ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

nLIGHT

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Lead or review engineering analyses including thermal management, structural integrity, vibration ... Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance * Employee Assistance ...

nLIGHT

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $125K/yr

Position Summary nLIGHT is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own hardware design and ... Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance * Employee Assistance ...

nLIGHT

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $125K/yr

Position Summary nLIGHT is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own hardware design and ... Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance * Employee Assistance ...

nLIGHT

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $130K/yr

Perform engineering analyses including thermal management, heat transfer, structural integrity ... Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance * Employee Assistance ...

nLIGHT

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Defense

Camas, WA · On-site

Perform engineering analyses including thermal management, heat transfer, structural integrity ... Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance * Employee Assistance ...

Corbin Engineering

Junior Mechanical Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

You will have direct access to key project players, including design managers, disciplines ... We are seeking a junior mechanical engineer for our Beaverton office who will work with a competent ...

Acara Solutions

Mechanical Engineer 3

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$61.11/hr

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer 3 Location: Tualatin,OR Employment Type: Contract Industry ... Experience managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment * Strong problem ...

Corbin Engineering

Junior Mechanical Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

You will have direct access to key project players, including design managers, disciplines ... We are seeking a junior mechanical engineer for our Beaverton office who will work with a competent ...

A-dec, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer, Staff

Newberg, OR · On-site

Overview The Staff Mechanical Engineer is an experienced technical leader responsible for driving ... Proficiency with 3D CAD, engineering documentation, and product lifecycle management tools.

A-dec, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer, Staff

Newberg, OR

Overview The Staff Mechanical Engineer is an experienced technical leader responsible for driving ... Proficiency with 3D CAD, engineering documentation, and product lifecycle management tools.

Kosmos

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR

$90K - $130K/yr

... management for approval. * Responsibilities will include a mechanical design for a broad range of ... Bachelors or Master of Science Mechanical Engineering, preferred, (ABET Accredited) * Four + years ...

Panthalassa

Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Portland, OR · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

As a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Structures you will own the design, development, and analysis of Node ... Proficiency with CAD software and assembly management * Strong communication skills and the ability ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsR&D Mechanical Engineer JobsManager R&D Mechanical Engineer JobsManager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Manager R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$48.3K

$109.1K

$176.6K

How much do manager r&d mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager r&d mechanical engineer in Portland, OR is $109,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer do?

A Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer leads teams in designing, developing, and improving mechanical products or systems, often focused on innovation and new technology. They oversee research projects, manage engineering staff, and coordinate cross-functional collaboration to turn ideas into viable prototypes or products. Their responsibilities also include budget planning, project timelines, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role requires both technical expertise in mechanical engineering and strong leadership skills.

What are some of the main challenges faced by a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

As a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer, one of the primary challenges is balancing hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities, such as guiding multidisciplinary teams and managing project timelines. You will often need to foster innovation while ensuring projects adhere to budget constraints and regulatory standards. Additionally, staying updated on emerging technologies and integrating them into ongoing research can be demanding. Candidates can prepare by developing strong project management skills, cultivating effective communication strategies, and remaining adaptable to evolving technical environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer?

A Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer requires a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and project management tools, as well as certifications like PMP, are often essential. Strong leadership, effective communication, and strategic thinking distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering successful product development projects in a competitive engineering environment.

What is the difference between Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManager R&D Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; often requires experience in R&DBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads R&D projects, manages teams, collaborates with cross-functional departmentsDesigns, develops, tests mechanical systems, works under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in R&D departments across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesCommon in manufacturing, product design, and engineering firms

The main difference is that a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer oversees R&D projects and manages teams, while a Mechanical Engineer focuses on designing and developing mechanical systems. The manager role involves leadership and strategic planning, whereas the engineer role emphasizes technical execution.

Can Manager R&D Mechanical Engineers work in R&D?

Yes, Manager R&D Mechanical Engineers typically work in research and development environments, overseeing engineering projects, guiding teams, and applying technical skills such as CAD design and prototyping. Their role involves managing innovation processes and ensuring project goals are met within R&D departments.
What are the most commonly searched types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Manager R D Mechanical Engineer jobs near you

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Defense

nLIGHT

Camas, WA • On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Who We Are 
 
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
 
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Position Summary
nLIGHT is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in opto-mechanical design and system-level thinking, with responsibility for mechanical architecture, design trade studies, and technical execution across complex programs. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering leaders and will help guide mechanical design strategy for laser amplifier subsystems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead mechanical and opto-mechanical architecture and design for high-power fiber laser amplifiers and directed-energy systems
  • Drive design trade studies addressing performance, SWaP, reliability, environmental survivability, manufacturability, and cost
  • Define mechanical requirements, interfaces, and system layouts in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams
  • Apply DFX principles and manufacturing best practices to deliver robust, production-ready designs
  • Lead or review engineering analyses including thermal management, structural integrity, vibration, shock, and materials selection
  • Define and oversee design verification, acceptance testing, and environmental qualification strategies
  • Provide technical oversight for procurement, assembly, integration, and test of prototype and production hardware
  • Develop tooling, fixtures, and process equipment strategies to support scalable manufacturing
  • Support system-level integration and testing of HEL combined systems as required
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multiple projects or programs
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
  • Typically 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
  • Extensive experience in precision mechanical and opto-mechanical design
  • Strong background in manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, and injection molding
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks and advanced engineering drawing practices, including tolerance analysis and GD&T per ANSI Y14.5
  • Demonstrated expertise in thermal, structural, and materials analyses
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Security Clearance
Preferred Experience
  • Development and qualification of high-power laser or electro-optical systems
  • Experience with fiber optics, optical assemblies, and precision alignment techniques
  • Environmental and mechanical qualification testing for military applications
  • Experience with COMSOL or similar analysis tools
  • Experience supporting system-level integration of directed-energy or HEL systems
  • Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical efforts
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance
 
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Principal Mechanical Engineer: $125,000 - $165,000 annually 
 
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 10%
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
 
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
 
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
 
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster 
Right to Work Poster

Apply