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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MN

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

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, MN ยท 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 ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, MN ยท 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 ...

Mechanical Designer/Engineer

Rochester, MN ยท 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 ...

Mechanical Designer/Engineer

Rochester, MN ยท 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 ...

Associates degree preferred in engineering or related technical field Your life at Harris As one of the country's leading mechanical contractors, Harris offers you the best of both worlds: the ...

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

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

Structural Engineer

Goodhue, MN ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/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 mechanical and ...

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 mechanical and ...

Structural Engineer

Rochester, MN ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/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 mechanical and ...

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 mechanical and ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 6, 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 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 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:

Mechanical Engineer III Optical

Benchmark

Rochester, MN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

At Benchmark, we are driven by our purpose: to innovate for a healthier, safer, and better-connected world to create a brighter future. When you join us, you become part of a team passionate about making a meaningful impact across various sectors, including commercial aerospace, defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and semiconductor capital equipment. We prioritize career growth, fostering a culture that ensures you reach your full potential. At Benchmark, your work is purpose-driven, enabling you to create a positive impact on the world and make your career truly meaningful. You'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive team that values your ideas and contributions.
Summary:
Opto-mechanical Engineer - Design, model, analyze, prototype, and develop opto-mechanical systems with experience in laser, imaging, illumination, and precision optical mounting techniques and their applications in various field, including medical devices.
  • Designs precision opto-mechanical and structural assemblies and product chassis (ensuring they are designed to spec / work with vendors to have them manufactured / in-lab setup / availability / test functionality).
  • Design, develop, and help implement a manufacturing validation strategy to address product, process and test method and release to manufacturing.
  • Perform detailed analysis to ensure product performance, reliability and manufacturability in addition to documenting the design, development, and validation processes.
  • Produce design packages for vendors including optical and mechanical drawings with specification, tolerance, and special process steps.
  • Provide innovative solutions and direct support to achieve design project milestones.
  • Collaborates within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones
Primary Requirements:
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 1 or more years of experience, experience in the medical device industry preferred.
  • Working knowledge of: Optical design, enclosures, structural, mechanical, heat transfer, scanner systems, precision machined components, die cast, and plastics.
  • Strong in SolidWorks or similar CAD tools (Top-Down Design, Assemblies, Component design), FEA, and GD&T Tolerance Analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex design and engineering problems with minimal assistance, while drawing inputs from Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Clinical functions.
  • Design for manufacturability, assembly, and / or reliability (thermal, vibration, shock) Manufacturing process development for medical equipment.
  • Design control; verification and validation, design transfer.
  • Experience operating within a highly regulated industry.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Opto-mechanical design for diode lasers and LED and UV light sources.
  • Experience with Optical Coherence Tomography; 3D and scanning imaging; ophthalmic microscope systems, ultrasound imaging and probe design.
  • Experience with FDA and international ISO regulations pertaining to design control requirements for medical devices.

