Principal Mechanical Engineer – Expat Opportunity (Canada/USA)

Description & Requirements

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Expat Opportunity (Canada/USA)

Expat opportunity: North America (Canada / USA)

Location options: Montreal (QC), Toronto (ON), Vancouver (BC) or United States

Type: Permanent, Full-time (40 hours per week)

Relocation / Expat Support Available

Build Something Bigger - Take Your Expertise Global

Primero is offering a rare expat opportunity for an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer Engineer who is ready to take their career global and play a key role in growing our North American business.

Founded in Australia in 2011, Primero has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality EPC/EPCM solutions across the minerals processing sector. Over the past decade, we have successfully expanded into Canada and the United States, with established offices in Montreal, Houston, and Toronto, and a growing pipeline of projects across gold, copper, lithium, and critical minerals.

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who wants more than just another project role - someone motivated by technical leadership, business growth, and long-term impact.

The Opportunity

As Principal Mechanical Engineer – North America, you will act as a technical expert, helping shape the future of Primero’s mechanical engineering capability across the region.

You will work closely with executive leadership, project teams, and clients, contributing not only to complex engineering and design, but also to strategic growth, mentoring, and business development.

This is a hands-on, influential role with visibility and autonomy - well suited to someone who thrives in an evolving, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the technical expert for mechanical engineering across North American projects.
• Lead and review mechanical design deliverables across scoping, pre-feasibility, feasibility, and detailed engineering phases.
• Provide expert input into equipment selection, mechanical layouts, materials handling systems, and plant design.
• Lead and review mechanical calculations, specifications, datasheets, equipment lists, and technical reports.
• Support procurement activities including equipment package development, vendor evaluations, and technical bid assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement across engineering standards, procedures, safety, and quality.
• Provide project engineering and execution support across mining and minerals projects.
• Mentor and coach engineers and designers, supporting team development and capability building.
• Contribute to business development, client engagement, and proposal work as required.
• Support strategic initiatives including long-term asset optimization, project risk reviews, and growth planning.

Technical Expertise:

Strong experience across mechanical systems for mineral processing facilities, including:

• Crushing, grinding, and screening equipment
• Materials handling and conveying systems
• Pumps, piping, and mechanical services
• Bulk solids handling
• Plant layouts and mechanical integration
• Equipment installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Vendor coordination and package management

What we’re looking for:

• Degree qualification in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 15+ years’ experience across engineering, project delivery, and/or site support.
• Strong background in mechanical design for mining and mineral processing facilities.
• Proven capability operating at Principal / Technical Expert level.
• Experience within EPC/EPCM project environments.
• Experience supporting procurement, vendor management, and site execution.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
• High standards for HSE, quality, and technical excellence.
• Comfortable working in a fast-growing, evolving organisation.
• Excellent communication skills required.

Why this role is different

• Long term opportunity – not just a project assignment
• Opportunity to influence strategy and growth across North America.
• Join an Australian-founded company with strong cultural alignment.
• Work on international, technically challenging projects.
• Choice of Canada or USA as your base.

What we offer

• Competitive principal-level salary, aligned to experience.
• Relocation and expat support (details discussed individually).
• Comprehensive health insurance from day one.
• Retirement plan with 5% employer matching 
• Flexible work arrangements
• Supportive, collaborative culture with strong Australian roots
• Active social culture and emphasis on work-life balance

Whether you’re actively looking or just exploring, feel free to reach out for a confidential discussion.

HR@primero.ca 

General information

Name

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Expat Opportunity (Canada/USA)

Ref #

1272038

Date

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Country

Canada

Department

Engineering

Business unit

Design