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Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Bellevue, Washington Type: Contract Compensation: $52 - $85 hourly Contractor Work Model: Hybrid System One is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Middleton, MA · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer with Fameccanica in Boston Hub (Middleton, MA) Mechanical Design Engineer Fameccanica North America is growing its Boston Hub and hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer to ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Lyndhurst, VA

$73K - $99K/yr

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer leads the design of critical refrigeration components and systems for large cold storage warehouses. This role drives the ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Hudson, MA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Description Test Devices by Schenck is seeking to hire a Mechanical Design Engineer! We're seeking a detail-driven Mechanical Design Engineer to bring ideas to life through innovative design and ...

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer will design, develop, and support production machinery from initial customer specifications through startup and commissioning. This role ...

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Mechanical Design Engineer

Lyndhurst, VA

$73K - $99K/yr

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer leads the design of critical refrigeration components and systems for large cold storage warehouses. This role drives the ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer will support the design and development of mechanical components and sheet‑metal products. This role involves creating 2D and 3D models ...

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Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee information

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$45.5K

$91.6K

$136.5K

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

As of Jul 3, 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.

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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,578 per year, or $44 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

System One

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$52 - $85/hr

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Bellevue, Washington Type: Contract Compensation: $52 - $85 hourly Contractor Work Model: Hybrid

System One is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) program. This position will report to the MCFR Mechanical Design Manager and play a critical role in the mechanical analysis, scripting, and design scoping of reactor components. The role will begin with material property development for finite element analysis and grow into broader design analysis responsibilities.

You will work within a high-performing, multi-disciplinary engineering team that includes materials science and thermal-hydraulics experts to develop novel analysis methodologies and support the design of next-generation reactor hardware.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop material models and contribute to novel analysis methodologies within the Mechanical Design discipline

  • Perform basic sizing calculations and mechanical scoping of reactor components

  • Conduct finite element mechanical analyses using commercial tools (e.g., ANSYS)

  • Read and interpret design standards, specifically ASME BPVC Section III, Division 5

  • Perform technical reviews of internal and supplier-provided designs and deliverables

  • Work collaboratively with engineering leads and subject matter experts to support design validation

Qualifications and Skills:

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience — OR — M.S. with 2+ years of experience

  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

  • Recent experience with ANSYS or other mechanical analysis tools

  • Scripting experience preferred, particularly with Python and ANSYS APDL

  • Strong understanding of material failure mechanisms and mechanical design codes

  • Proficiency in CAD tools; SolidWorks preferred

  • Demonstrated ownership of hardware design and delivery

  • High attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team

  • A high degree of integrity, openness, and a team-oriented mindset is essential

  • Actual position level and title will be based on qualifications and experience

Job Functions and Work Conditions:

Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)

Physical Requirements: Minimal exertion; must be able to safely lift up to 25 pounds

Repetitive Work: Prolonged computer and analytical tasks

Special Senses: Visual and audio-focused work, including computer-based design and analysis

Work Environment: Standard office setting, stairs, keyboard use, typical 8+ hour workdays

Travel: Minimal (0–5%)