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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Reno, NV

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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer information

See Reno, NV salary details

$45.4K

$102.6K

$166K

How much do defense contractor mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor mechanical engineer in Reno, NV is $102,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,300.00 and $126,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by mechanical engineers working as defense contractors?

Mechanical engineers in defense contracting often face the challenge of adhering to strict regulatory standards and security protocols, which can add complexity to the design and manufacturing process. Additionally, projects typically require close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and may involve rapidly adapting to evolving project requirements driven by client needs or new technological developments. Managing tight deadlines while ensuring compliance with military specifications is also a frequent aspect of the role. These challenges are balanced by the opportunity to work on innovative, mission-critical systems and to gain experience with cutting-edge technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contractor mechanical engineer?

To excel as a Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of defense-specific standards and certifications like ITAR compliance are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills are critical for collaborating on complex defense projects. These competencies ensure the engineer can design reliable, compliant systems that meet stringent defense requirements and function under high-stakes conditions.

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer vs Defense Industry Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDefense Contractor Mechanical EngineerDefense Industry Mechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearanceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearance
Work EnvironmentContractor offices, military facilities, project sitesDefense manufacturing plants, military facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily employed by defense contractors serving military clientsEmployed directly by defense agencies or manufacturers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require similar credentials and often involve working in secure environments. The main difference is that Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineers are employed by private firms providing services to defense clients, while Defense Industry Mechanical Engineers work directly within defense agencies or manufacturing companies. The roles overlap in skills and work settings, but their employment context distinguishes them.

What does a defense contractor mechanical engineer do?

A Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems for military and defense applications. Their work may involve creating components for vehicles, weapons, or support equipment used by armed forces. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure these systems meet strict safety, reliability, and performance standards. Additionally, they must adhere to government regulations and security protocols while handling sensitive information. Their role is critical in advancing defense technologies and maintaining national security.
What are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV? For Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $102,576 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer (Nairobi, Kenya)

Planate Management Group

Carson City, NV

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Planate Management Group (PMG) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and Orlando, Florida USA with a technical support center in South East Asia and East Africa, that provides program management and facilities engineering services worldwide. Planate is a small business provider of planning, design, infrastructure management, technical consulting, engineering, and construction management services in support of the US Department of Defense (DOD) and its Service (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps) missions, along with other US federal agencies, all over the world.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer that will support the Nairobi CAA Project – construction of a new CAA building in addition to the existing chancery with a full range of critical engineering and construction quality assurance and the management and technical oversight of the Nairobi CAA project. You will perform technical inspections of mechanical work, monitor the contractor's quality control program, and review project drawings and specifications to ensure compliance. 

This position is contingent upon the award of the contract, and the contract duration is three years.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide engineering quality assurance and technical oversight for the Nairobi CAA project.
  • Inspect mechanical work, monitor contractor quality control and safety programs, and ensure compliance with contract documents.
  • Ensure construction is executed in accordance with approved design documents.
  • Interpret design and construction drawings, narratives, and calculations.
  • Review shop drawings and submittals for compliance and coordination with other disciplines.
  • Conduct site inspections to verify proper installation and execution of construction works.
  • Perform QA reviews of materials, submittals, inspections, and corrective actions, and resolve technical issues.
  • Monitor construction progress against the schedule and submit weekly progress reports with recommendations.
  • Prepare construction reports, assess issues, evaluate contractor remedies, and propose solutions.
  • Review A/E design documents and perform QA within area of expertise.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Director/COR.

Qualifications to be successful in the role:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or shall hold a high School Diploma.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant construction experience.
  • Excellent writing skills and thorough knowledge of Microsoft Suite.
  • Able to read design/construction drawings and be able to understand design narratives and calculations.
  • Experience with Building Automation Systems, monitor controls and disconnects, general plumbing, water/sewage treatment, power generation.
  • Must understand and be able to interpret drawings in his/her discipline.
  • Basic understanding of the principles of his/her engineering discipline and how it fits in with other engineering disciplines.
  • Able to review shop drawings and submittals from the contractor and determine if coordination with other disciplines is necessary.
  • Construction on the Nairobi CAA will be performed to U.S. standards; should have current working knowledge of acceptable products and procedures.
  • Knowledge of Construction Safety regulations, i.e. EM 385-1-1, OSHA, etc.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, i.e., PowerPoint, Excel, and Word (required).
  • Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.

Why Planate? 

Planate Management Group is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Joining the Planate team opens you to an experience working for a Global company where you are among a team that is considered a premier trusted partner for planning, design, engineering, asset management, and professional service solutions anytime, anywhere.  We Take Care of Our Own; Personally, and Profession. 

Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

  • Medical insurance/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • 401K plan eligibility upon hire
  • Health and Savings Account plan
  • Life/AD&D Insurance Coverage
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Wellness Offering
  • Training and Development
  • License/Certification support
  • Recognition and Rewards program
  • Travel Insurance

We’d love for you to be a part of our Global workforce, helping us serve as an effective and integrated partner to advance every client's mission!

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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