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First Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

Follow your inventions through the full product lifecycle, from concept and design to first engineering builds and transfer to mass manufacturing. * Accelerate project timelines by leveraging your ...

Applies AI-First engineering principles and Agentic AI capabilities to create scalable, secure, and user-centric products, perform testing activities, integrate with DevSecOps toolchains and ...

Lead AI-First Engineering Practices: Apply high AI tool fluency and prompt/context engineering to design AI‑assisted workflows across the agentic SDLC. Rigorously evaluate AI‑generated code to ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Follow your inventions through the full product lifecycle, from concept and design to first engineering builds and transfer to mass manufacturing. * Accelerate project timelines by leveraging your ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Follow your inventions through the full product lifecycle, from concept and design to first engineering builds and transfer to mass manufacturing. * Accelerate project timelines by leveraging your ...

Follow your inventions through the full product lifecycle, from concept and design to first engineering builds and transfer to mass manufacturing. * Accelerate project timelines by leveraging your ...

Python Developer

Boston, MA

$54.50 - $75.25/hr

As one of the first engineers in the company, you will be responsible for ensuring the code style is implemented consistently across the codebase right from the start. Keeping the code modular and ...

Showing results 21-40

First Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$42.6K

$111.1K

$150.2K

How much do first engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for first engineer in Massachusetts is $111,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $127,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFirst EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; may require licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, or project sites; often involved in overseeing initial phases of projectsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, or R&D labs; focused on design, analysis, and testing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, or heavy industry; used for lead or senior roles in project initiationManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors; common for design and development roles

First Engineers typically oversee early project phases and require experience in project management, while Mechanical Engineers focus on design, analysis, and testing within manufacturing or R&D environments. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

How to get a first engineer job?

To secure a first engineer position, candidates should develop relevant technical skills through education or training, build a portfolio of projects, and gain practical experience via internships or entry-level roles. Strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency with engineering tools, and effective communication are also important for success in the hiring process.

What do beginner first engineers do?

Beginner first engineers typically assist with basic tasks such as troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining systems or equipment. They often work under supervision, learn industry tools and safety protocols, and focus on gaining practical experience in engineering environments.

What does a first engineer do?

A first engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in design, development, and testing of engineering projects. They often perform routine tasks, follow technical instructions, and work under supervision to gain experience and develop skills in their field.

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for First Engineer jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most First Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various First Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,126 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer - First Shift

Somerville, MA • On-site

Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Clean Energy Power Generation • 501 - 1,000 employees

$90K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.
Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we're designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.
We're in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we've raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading fusion company in the world.
Now we're looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who'll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.
If that's you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.
Join the power movement as a Manufacturing Engineer
We are seeking a detail-oriented, innovative, and results-driven Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve productivity, efficiency, and quality across the production line. This role involves close collaboration with design engineers, production staff, quality assurance, and supply chain teams.
What you'll do:
  • Analyze and improve manufacturing processes to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and ensure product quality
  • Develop and maintain process documentation including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process flow diagrams
  • Collaborate with product design and development teams to ensure manufacturability of new products
  • Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance production performance
  • Lead the design and procurement of tools, fixtures, and equipment required for efficient production
  • Troubleshoot equipment and process issues and implement corrective actions
  • Conduct time and motion studies to determine optimal production methods and labor utilization
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and implement best practices across the facility
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards
  • Evaluate new technologies and automation solutions to enhance manufacturing capabilities

What we're looking for:
  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production engineering role
  • Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality systems.
  • Proficient in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) and manufacturing ERP systems.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Bonus points for:
  • Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)

Must-have requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
  • Perform activities such as typing, standing, stooping, and sitting, for extended periods of time
  • Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics
  • Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call

$90,000 - $145,000 a year
Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include:
Competitive compensation with equity
13 Company-wide Holidays
Flexible vacation days
10 sick days
Generous parental leave policy
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with employer matching
Professional growth opportunities
Team-building activities
#CFS-EX
At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we're eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.
We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.
This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, "Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.