Responsibilities:
โ€ข Provides mechanical design and documentation for customer products and/or related tooling, resulting in a product or tooling that supports the manufacturing environment, if applicable, to meet customers' and internal manufacturing requirements
โ€ข Develops basic drawings of components and assemblies
โ€ข Makes Engineering computations and write/edit specifications
โ€ข Creates modified basic designs for new or existing products and tooling
โ€ข Verifies completed work, checking dimensions, materials to be used and quantities per the verification plan
โ€ข Interacts with vendors to ensure proper fabrication of mechanical components for product, testers and tooling
โ€ข Creates and maintains basic engineering drawings
โ€ข Assists with assembly of tooling, test fixtures and prototypes
โ€ข Performs basic to intermediate drafting and design duties such as tolerance analysis, material selection, and selection of fabrication methods
โ€ข Provides assistance to the Hardware Design, Software Design, PCB Design, Functional Test, and ICT test for product, test and tooling development
โ€ข Interacts with hardware, software and equipment vendors
โ€ข Follows project plan and reports project status to leadership
โ€ข Assists in project proposals and associated cost estimates
โ€ข Assists with DFX reviews and creates necessary documentation
โ€ข Develops an understanding of Design For Excellence philosophy and promote with customers
โ€ข Communicates with customer technical personnel regarding basic technical issues
โ€ข Communicates technical challenges and work with leadership to create and implement solutions
โ€ข Works with customers to understand requirements regarding mechanical design
โ€ข Works with Sustaining Engineering (product, process, test and quality) to assist in the development of products that leverage internal manufacturing and test processes
โ€ข Assists in the development of advanced/new technologies
โ€ข Participates in research for new design methods and tools
โ€ข Assists in the coordination of mechanical engineering strategies for customers
โ€ข Participates in continuous improvement activities with complete documentation, including a follow up review with the team in a presentation format
โ€ข Develops intermediate level drawings of components and assemblies
โ€ข Creates new or modified designs for new or existing products and tooling
โ€ข Performs intermediate level drafting and design duties such as tolerance analysis, material selection, selection of fabrication methods
โ€ข Develops project proposals and associated cost estimates
โ€ข Performs Design for Excellence (DFX) reviews and create necessary documentation
โ€ข Demonstrates a good understanding of DFX philosophy and promote with customers
โ€ข Provides research and development for new design methods and tools
โ€ข Develops complex drawings of components and assemblies
โ€ข Performs complex drafting and design duties such as tolerance analysis, material selection, selection of fabrication methods
โ€ข Demonstrates an advanced understanding of Design for Excellence (DFX) philosophy and promotes with customers
โ€ข Drives and leads research and development for new design methods and tools
โ€ข All employees are responsible for the Quality of their work to ensure BEI meets, or exceeds Customer Satisfaction.
Other information:
โ€ข Excellent written and verbal communication skills
โ€ข Effective interpersonal skills
โ€ข Effective multitasking skills and the ability to take on additional responsibilities as required
โ€ข Effective organization and prioritization skills
โ€ข Demonstrate high attention to detail
โ€ข Ability to work with diverse groups
โ€ข Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality, independent judgment and professionalism.
โ€ข Ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance, exercising discretion and independent judgment.
โ€ข Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools.
โ€ข Strong customer service and client focus
โ€ข Working knowledge of productivity tools, including Microsoft Office products and WebEx conferencing software
โ€ข Create detailed drawings of mechanical components using industry standard drafting practices
โ€ข Demonstrate good problem solving skills and the ability to make sound basic technical decisions
โ€ข Demonstrate day-to-day project activity organization in accordance with MCAD development procedures
โ€ข Demonstrate the ability to work within the MCAD development and project teams
โ€ข Demonstrate a basic understanding of various technologies with an area of knowledge in at least one of the following areas: sheet-metal, plastic parts, castings, electromechanical mechanisms, machined parts and the processes and tooling and technologies used for manufacture
โ€ข Demonstrate a basic understanding of mechanism design; Ability to creatively and efficiently design mechanical portions of products, tooling and test fixtures based on various applications and technologies
โ€ข Ability to make basic judgments using sound engineering principles and techniques for non-complex situations - may require involving leadership prior to final decision
โ€ข Demonstrate basic knowledge of material selection for manufacturing customer products, tooling and test fixtures
โ€ข Proven ability to complete projects in a timely manner
โ€ข Ability to support a 24/7 global business operation as required
โ€ข Excellent presentation skills
โ€ข Ability to work well individually or in teams
โ€ข Demonstrate ability to work effectively with suppliers or customers
โ€ข Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools
โ€ข Available for travel up to 5% of the time, including day and overnight travel as required
โ€ข 4 year Engineering or Technical Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience as approved by senior management
โ€ข 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and CAD4 year Engineering or Technical degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience as approved by senior management
โ€ข 8+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, developing electronic hardware and software;
โ€ข 1+ years in a leadership role
โ€ข Familiarity with advanced technologies and applications
โ€ข Create and check others' detailed drawings of mechanical components using industry standard drafting practices
โ€ข Demonstrate very good problem solving skills and the ability to make sound technical decisions
โ€ข Demonstrate an intermediate level understanding of various advanced technologies with an area of expertise in at least one of the following areas: sheet-metal, plastic parts, castings, electromechanical mechanisms, machined parts and the processes and tooling and technologies used for manufacture
โ€ข Demonstrate a solid understanding of mechanism design;
โ€ข Ability to creatively and efficiently design mechanical portions of products, tooling and test fixtures based on various applications and technologies
โ€ข Ability to make independent judgments using sound engineering principles and techniques for non-complex situations
โ€ข Demonstrate knowledge of material selection for manufacturing customer products, tooling and test fixtures
โ€ข Ability to mentor others
โ€ข Ability to effectively take on project leadership/ownership
โ€ข Available for travel up to 10-20% of the time, including day, overnight and international travel as required
โ€ข Master of advanced technologies and applications
โ€ข Demonstrate strong problem solving skills and the ability to make sound technical decisions
โ€ข Demonstrate an understanding of various advanced technologies with an area of expertise in at least one of the following areas: sheet-metal, plastic parts, castings, electromechanical mechanisms, machined parts and the processes and tooling and technologies used for manufacture
โ€ข Demonstrate a strong understanding of mechanism design;
โ€ข Ability to creatively and efficiently design mechanical portions of products, tooling and test fixtures based on various applications and technologies
โ€ข Ability to make independent judgments using sound engineering principles and techniques
โ€ข Demonstrate advanced knowledge of material selection for manufacturing customer products, tooling and test fixtures
Education:
โ€ข 4 year Engineering or Technical Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience as approved by senior management
Geographical Location: Minnesota:Rochester
Physical Location: Rochester, MN
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: M-F 0800-1630
Full Time
In our innovative environment, you'll work with cutting-edge technology, leading the way in engineering design and delivering world-class manufacturing services for products that make a real difference in the lives of others. At Benchmark, your career is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to be part of something bigger, where your work matters and helps shape a brighter future for everyone. Together, we will achieve extraordinary things.
Safety-Sensitive Position and Drug Testing Notice: This position is classified as safety-sensitive because impairment while performing job duties could pose a significant risk of harm. Where permitted by applicable law or required by federal regulation, Benchmark will conduct a pre-employment drug screen, which may include testing for THC. In jurisdictions that restrict pre-employment cannabis testing or prohibit action based solely on non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites, Benchmark will comply with local requirements. Benchmark maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace and may conduct reasonable-suspicion and post-incident testing in accordance with applicable law.
Compensation Range: $103,577.00 to $129,471.00 USD. Many factors are considered in compensation decisions, including but not limited to skills, certifications, licensures, experience, training, incumbent data, and other business needs.
Benefits and Other Compensation: Benchmark provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a Bonus Plan, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, all based on scheduled hours. Benchmark complies with applicable state and local employee leave laws.
Application Deadline: This job posting will remain open until filled.
Additional Notices: Benchmark adheres to applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits. This includes, but is not limited to, providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. Candidates applying for remote work based in Washington state, may obtain PTO eligibility for this position by emailing careers@bench.com.
Export Control: This job position may include access to controlled information or technology covered under applicable U.S. export control laws. As such, employment for this job position may be contingent on either verification that an applicant falls under the definition of a "U.S.