Principal Engineer at Generac in Waukesha, WI

Principal Engineer Location: Sussex, WI - USA We are Generac, a leading energy technology company committed to powering a smarter world. Over the 60 plus years of Generac’s history, we’ve been dedicated to energy innovation. From creating the home standby generator market category, to our current evolution into an energy technology solutions company, we continue to push new boundaries. Overview The Principal Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for driving innovation, advancing specialised technologies, and shaping the organisation’s technical strategy within control systems and power electronics. This role focuses on identifying and developing emerging technologies, translating them into scalable product solutions, and creating competitive advantages across the business. As a recognised subject matter expert, you will lead complex product development efforts, influence cross-functional decision-making, and mentor engineering teams while driving new product innovation and business growth. Responsibilities Drive innovation by researching, evaluating, and advancing emerging and leading-edge technologies to create competitive advantage Lead end-to-end development of complex control and power systems, from concept through design, validation, and market launch Define technical strategy and influence product roadmaps in partnership with engineering and leadership teams Develop new engineering methods, practices, and processes to enhance organisational performance and execution speed Lead and mentor engineering teams, providing design guidance, risk identification, and technical direction Collaborate cross-functionally to optimise product performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability while balancing business trade-offs Drive intellectual property development, including patents, technical publications, and industry contributions Solve complex technical challenges by leading cross-functional teams and enabling alignment across stakeholders Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or related Engineering discipline 15+ years of experience in control systems, power electronics, or related engineering fields Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or related Engineering discipline Deep expertise in control engineering, particularly within power generation, power management, or similar applications Strong experience in hardware and firmware development, including C/C++ Proven track record of leading complex product development efforts from concept to launch Demonstrated ability to influence technical decisions and lead without direct authority Demonstrated success as a technical innovator within a manufacturing or power systems environment Broad electronics design experience (e.g., power electronics, engine controls, connectivity modules, embedded systems) Experience in model-based design, simulation, and advanced system validation (HIL/SIL, system testing, fault injection) Proven innovation track record including patents and/or published technical papers Experience analysing complex system performance (thermal, reliability, communications, environmental factors) Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts across audiences Experience mentoring engineers and driving best practices in design, development, and problem-solving Great Reasons to work for Generac Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision,401kand many more State-of-the-artfacility with an onsite gym, walking trails, café, freeparkingand manyemployeeactivities Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, togather togetherand enjoy their time with their families and co-workers Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits,many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line,while others go right intostorm-affected areas to repair generators Make a positive impact. Generac has always been community-minded and dedicated to giving back.The company proudlyoffersa Volunteer Time Off program,invitingteam members toparticipateincharitable volunteer opportunities on company time. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel. “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.” Additional Locations: Waukesha, WI - USA