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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

... defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is ... Role Purpose Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly ...

Mechanical Process Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

... defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is ... Role Purpose Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly ...

... defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is ... Role Purpose Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly ...

Cryogenic Engineering Co-op

Batavia, NY · On-site

$21.26 - $25.93/hr

Under the direction of an expert mechanical engineer, project tasks may include cryogenic component ... and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign ...

Showing results 21-40

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:
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.

Senior Mechanical Thermal-Fluids Engineer

Fermilab

Batavia, NY

$111K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Fermilab rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$111,400.00-$146,600.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:

Fermilab is seeking a Senior Mechanical Thermal-Fluids Engineer to lead the Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group who is a collaborator by nature and who seeks out the latest technology and tools to design, fabricate, test, install and operate components and systems for our particle accelerators. We use the latest technology such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Siemens NX, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) to model, simulate, prototype, and test our designs. We work with vendors who stretch their technical abilities to fabricate the next generation of components and systems. We expand our engineering skills, and sometimes write the textbooks, to operate the existing accelerators. We work with collaborators throughout the lab and the world to plan future accelerators for projects such as the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II).

What your day-to-day as a Senior Mechanical Thermal-Fluids Engineer at Fermilab will look like:

  • Serve as the Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group leader.
  • Serve as the Level 4 Technical Manager for the LBNF RAW Water Systems.
  • Utilize fundamental mechanical engineering concepts and principles to complete assignments and develop familiarization with the Laboratory's method of project engineering, from the design stage through review, procurement, fabrication, installation, test, and operation.
  • Be involved in the mechanical design, analysis, specification, and construction of fluid cooling piping systems that support the operation of the accelerator complex, including the temperature control of beamline components (such as magnets, collimators, RF cavities, beam instrumentation, high-powered targets, kickers, and associated beam components).
  • Participate in and lead efforts involving general mechanical-system design, thermal-fluid system design, piping system fluid flow analysis, and heat transfer analysis.
  • Learn the operations of existing accelerator fluids systems and provide operations engineering support by troubleshooting system issues and designing upgrades to existing systems to improve their reliability.
  • Participate in the design of compressible and incompressible thermal fluids systems to support the accelerator.
  • Fabricate systems using different types of welding, brazing, bonding, and soldering techniques with materials such as aluminum, stainless steels, copper, brass, PVC, CPVC, PVDF etc.
  • Work in a team environment
  • Be responsible for directing the activities of drafters, designers, technicians, and skilled trades on their projects.
  • Communicate with outside vendors, contractors, and fabricators through written specifications and engineering drawings.
  • Direct the activities of co-op engineering students and interns on their projects.
  • Abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.


Skills and Attributes for Success:

  • Bachelor's in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 8+ years of engineering experience, or a Master's in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 6+ years of engineering experience.


Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate expectations clearly using verbal and written practices with customers / stakeholders and with team members.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively under the requirements of schedules and shifting priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, piping network calculations and engineering mechanics calculations including statics, stress, strain, and deflection.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of machine shop practices and techniques for fabricating complex and intricate hardware.
  • Knowledge of welding and brazing practices (e.g., TIG, MIG and torch brazing) as related to manufacturing and fabrication of piping is desirable.
  • Must have strong computing skills including preparing and documenting engineering calculations, creating 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD software, FEA analyses, data presentation, and project management activities (cost estimates, schedules).
  • Skills in AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, ANSYS Workbench, ANSYS Fluent, or ANSYS CFX are desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to create and read mechanical drawings, including piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) and process piping flow schematics.
  • Familiarity of CAD software toward the creation of piping fluid flow network systems is a plus.
  • Skills in AutoCAD Plant are desirable.
  • Use of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing on drawings is desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to creatively solve engineering problems and troubleshoot operational issues.
  • Knowledge of materials, metallurgy and radiation damage of materials is desirable.
  • Knowledge of code standards such as ASME, AISC and ANSI/ASME pressure vessel and piping codes is desirable.
  • Basic understanding of electrical engineering concepts such as current, voltages, resistance, and frequencies.

Physical Activity and Work Conditions:

  • HUMAN FACTORS: Heights, working in underground enclosures, mental concentration, sitting, standing, tight work schedule, visually demanding.

Work Arrangement:

Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

  • Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid time off
  • Life insurance
  • Short and Long-term disability insurance
  • Retirement benefits
  • Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:


Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.


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