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Entry Level Contract Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MN

Civil Engineer

Rochester, MN · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

Contract Management--Be the primary contact between Navy and civilian contractors, managing ... Bachelor's degree--preferably in the field of civil, mechanical or electrical engineering General ...

Contract Management--Be the primary contact between Navy and civilian contractors, managing ... Bachelor's degree--preferably in the field of civil, mechanical or electrical engineering General ...

Quality Engineer I

Rochester, MN · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Designs or specifies inspection and testing mechanisms and equipment. Analyzes production and ... Responsibilities: • Assists with an analysis of routine contract requirements to determine what ...

Review, organize and distribute Contract Documents (drawings, specifications, schedules, RFIs ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction, or related field preferred * 2+ years of ...

Review, organize and distribute Contract Documents (drawings, specifications, schedules, RFIs ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction, or related field preferred * 2+ years of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Contract Mechanical Engineer information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$18

$33

$55

How much do entry level contract mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level contract mechanical engineer in Rochester, MN is $33.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $38.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Entry-level mechanical engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, with higher salaries possible for experienced professionals or those working in specialized industries like aerospace or oil and gas. Reaching a $200,000 salary generally requires many years of experience, advanced skills, management responsibilities, or working in high-paying sectors, often beyond entry-level positions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, often through senior roles, bonuses, or stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level mechanical engineers do not earn that level of salary, highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, petroleum, or nuclear engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in senior leadership roles. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, and many years of experience in high-demand industries.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Entry level contract mechanical engineers typically earn lower salaries, with most starting salaries below $80,000 annually. Achieving a $250,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced skills, management roles, or working in specialized industries such as aerospace or oil and gas. Salary growth depends on experience, certifications, and geographic location.

What is the difference between Entry Level Contract Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Designer?

AspectEntry Level Contract Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly internshipsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, manufacturing, construction sitesDesign offices, CAD labs, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering consulting, manufacturing companies, contractorsDesign firms, product development, manufacturing

Both roles often require a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Entry Level Contract Mechanical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to projects, often working on design, analysis, and testing. Mechanical Designers primarily create detailed CAD models and drawings for manufacturing. While both work in related environments, engineers typically handle broader engineering tasks, whereas designers focus on detailed design work.

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Entry Level Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Entry Level Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,194 per year, or $33.7 per hour.
Estimator - Mechanical Construction

Estimator - Mechanical Construction

Harris

Rochester, MN • On-site

$101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Harris Computer rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 202 rated software companies


Job description

The purpose of your role as an Estimator
As an Estimator, you will prepare portions of contract proposal estimates for one or more disciplines, including the determination of applicable project plans and specifications. Requires advanced knowledge of one or more disciplines, which could be plumbing, piping or sheet metal systems. May independently estimate a medium to large sized plan/spec, design assist or design build projects.
This is an on-site position based out of our Rochester, MN office.
Estimating, Proposing, and Assessing:
  • Develop proposal and drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
  • Estimate sizes, distances, and quantities; or determine time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
  • Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
  • Prepare estimates by calculating complete takeoff of scope of work and required contents of estimate.
  • Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
  • May review design options and recommend best solution based on cost, engineering quality, or availability of materials.
  • Develop proposals for current or prospective customers.
  • Develop and deliver accurate project cost estimates.
  • Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, comparing actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
  • Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documentation at regular intervals for the duration of the project.
  • Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
  • Review material and labor requirements to determine most cost-effective outcome.
  • Obtain quotes from subcontractors and vendors, adhering to scope and specification.

Documentation:
  • Document account activities, generate reports, and keep records of business transactions with customers and suppliers.
  • Organize and maintain files of working documents as back-up for estimate figures.

Team Collaboration:
  • Support other department personnel as required - may include preparing estimates in other disciplines.
  • Contribute to the desired culture within the organization
  • Contribute to a safety-centric work culture
  • Provide training and mentorship to other Harris team members

What we're looking for in you
  • 2+ years of estimating, engineering, or trade experience related to mechanical construction
  • Advanced knowledge of plumbing, piping, or sheet metal systems
  • Advanced understanding/knowledge of Mechanical estimating software
  • Ability to interpret computerized cost data and systems
  • Strong analytical and numerical skills required
  • 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 stability, resources and opportunities of a national company, and the team culture, creative spirit and customer loyalty of a local business. If you thrive on variety and new challenges, we want to meet you!
From stadiums to manufacturing facilities, power plants to hospitals, concert halls to classrooms, we handle projects of all sizes and complexity from multiple regional locations across the country.
Harris Benefits + Compensation
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401K with company match
  • Vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays
  • Paid Parental leave
  • Short-Term Incentive Plan

Visit our Careers Page for additional benefits details: https://www.harriscompany.com/careers/employee-benefits-at-a-glance
Pay Range: $67, 525 - $101,287 annually
The actual salary offer will vary by candidate based on a wide range of factors such as specific skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
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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About Harris Computer Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris Computer Systems, based in Ottawa, ON, CA, is an established player in the field of public sector software technology. Since its inception in 1976, the company has been striving to make clients' operations more efficient through reliable, practical, and flexible software solutions. Its extensive portfolio primarily serves utility, healthcare, public sector, and educational institutions, contributing to the betterment of public services through technology. Harris strongly believes in the value of forward-thinking technology and the power it has to drive progress for the public sector. This methodology is entirely in line with their mission to ensure customer success by providing reliable, practical, and robust software solutions.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Ottawa, ON, CA

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