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Assistant Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Protingent

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Newberg, OR · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Staff Mechanical Design Engineer opportunity. * The primary responsibility of the Staff ...

Curtiss-Wright

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer leads the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical systems, equipment, and packaging from concept through deployment, serving as a technical expert and ...

3D Systems

Mechanical Design Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · Hybrid

$78K - $106K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design EngineerWhat We Are Looking For: We are seeking a senior design engineer with a strong background in systems engineering. The role will be working on the multi-jet printer ...

3D Systems

Mechanical Design Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · Hybrid

$78K - $106K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design EngineerWhat We Are Looking For: We are seeking a senior design engineer with a strong background in systems engineering. The role will be working on the multi-jet printer ...

3D Systems

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · Hybrid

$93K - $128K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design EngineerWhat We Are Looking For: We are seeking a senior design engineer with a strong background in systems engineering. The role will be working on the multi-jet printer ...

3D Systems

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · Hybrid

$93K - $128K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design EngineerWhat We Are Looking For: We are seeking a senior design engineer with a strong background in systems engineering. The role will be working on the multi-jet printer ...

3D Systems

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · Hybrid

$93K - $128K/yr

Document design and testing. Qualifications What You Will Bring * BS in Mechanical Engineering or similar technical discipline required. * Minimum of 4 years experience in electro-mechanical product ...

3D Systems

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · Hybrid

$93K - $128K/yr

Document design and testing. Qualifications What You Will Bring * BS in Mechanical Engineering or similar technical discipline required. * Minimum of 4 years experience in electro-mechanical product ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Design Engineer JobsAssistant Mechanical Design Engineer JobsAssistant Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Assistant Mechanical Design Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$48.3K

$97.1K

$144.8K

How much do assistant mechanical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant mechanical design engineer in Portland, OR is $97,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,600.00 and $109,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant mechanical design engineer?

Assistant Mechanical Design Engineers are entry-level professionals who support senior engineers in the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and products. They assist with creating technical drawings, performing calculations, and preparing documentation to ensure that designs meet safety and quality standards. Their role often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and helping to troubleshoot design issues. This position serves as a foundational step for gaining experience and advancing in the field of mechanical engineering.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant mechanical design engineers during the design and prototyping phases?

Assistant Mechanical Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with manufacturing constraints and cost limitations. They may need to iterate designs multiple times based on feedback from senior engineers, prototype testing, or changes in project requirements. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement—is essential to ensure that designs are both practical and ready for production. Effective communication and adaptability are key skills for navigating these challenges and contributing positively to project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant mechanical design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, a relevant degree, and proficiency in design fundamentals. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), basic simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this collaborative environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate, innovative designs and ensuring project success within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Assistant Mechanical Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectAssistant Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; some roles may require internship experienceBachelor's or Master’s degree; more experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupportive team setting, often under supervision, in design offices or manufacturing facilitiesIndependent project work, leading design tasks, collaborating with cross-functional teams
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in design development, preparing drawings, and performing basic analysisLeading design projects, performing detailed analysis, and reviewing technical specifications

The main difference between an Assistant Mechanical Design Engineer and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in experience and responsibility level. The assistant role focuses on supporting and learning, while the design engineer takes on more independent and complex tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the design engineer typically has more hands-on experience and responsibility in project execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Assistant Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Protingent

Newberg, OR • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the architecture, design, and optimization of complex mechanical systems and products.

  • Provide technical direction, mentorship, and resolve challenging technical issues within projects.

  • Conduct advanced engineering analysis, oversee design verification and validation, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Job description


Position Title: Staff Mechanical Design Engineer
Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Staff Mechanical Design Engineer opportunity.
Job Description:
  • The primary responsibility of the Staff Mechanical Design Engineer is to lead the architecture, design, and optimization of complex mechanical systems and products, ensuring superior performance, reliability, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance.
  • This role involves providing technical direction across multiple projects, mentoring senior and junior engineers, resolving the most challenging technical issues, and driving innovation that advances our product portfolio and competitive position.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Lead the mechanical architecture and detailed design of complex electromechanical systems and new product platforms within budget and timeline constraints.
  • Serve as the technical authority and mentor for the mechanical design team, providing guidance on advanced design practices, problem-solving, and best practices.
  • Conduct advanced engineering analysis, including FEA, tolerance stack-up, and design for manufacturability/assembly (DFM/DFA), to optimize performance and reliability.
  • Oversee design verification and validation testing, root cause analysis, and implementation of robust corrective solutions for complex mechanical issues.
  • Utilize advanced CAD and 3D modeling software (SolidWorks preferred) to develop and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation and drawings with GD&T.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory) to translate user and clinical needs into innovative mechanical solutions.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies, materials, and processes to enhance product innovation and maintain competitive advantage in the dental industry.
  • Ensure all designs meet ISO, FDA, and other applicable regulatory and quality standards while supporting sustaining engineering for released products.
  • Provide technical leadership in design reviews, risk assessments (FMEA), and supplier evaluations for critical mechanical components.

Job Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education/experience (Master's degree preferred)
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development, with at least 3 years at a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer level or equivalent
  • Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD software) and strong expertise in engineering drawings, 3D modeling, and GD&T
  • Demonstrated experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), machining, die casting, injection molding, sheet metal, and offshore manufacturing/assembly
  • Strong project leadership and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle ambiguous, high-complexity technical challenges

Preferred Job Qualifications:
  • Experience in electromechanical systems design for medical or dental devices
  • Proven track record of successfully leading full product development cycles from concept to production launch
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
  • Knowledge of advanced analysis tools (FEA, tolerance analysis) and statistical methods (DOE)
  • Ability to travel internationally as required (up to 15-20%).

Job Details:
  • Job type: Direct Hire
  • Location: Newberg, OR (Onsite).
  • Salary Range: $100K-$130K.

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We're passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.
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