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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MN

Salas O'Brien

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, MN · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Bloomington or Rochester, MN (Hybrid) SIGN-ON BONUS up to $10K The ... Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others ...

Benchmark

Mechanical Engineer III Optical

Rochester, MN · On-site

... defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and ... Opto-mechanical Engineer - Design, model, analyze, prototype, and develop opto-mechanical systems ...

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, MN · Hybrid

$102K - $134K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Bloomington or Rochester, MN (Hybrid) SIGN-ON BONUS up to $10K The ... Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others ...

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Mechanical Designer/Engineer

Rochester, MN · Hybrid

$74K - $100K/yr

Mid-level Mechanical Engineer - Bloomington or Rochester, MN (Hybrid) Sign On Bonus - up to $10K ... Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others ...

Salas O'Brien

Mechanical Designer/Engineer

Rochester, MN · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Mid-level Mechanical Engineer - Bloomington or Rochester, MN (Hybrid) Sign On Bonus - up to $10K ... Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others ...

Benchmark

Product Engineer I

Rochester, MN · On-site

$71K - $89K/yr

... defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and ... Industrial, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Engineering preferred. Geographical Location: Minnesota:

Team TSP

Structural Engineer

Rochester, MN · On-site

You should have a strong knowledge of mechanics of materials, wood design, reinforced concrete ... and contractors * Keep updated on applicable engineering codes, standards, and regulations

TSP, Inc.

Structural Engineer

Rochester, MN · On-site

$75 - $120/hr

You should have a strong knowledge of mechanics of materials, wood design, reinforced concrete ... and contractors * Keep updated on applicable engineering codes, standards, and regulations

Gilbane, Inc.

MEP Manager - Mechanical

Rochester, MN · On-site

As a Top-10 ENR Contractor, Gilbane is a family-owned business with 45 offices that has been ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering * 10-15 years related field ...

Knobelsdorff Enterprises

Structural Engineer

Goodhue, MN

$80K - $120K/yr

As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power ... Engage with internal and external stakeholders to achieve mutual desired design of the mechanical ...

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All JobsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer JobsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MN

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$46.3K

$104.6K

$169.2K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor mechanical engineer in Rochester, MN is $104,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $128,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN?

For Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs near you

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Salas O'Brien

Rochester, MN • On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Bloomington or Rochester, MN (Hybrid) SIGN-ON BONUS up to $10K
The Senior Mechanical Engineer serves to work in a fast-paced multi-discipline team environment. The position responsibilities primarily are focused on the design of mechanical systems for new facilities, additions, and renovation projects. This will require providing technical leadership for the creation of construction drawings and specifications, existing system studies and master planning efforts. Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others to address mechanical issues to develop effective working relationships. The project clientele includes K-12 Education, Higher Education, Commercial, Health Care, Science and Technology, municipal and institutional Facilities.
In this role, you will:
  • Develop HVAC system designs of a given project based on scope of work and/or client RFPs
  • Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for a variety of market types
  • Perform Load/Energy calculations with software such as Trace 700, IES and similar programs
  • Conduct existing building surveys and documentation of existing HVAC systems
  • Develop system design calculations and selection of equipment for use in buildings
  • Write/edit project specifications
  • Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies
  • Complete code compliance research
  • Coordinate work with other disciplines
  • Provide construction administration services
  • Perform QA/QC of design work
  • Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers
  • Lead project teams and serve as the primary contact for clients
  • Assist in the procurement of new work, including the development of client relations and participation in project interviews

You will be a great fit if:
  • You have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
  • You possess Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • You have an LEED certification / experience
  • You have a minimum of 8 years of design experience
  • You have knowledge in the design of HVAC systems
  • You have knowledge and understanding of codes, standards, and design guidelines
  • Are a US Citizen

Skills/abilities:
  • Excellent work ethic and attitude
  • Good communication skills, combined with organizational skills, the ability to plan, balance and prioritize work
  • Ability to lead a team and work as a team
  • Proficiency in Auto CAD, Revit, and MS Office

Location: Bloomington or Rochester, MN - Hybrid
Travel: Less than 10%
Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000
Bonus: Up to $10,000
About Us:
At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Salas O'Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
#LI
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
#LI-Hybrid
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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