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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Fermilab

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Batavia, NY

$124K - $164K/yr

This role may oversee sub-contractors or supervise/ manage an engineering group/department. What your day-to-day as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at Fermilab will look like: * Analyze data and ...

Fermilab

Thermal-Fluids Mechanical Engineer

Batavia, NY · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Communicate with outside vendors, contractors, and fabricators verbally and through written ... engineering mechanics calculations including statics, stress, strain, and deflection. * Basic ...

Ralliant

Electro-Mechanical Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

Electro-Mechanical Engineer Location: Fairport, NY This is an outstanding place to work! It all ... Work with external suppliers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers to support facility and ...

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Showing results 1-20

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

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

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, NY is $101,507.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $124,800.00 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 Rochester, NY? For Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY 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 Rochester, NY 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 $101,507 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

APD Engineering & Architecture, PLLC

Fairport, NY • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Engineer
Department: Mechanical
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Fairport, New York
Compensation: $70,000 - $90,000 / year
Description
APD is seeking a Licensed (PE) Mechanical Engineer in our Victor, NY office. This position will be responsible for engineering HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems for retail, restaurant, public infrastructure and facilities, recreation, education, and residential, with a heavy emphasis on retail design.
Key Responsibilities
  • Developing mechanical drawings to construct HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems.
  • Stamping of drawings.
  • Performing load calculations to determine system sizes.
  • Ensuring mechanical, plumbing, energy, and NFPA codes and specifications are implemented.
  • Ability to adhere to deadlines and work in a fast-paced consulting environment
  • Performing field visits to document and verify existing equipment and systems. Construction administration duties include answering RFIs, reviewing submittals and resolving design/coordination issues with contractors.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise
Minimum Qualifications
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license.
  • AS or BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
  • 5+ years' experience in HVAC or Plumbing & Fire Protection design.
  • Exceptionally self-motivated and able to bring projects to completion with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent communication skills and experience/proficiency in PC use and application.
  • Willingness to mentor junior level staff.
  • One or more years of AutoCAD education, training, or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • BS or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university preferred.
  • NCEES certification.
  • Professional (PE) License in more than one state.
  • 10+ years' experience in HVAC or Plumbing & Fire Protection design.
  • Experience mentoring/supervising junior level staff.
  • Excellent communication skills and experience/proficiency in PC use and application.

Benefits
A Great Place to Belong!
We know it...what makes APD truly great is our people.
And we appreciate them. We have a true team atmosphere, where we work to improve constantly.
APD was formed with a new vision of the future - powerful professional design and consulting services without the often-associated large company corporate bureaucracy. Managing partners are always open to suggestions to improve the office environment and processes. We support our staff with training and mentoring.
We are highly dedicated to our employees and invest in them from day one. We value happy employees - both personally and professionally. So around here, family comes first - we recognize that no one can give their best until their family is cared for.
If you desire to grow, be challenged, and be rewarded for your efforts, we invite you to consider a career with us.
APD offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, professional development, paid time off, 401(k), etc.
APD Engineering & Architecture, PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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