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Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bristol, VA

$72K - $98K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented professional with strong mechanical design skills and a passion for precision engineering to make a tangible impact on innovative, American-made ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Design Engineer / HVAC Design Engineer / Mechanical Engineer Fort Worth, TX Up to $130,000 A Mechanical Design Engineer is required for a commercial HVAC and MEP design-build role based in ...

COMPANY OVERVIEW Mechanical Design Engineer | Cypress, TX Applied Engineering, Inc. is seeking a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team in Cypress, TX as a Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Milpitas, CA (100% Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract Seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with 4+ years of experience to support product/platform development ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cypress, TX ยท On-site

$46.63 - $53.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

COMPANY OVERVIEW Mechanical Design Engineer | Cypress, TX Applied Engineering, Inc. is seeking a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team in Cypress, TX as a Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Richmond, VA (Onsite) Job Type: Contract We are currently seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team at the Richmond, VA ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fairview, TN

$65K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Design Engineer Type: Full-Time Location: On-Site Reporting: Position Reports to the Director of Engineering We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our highly ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Savannah, GA ยท On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Savannah, GA (Onsite) Job Summary Great Dane Trailers is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with strong experience in truck and trailer product development. The ideal ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fairview, TN ยท On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Design Engineer Type: Full-Time Location: On-Site Reporting: Position Reports to the Director of Engineering We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our highly ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Richmond, VA Contract - C2C We are currently seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team at the Richmond, VA site. This is an ...

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Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee information

See salary details

$45.5K

$91.6K

$136.5K

How much do mechanical design engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design engineer trainee in the United States is $91,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kinds of projects and tasks can a mechanical design engineer trainee expect to work on during their first year?

As a Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee, you will typically be involved in supporting senior engineers with drafting, modeling, and testing components or assemblies. Expect to use CAD software to create detailed drawings, participate in design reviews, and assist in prototyping or product testing activities. Early projects often focus on learning company standards, understanding manufacturing processes, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality, and procurement. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation and helps you build both technical and teamwork skills essential for advancing in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical design engineer trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, CAD design, and problem-solving, generally supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and knowledge of engineering standards are commonly expected. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are vital for producing accurate designs, contributing to project teams, and developing into a capable engineer.

What does a mechanical design engineer trainee do?

A Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee assists in designing, developing, and testing mechanical components and systems under the supervision of experienced engineers. Typical duties include creating 2D and 3D models using CAD software, conducting research, preparing documentation, and supporting prototype development. As a trainee, you will learn industry standards, gain hands-on experience, and gradually take on more responsibility as you build your technical skills. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to start a career in mechanical engineering and design.

How to start as a mechanical design engineer trainee?

To start as a mechanical design engineer trainee, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Develop skills in CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and seek internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience. Building a strong foundation in engineering principles and technical skills is essential for progressing in this role.

What is the difference between Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Design Engineer TraineeMechanical Design Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with relevant experience
Work EnvironmentInternship or training programs within engineering firms or manufacturing companiesFull-time professional role in design departments or engineering firms
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in design tasks, learning CAD software, supporting senior engineersCreating detailed mechanical designs, analyzing prototypes, and collaborating on projects

The main difference is that a Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee is in a learning or internship phase, focusing on gaining skills and experience, while a Mechanical Design Engineer is a fully qualified professional responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems.

Are mechanical design engineers in demand?

Mechanical design engineers are in steady demand across industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive, especially for roles involving CAD software and product development. The need for skilled engineers with technical expertise and problem-solving abilities continues to grow as companies innovate and expand their engineering teams.
More about Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee jobs

What cities are hiring for Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee jobs include:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,578 per year, or $44 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Engineering and Manufacturing Company

Novi, MI โ€ข On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer –Capital Equipment – Direct Hire


A multinational company with a facility in the Novi, MI area is currently seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for a Direct Hire opportunity with their growing engineering team. These are exciting opportunities for Mechanical Design Engineers looking for a company that offers excellent career growth, challenging custom engineering projects, strong technical leadership, outstanding benefits, and long-term stability.


Local candidates are preferred, but relocation assistance may be available for well-qualified candidates.


Mechanical Design Engineer salaries are anticipated to be around $100,000 annually, based on each candidate's experience and education. All well-qualified candidates will be considered regardless of pay rate.


Qualified Mechanical Design Engineers will have most, if not all, of the following skills and experience:


  • 3+ years of recent and relevant Mechanical Design Engineering experience within capital equipment, industrial machinery, automation, or custom equipment manufacturing
  • 3+ years of recent experience using SolidWorks to develop 3D models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings is highly preferred
  • Experience designing custom mechanical equipment, weldments, fabricated assemblies, and large industrial machinery
  • Experience developing Bills of Materials (BOMs), equipment layouts, and manufacturing documentation
  • Knowledge of combustion systems, thermal processing equipment, or heat treat systems is a plus
  • Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
  • Must be willing to travel occasionally to customer sites and manufacturing facilities to support equipment installation, startup, testing, and troubleshooting as required.
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering discipline is preferred, but equivalent capital equipment design experience will be strongly considered.