on their data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so they can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today’s complex world. Our culture thrives on finding new and better ways to accelerate what’s next. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good. If you are looking to stretch and grow your career our culture will embrace you. Open up opportunities with HPE.
Job Description:
Reporting to the Head of Mechanical Engineering, the Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer must be a self-motivated technical leader capable of working in a fast-paced environment with aggressive product development schedules. This individual will be responsible for the mechanical architecture, design, development, and qualification of complex networking systems from concept through production and field deployment.
The ideal candidate is a highly experienced, hands-on engineer who combines strong technical leadership with a willingness to engage directly in product development activities, including system design, laboratory debugging, prototype evaluation, root-cause analysis, and customer issue resolution.
Responsibilities include:
Lead the mechanical development of complex networking systems and chassis platforms from concept through production release and field support.
Provide technical leadership across multiple programs and serve as a subject matter expert for mechanical architecture, packaging, manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
Evaluate and integrate new technologies in cooling, liquid cooling, interconnects, materials, and manufacturing processes to support future product roadmaps.
Drive system-level technical decisions, balancing performance, cost, schedule, reliability, manufacturability, compliance, and customer requirements.
Remain actively engaged in hands-on engineering activities, including CAD reviews, tolerance analysis, prototype evaluation, laboratory testing, failure analysis, and root-cause investigations.
Lead cross-functional design reviews and collaborate closely with Electrical, Thermal, Signal Integrity, Reliability, Manufacturing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams.
Drive technical content of system specifications, design guidelines, validation plans, and engineering standards.
Develop and maintain mechanical design standards, best practices, and engineering methodologies across the organization.
Identify technical risks and drive mitigation plans throughout the product development lifecycle.
Support customer escalations, manufacturing issues, and field failures through hands-on troubleshooting and corrective action development.
Lead supplier engagements involving design reviews, manufacturing readiness, tooling strategies, and technical issue resolution.
Provide project scoping, resource estimates, schedule input, and technical guidance for new product development efforts.
Mentor and develop engineers through technical coaching, design reviews, and day-to-day engineering leadership.
Contribute to long-term technology planning and future platform development initiatives.
Education
Required:
BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
10 years of experience in electromechanical product development.
Preferred:
MS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
Experience developing networking, server, storage, telecommunications, or high-performance computing systems.
Extensive experience with chassis development, system packaging, and high-density electronic assemblies.
Experience with advanced cooling technologies, including liquid cooling solutions.
Demonstrated leadership of complex cross-functional development programs.
Expected Competencies
Expert-level proficiency with 3D solid modeling tools; SolidWorks experience preferred. Working knowledge of EPDM or equivalent PLM systems is a plus.
Extensive experience developing complex chassis and system-level mechanical designs for networking, server, storage, or telecommunications products.
Strong hands-on experience with tolerance analysis, GD&T, stack-up analysis, and structural analysis techniques.
Working knowledge of FEA and interpretation of simulation results.
Experience with ECAD-MCAD integration and IDF workflows.
Deep understanding of sheet metal design, machining, castings, extrusions, plastics, and associated manufacturing processes.
Strong understanding of tooling requirements and manufacturing considerations for volume production.
Working knowledge of thermal design principles, thermal characterization, and advanced cooling technologies including liquid cooling.
Strong understanding of NEBS, EMI, EMC, Safety, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex system-level mechanical issues in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.
Experience leading root-cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.
Strong understanding of product cost drivers, tooling investments, supplier capabilities, and budget management.
Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Comprehensive understanding of the complete product development lifecycle from concept through production and field support.
Accessibility
HPE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodation during any stage of the application or interview process, please submit your request by completing our secure form linked here .
Note: This option is reserved for applicants needing assistance/reasonable accommodation related to a disability.
What We Can Offer You:
Health & Wellbeing
We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.
Personal & Professional Development
We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have — whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.
Unconditional Inclusion
We are unconditionally inclusive in the way we work and celebrate individual uniqueness. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good.
Let s Stay Connected:
Follow HPECareers on Instagram to see the latest on people, culture and tech at HPE.
Job:
Engineering Job Level:
TCP_05
"The expected salary/wage range for this position is provided below. Actual offer may vary from this range based upon geographic location, work experience, education/training, and/or skill level.
– United States of America: Annual Salary USD 140,500 - 285,000 in California
The listed salary range reflects base salary. Variable incentives may also be offered."
Information about employee benefits offered in the US can be found at myhperewards.com
HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any other protected category, and all decisions we make are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Our goal is to be one global team that is representative of our customers, in an inclusive environment where we can continue to innovate and grow together. Please click here: Equal Employment Opportunity .
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.
HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.
Recruitment Fraud Alert
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All legitimate job opportunities will come through official company channels, and candidates are responsible for verifying the credentials of any third party claiming to represent the company. Any reliance on fraudulent communication is at the individual’s own risk, and HPE disclaims legal liability for any resulting damages. If you suspect recruitment fraud, do not share personal information or make any payments and report the incident to your local authorities immediately.
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