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Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MN

Benchmark

Mechanical Engineer IV

Rochester, MN · On-site

$116K - $144K/yr

Performs basic to high complexity design assignments. Responsibilities: • Provides mechanical ... engineering drawings • Assists with assembly of tooling, test fixtures and prototypes • ...

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All JobsMechanical Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MN

Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$18

$33

$55

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical design 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.

What is an entry level mechanical design engineer?

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 projects or assignments does an entry level mechanical design engineer typically 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level mechanical design engineer?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN?

For Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN 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 Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,194 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - Product Design & Development (Entry Level)

Valley Craft Industries Inc

Lake City, MN

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description

Valley Craft is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and production of material handling, storage, and safety related products. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer early in their career who wants exposure to real production hardware, manufacturing support, and product lifecycle ownership. The position emphasizes practical engineering execution, collaboration with manufacturing, and continuous product improvement.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities: 


Product Design & Engineering Execution

  • Design and engineer new products and custom solutions
  • Support existing product designs through design updates, documentation changes, and production support
  • Assist with engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs) and implementation into production
  • Help diagnose production, quality, or field issues and support corrective actions.


CAD, BOM, and Documentation

  • Create and update 3D models, drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks
  • Apply company drawing standards, tolerances, weld symbols, and basic GD&T
  • Maintain accurate part data, revisions, and metadata in PDM and MRP systems

Manufacturing & Shop Collaboration

  • Work closely with fabrication, welding, assembly, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and buildable
  • Support fixture design and basic prototyping as needed
  • Identify potential pinch points, cut hazards, or ergonomic concerns early and help implement improvements

Continuous Improvement

  • Participate in root-cause analysis and problem-solving efforts

Qualifications Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
  • Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, sheet metal, fabrication)
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications Preferred

  • Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
  • Exposure to lift products, material-handling equipment, or industrial machinery
  • Familiarity with BOMs, revision control, and engineering documentation

Key Attributes for Success

  • Hands-On Mindset: Interested in how products are built, not just designed.
  • Team-Oriented: Works well with manufacturing, quality, and procurement partners.
  • Adaptable: Comfortable handling shifting priorities in a production environment.
  • Detail-Focused: Understands that accurate documentation prevents downstream issues.
  • Growth-Oriented: Eager to build engineering judgment through real-world experience.

Apply