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Mechanical Design Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR

RLA Engineering LLC

Be Seen First

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Design portions of engineering solutions for mechanical and thermal hardware, electronics plastic and metal enclosures, and production tooling based on established engineering principles and in ...

New

Protingent

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer

Newberg, OR · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct ... Conduct advanced engineering analysis, including FEA, tolerance stack-up, and design for ...

QuantumClean

Mgr, Design Engineering

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

The Design Engineering Manager provides technical leadership for fixture design, production tooling ... Strong mechanical design capability with practical experience designing equipment, fixtures ...

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All JobsMechanical Design Engineering JobsMechanical Design Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR

Mechanical Design Engineering information

See Portland, OR salary details

$48.3K

$97.1K

$144.8K

How much do mechanical design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design engineering in Portland, OR is $97,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,600.00 and $109,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mechanical design engineering?

Mechanical design engineering is a branch of engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems and products. Mechanical design engineers use principles of physics, mathematics, and material science to create everything from small individual parts to large-scale machinery. Their work often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed models and prototypes before manufacturing. This discipline is essential in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer electronics, ensuring that products are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical design engineer?

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications like FE or PE, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure innovative, safe, and efficient design solutions that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What are some of the common challenges mechanical design engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Mechanical Design Engineers often collaborate with electrical engineers, manufacturing teams, and project managers. One common challenge is ensuring that the mechanical design aligns with electrical requirements and manufacturability constraints, which can require frequent communication and compromise. Balancing innovative ideas with practical limitations such as budget, materials, and timelines is also a recurring challenge. Successful engineers develop strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to navigate these multidisciplinary interactions effectively.

What is the difference between Mechanical Design Engineering vs Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectMechanical Design EngineeringMechanical Manufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesign and development of mechanical components and systemsManufacturing processes, production efficiency, and quality control
Skills & CertificationsCAD software, engineering principles, often requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineeringManufacturing methods, quality assurance, often requires a bachelor's in mechanical or manufacturing engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, labs, CAD workstationsFactories, production lines, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageProduct design, R&D, prototypingMass production, assembly, process optimization

Mechanical Design Engineering focuses on creating and developing mechanical systems and components, while Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering emphasizes the production, process improvement, and quality control of those designs. Both roles require a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and often collaborate closely in product development cycles.

Are mechanical design engineers in demand?

Mechanical design engineers are in steady demand across industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive, especially for those skilled in CAD software and product development. Employment growth is driven by technological advancements and the need for innovative, efficient designs, making it a stable career choice.

What does a mechanical design engineer do?

A mechanical design engineer develops, analyzes, and tests mechanical devices and systems using CAD software and engineering principles. They create detailed drawings, select materials, and ensure designs meet safety and performance standards, often collaborating with manufacturing teams. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering tools are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Design Engineering jobs in Portland, OR?

For Mechanical Design Engineering jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Design Engineering jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Design Engineering jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Mechanical Design Engineering jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Mechanical Design Engineering job openings:

Mechanical Design Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,119 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

RLA Engineering LLC

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

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Job description

Job Title: Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Employee Type: MSP

Expected Weekly Hours: 40

 

Position Summary

This position is responsible for supporting the client’s business unit(s) with specifying, designing and validating various mechanical systems used in consumer and/or commercial products. This position will also have some project management responsibilities to provide strategic support to management on product development.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Design portions of engineering solutions for mechanical and thermal hardware, electronics plastic and metal enclosures, and production tooling based on established engineering principles and in accordance with development technology practices and guidelines
  • Develop and implement parameters and test plans for existing designs, such test coverage may include some, all or more of the following:

o   Validation of tolerances, form/fit/function, shock and vibration, electromagnetic interference, safety, reliability, developing fan curves, system power measurements, acoustics, etc.

o   Collaborate with metrology engineers to validate that critical dimensions meet requirements

o   Collaborate with material engineers to specify environmental test needs

  • Provide project management support on product development strategies, architectures, and compliance requirements.
  • Collaborate and communicate with internal and outsourced development partners on mechanical design and development
  • Participate as a member of project team of other mechanical hardware engineers and internal and outsourced development partners to develop reliable, cost effective, and high-quality solutions
  • Perform other duties as needed

Education and Credential Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
  • Eligible to work in the US without RLA sponsorship for employment visa status

Experience Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in a Sr. Mechanical Engineer Design role
  • Experience using SolidWorks, Creo Elements, Direct Modeling, AutoCAD, or similar CAD packages for part, sub-assembly and system level simulation and design
  • Experience with designing complex 3D mechanical assemblies including 2D drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Experience using product data management systems (PDM) such as Windchill, Autodesk Vault, or similar, to organize design and BOM documentation
  • Experience designing sheet metal and plastic parts, and associated production tooling and processes

o   Using rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing

o   Incorporating design for manufacturing (DFM) principles such as injected plastic molds for mass production

  • Use of Agile/Scrum management methodologies on large scale projects to consistently meet deadlines, successfully triage changing priorities, identify risks, and track issues to resolution

Skills Requirements

  • Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently
  • High proficiency using productivity software such as M365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Teams and SharePoint)
  • Ability to use agile/scrum project/program management principles and methodologies to consistently meet task deadlines, triage changing priorities, and track issues to resolution
  • Ability to collaborate across diverse teams with a customer service mindset

Work Environment

  • The position typically operates in a standard office environment and/or from employee’s home
  • Be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Company Description

Founded in 2010 and based in Vancouver, WA, RLA Engineering is a premier engineering design firm. We partner with clients from start-ups to industry leaders across the U.S. to help bring great products to life. From concept to prototype, we provide test & measurement and product design solutions powered by deep technical expertise.