ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

kyyba

UAS/UAV Mechanical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

This position requires experience in systems engineering practices, mechanical design, UAS instrumentation, hardware testing/validation, as well as exceptional organization, attention to detail, and ...

WENGER CORPORATION

Design Engineer

Owatonna, MN · On-site

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Agricultural Engineering * Three (3) years of progressive product or design engineering experience It would be great if you also have:

WENGER CORPORATION

Design Engineer

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Agricultural Engineering * Three (3) years of progressive product or design engineering experience It would be great if you also have:

Minco Products

Design Engineer

Fridley, MN

Design Engineers possess an understanding of general or proposed designs, lead design support teams ... Qualifications · Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Work Environment · ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$17

$32

$53

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

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical design engineer in Minnesota is $32.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.35 and $36.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer job?

An Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and testing of mechanical components and systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to create technical drawings, 3D models, and prototypes using design software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Their duties often include analyzing design specifications, making modifications, and ensuring products meet industry standards. These engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve design challenges and improve efficiency. This role serves as a foundation for gaining hands-on experience and building expertise in mechanical engineering principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, CAD software proficiency, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software is advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in team settings are essential soft skills. These competencies enable you to design practical solutions, bring ideas to life, and contribute efficiently to engineering projects.

Is 32 too old to become an engineer?

Entry level mechanical design engineers can start at any age, including 32, as the field values skills and knowledge over age. Many engineers begin their careers later in life, and relevant skills such as CAD proficiency and problem-solving are more important than age. Continuing education and certifications can help facilitate a successful transition into engineering at any age.

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

Entry-level mechanical design engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, with higher salaries possible for experienced engineers or those in specialized fields or managerial roles. Reaching a $200,000 salary generally requires many years of experience, advanced skills, or working in high-paying industries such as aerospace or automotive design, often supplemented by certifications or advanced degrees.

What are some typical projects or assignments an Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer might work on?

As an Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer, you may be involved in developing component designs, updating existing models, creating technical drawings, and assisting with prototype testing. You’ll often collaborate with senior engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance to ensure your designs meet project specifications and industry standards. It’s common to balance multiple tasks, such as modeling new parts in CAD, running basic simulations, and participating in design reviews. These experiences give you valuable exposure to the product development cycle and help you build the foundation for more advanced engineering responsibilities.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Most entry-level mechanical design engineers do not earn that level of salary; such high earnings are typically associated with executive roles, senior engineers with extensive experience, or specialized consultants in the engineering field. Achieving a $500,000 annual salary usually requires many years of experience, advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or working in high-paying industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or consulting firms.

How to start as a mechanical design engineer?

To start as a mechanical design engineer, obtain a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, develop proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions. Building a strong foundation in engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes is essential for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,633 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer

RFA Engineering

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will be located at our Eden Prairie, MN engineering headquarters.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Design Engineer
This individual would work within our electrical and product line teams on design, routing and integration of electrical wiring systems. Items include harness design, layout and mechanical integration. In addition to CAD physical modeling, there are the creation/layout of electrical wiring schematics and electrical sub-systems. RFA Engineering works with variety products across an array of equipment ranging from the Agricultural, Construction, Industrial Power, Power Sports, Lawn and Garden and others. This development effort may include integration design, routing, issue resolution, coordination with suppliers, and much more.
Responsibilities
  • Layout and design electrical wiring systems for various equipment via CAD.
  • Hands on experience within our prototype harness shop.
  • Test and validate harness designs.
  • Create full electrical schematics for mobile equipment.
  • Optimize electrical component selection to achieve cost targets and machine performance.
  • Work with suppliers and manufacturing to provide the specifications for production launch.
  • Work closely with vendors to optimize component selection

Requirements
  • Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology or Associates with related electrical experience
  • Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment

Desired Attributes
  • Knowledge of electrical components such as batteries, starters, alternators, rocker switches, relays, solenoids, sensors, actuators, and connectors.
  • Some knowledge of electrical wire harness circuits and routing.
  • Experience writing functional, performance, and durability requirements.
  • Experience working with suppliers in the application of electrical components.
  • Experience in 3-D Modeling Software
  • Familiarity with operating Construction, Forestry, or Ag off-road equipment a plus.

Pay Range: $60,000-$70,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Eden Prairie, MN, branch office in Dubuque, IA and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.

Apply