ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Government Jobs in Rochester, NY

L3HHCM20

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$78K - $93K/yr

Associate, Mechanical Engineering Job Code: 40082 Job Location: Rochester, NY Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off ...

Fermilab

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 ... Foreign Government Sponsored Activities Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and ...

General Motors

Quality Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$69K - $107K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial ... PDCA) * Entry-level understanding and proficiency in 3D CAD environments (Solidworks) What Will ...

City of Rochester, NY

Heavy Mechanic II

Rochester, NY · On-site

$54K - $69K/yr

Equipment Services Opening Date: 03/20/2026 General Description This is an entry-level mechanic ... Performs basic repairs to diesel and gasoline engineers; * Performs New York State authorized ...

Davenport Machine

Applications Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

This role is open to entry-level and mid-level engineers who are excited to work hands-on with ... Mechanical aptitude and comfort working in a shop or manufacturing environment * Proficiency with ...

Davenport Machine

Applications Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

This role is open to entry-level and mid-level engineers who are excited to work hands-on with ... Mechanical aptitude and comfort working in a shop or manufacturing environment * Proficiency with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Engineer Government JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer Government JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer Government Jobs in Rochester, NY

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Government information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$17

$32

$54

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical engineer government in Rochester, NY is $32.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.59 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level mechanical engineer do in government?

An entry level mechanical engineer in a government position typically assists with designing, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems for public infrastructure or government projects. They may work on projects such as transportation systems, energy facilities, or public buildings under the supervision of senior engineers. Responsibilities often include preparing technical reports, conducting site visits, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This role provides valuable experience in public sector engineering and opportunities for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level mechanical engineer in government?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer in government, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and at least a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, government project management systems, and possibly FE/EIT certification is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help you stand out in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting technical information. These skills ensure you can design, analyze, and support public sector projects efficiently while meeting regulatory and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level mechanical engineers working in government?

Entry-level mechanical engineers in government roles often navigate challenges such as adapting to structured procedures, complying with strict regulations, and learning to work on long-term projects with multiple stakeholders. Unlike the private sector, government projects may involve more extensive documentation and slower decision-making processes. However, these roles provide excellent exposure to large-scale public projects, opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and mentorship from experienced engineers, which can be very beneficial for career growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Government vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Private Sector?

AspectEntry Level Mechanical Engineer GovernmentEntry Level Mechanical Engineer Private Sector
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearanceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, industry-specific certifications optional
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, offices, labs, structured hoursPrivate companies, manufacturing plants, flexible hours
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, or local government projectsManufacturing, consulting, or technology firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Government roles typically involve working on public projects within government agencies, often requiring security clearances and structured environments. In contrast, private sector roles focus on commercial projects, with more flexibility and diverse industry applications. Both roles require a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, but the work environment and employer types differ significantly.

How hard is it to get an entry-level mechanical engineer government job?

Securing an entry-level mechanical engineer government position can be competitive due to strict qualification requirements, including relevant education, internships, and security clearances. Candidates often need strong technical skills, such as proficiency with CAD software and understanding of government standards, along with a thorough application process. Persistence and a solid academic background improve chances of success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer Government jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer Government jobs in Rochester, NY are:

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

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

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

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

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Government jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Government job openings:

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Government job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $68,135 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Entry-level Mechanical Design Engineer

Salas O'Brien Engineers Incorporated

Rochester, NY • On-site

$30 - $34.86/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Plumbing /Fire Protection
At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary
The Mechanical Design Engineer supports the design and development of HVAC and mechanical systems for building projects while building foundational skills toward advancement as a Project Engineer or Design Engineer. This role contributes to all phases of mechanical design, documentation, coordination, and engineering analysis under the guidance of senior staff.
The Mechanical Design Engineer plays an important role in delivering high-quality, coordinated system designs across a variety of building types.
Responsibilities
  • Assist in preparing contract documents, including drawings and specifications
  • Plan, schedule, and contribute to mechanical design tasks under the guidance of senior engineers
  • Perform conventional engineering calculations and develop elementary designs from schematic sketches
  • Support the design of HVAC and mechanical systems in accordance with company standards
  • Coordinate with Senior Engineers, Project Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers to support production
  • Assist with interdisciplinary coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing teams
  • Communicate effectively to support consistent project progress
  • Participate in field investigations to collect data and verify site conditions
  • Support quality control efforts and incorporate design feedback from senior technical staff

Qualifications and Experience
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Master of Science in a related field, or equivalent
  • Early-career to mid-level mechanical design experience preferred (internships, co-op, or 1-2 years professional experience)
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit preferred
  • Strong interest in HVAC and building mechanical system design
  • Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and mechanical design principles

Travel
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. 5-10%
Location: Rochester, New York
Compensation & Benefits
The expected base salary range for this role is $30.00 - $34.86 USD per hour. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O'Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
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.

What Salas O'Brien employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply