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Entry Level Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Minnesota

Life Fitness

Mechanical Engineer I

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$66K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience) * 0-3 years of experience (entry-level candidates encouraged to apply) * Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software ...

Life Fitness

Mechanical Engineer I

Owatonna, MN · Hybrid

$66K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience) * 0-3 years of experience (entry-level candidates encouraged to apply) * Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software ...

OTC Industrial

Application Engineer

Burnsville, MN · On-site

$75K - $90K/wk

Experience: * 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or applications engineering (entry-level may be acceptable depending on the organization). * Proficiency in CAD software (e.g ...

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How much do entry level mechanical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical engineering 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 engineer?

Entry level mechanical engineers are recent graduates or those with limited professional experience who work on designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing mechanical devices and systems. They typically support senior engineers by performing calculations, creating technical drawings, and assisting with product development. Their responsibilities often include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, conducting tests, and preparing reports. Entry level positions provide valuable hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in the field, serving as a stepping stone toward more advanced engineering roles.

What does an entry level mechanical engineer do?

An entry level mechanical engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical devices and systems, such as engines, tools, and machinery. They often use computer-aided design (CAD) software and work under the supervision of experienced engineers to support project development and manufacturing processes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mechanical Engineering vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or Design
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, testing in labs or officesDesign development, CAD modeling, prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, consultingProduct design, machinery, consumer goods
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mechanical Engineering roles focus on foundational engineering tasks like analysis and testing, while Mechanical Design Engineers specialize in creating detailed designs and CAD models. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and are found in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries. The main difference lies in the focus: general engineering versus specialized design work.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level mechanical engineer?

As an entry-level mechanical engineer, you’ll typically work on a variety of tasks such as drafting and updating technical drawings, assisting with prototype development, and conducting basic analyses under the guidance of senior engineers. You may also be involved in quality testing, preparing documentation, and supporting the design or manufacturing process. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including electrical engineers, manufacturing staff, and project managers—is common, providing valuable exposure to different aspects of the engineering process. This role offers a strong foundation for learning industry standards and developing technical problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), engineering simulation tools, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills help you collaborate effectively and manage project deadlines. These competencies are crucial for delivering quality engineering solutions, adapting to project requirements, and contributing to successful team outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs in Minnesota? For Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Mechanical Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Engineering job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,633 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - Product Design & Development (Entry Level)

Valley Craft Industries Inc

Lake City, MN

$60K - $65K/yr

Other

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.

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