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Mechanical Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gates

Mechanical Development Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$92K - $101K/yr

The Mechanical Development Engineer - E-Mobility Systems is responsible for the design, development, and validation of mechanical systems for electric mobility products. This role focuses on electric ...

Flex

Sr. Mechanical Development Engineer

Littleton, MA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Reporting to the Product Manager the Mechanical Development engineer The Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer will own the design, analysis, validation, and refinement of mechanical components and ...

Flex

Sr. Mechanical Development Engineer

Littleton, MA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Reporting to the Product Manager the Mechanical Development engineer The Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer will own the design, analysis, validation, and refinement of mechanical components and ...

INNIO

Lead Mechanical Development Engineer

Waukesha, WI

$110K - $133K/yr

The Lead Mechanical Development Engineer will lead the primary technology "rapid response" interface to sourcing and quality to qualify components through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process ...

Innio

Lead Mechanical Development Engineer

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$110K - $133K/yr

The Lead Mechanical Development Engineer will lead the primary technology "rapid response" interface to sourcing and quality to qualify components through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process ...

INNIO

Lead Mechanical Development Engineer

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$110K - $133K/yr

The Lead Mechanical Development Engineer will lead the primary technology "rapid response" interface to sourcing and quality to qualify components through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process ...

INNIO

Lead Mechanical Development Engineer

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$110K - $133K/yr

The Lead Mechanical Development Engineer will lead the primary technology "rapid response" interface to sourcing and quality to qualify components through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process ...

INNIO

Lead Mechanical Development Engineer

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$110K - $133K/yr

The Lead Mechanical Development Engineer will lead the primary technology "rapid response" interface to sourcing and quality to qualify components through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process ...

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Mechanical Development Engineer information

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$72K

$112.2K

$141K

How much do mechanical development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical development engineer in the United States is $112,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior mechanical development engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation, and leadership roles can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized industries like aerospace or automotive. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project contributions.

What are some common challenges Mechanical Development Engineers face when transitioning prototypes to mass production?

Mechanical Development Engineers often encounter challenges when moving a prototype into large-scale manufacturing, such as ensuring that the design can be produced cost-effectively, maintaining product quality, and adhering to tight schedules. Adjustments may be required to meet manufacturing constraints, supply chain limitations, or regulatory standards. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain, is crucial to address these issues efficiently and achieve a successful product launch.

Can I make 200k as a mechanical engineer?

Achieving a salary of $200,000 as a mechanical development engineer is possible but typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries such as aerospace, automotive, or energy. Factors like location, certifications, and leadership roles can also influence earning potential.

What is a mechanical development engineer?

A mechanical development engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems and components for products or machinery. They often use CAD software, perform prototyping, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve product performance and reliability. This role typically requires knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering principles.

What are Mechanical Development Engineers?

Mechanical Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems. They work on creating new products or improving existing ones by applying principles of engineering, physics, and material science. Their responsibilities often include prototyping, analyzing product performance, and collaborating with other engineers to ensure that products meet required specifications and standards. Mechanical Development Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer goods. Their work helps bring innovative mechanical solutions to market efficiently and safely.

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

AspectMechanical Development EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and testing new mechanical products and prototypesCreating detailed designs and specifications for mechanical components
Work EnvironmentR&D labs, prototyping workshopsDesign offices, CAD environments
Required SkillsPrototyping, testing, material selectionCAD, technical drawing, design analysis
Common Industry UsageProduct innovation, research projectsManufacturing, product development

While both roles involve mechanical engineering expertise, Mechanical Development Engineers focus on creating and testing new products, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on designing detailed parts and assemblies. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their emphasis on development versus detailed design tasks.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior mechanical development engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation tools, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, automotive, or technology. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and a track record of successful project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mechanical Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Development Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, analysis, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools (like ANSYS), and familiarity with manufacturing processes are commonly required. Excellent teamwork, communication, and project management skills help you effectively collaborate and drive projects forward. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, innovative products that meet performance, quality, and timeline expectations.
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Mechanical Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Development Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Development Engineer jobs? For Mechanical Development Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mechanical Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,200 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Mechanical Development Engineer

Mechanical Development Engineer

Gates

Rochester Hills, MI • On-site

$92K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Gates Corporation rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

357th of 419 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Position Summary
We are seeking a skilled Embedded Firmware Engineer with a strong mechanical engineering foundation and experience with e-mobility and bicycle experience.
  • The Mechanical Development Engineer - E-Mobility Systems is responsible for the design, development, and validation of mechanical systems for electric mobility products. This role focuses on electric drivetrains, gearboxes, electric motors, and bicycle system integration, supporting products from early concept through prototype build, testing, and production release.
  • The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with practical hands-on experience in e-mobility or light electric vehicle development, including close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as electrical engineering, controls, manufacturing, suppliers, and test engineering.
  • This position reports to Gates Technical Director for New Technology Innovation and is responsible for developing, testing and supporting software for e-bike centric devices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Product & System Development
  • Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for e-mobility applications, including:
    • Gearboxes and power transmission systems
    • Electric motor housings, mounts, and thermal interfaces
    • Bicycle and light vehicle integration (frames, interfaces, mounts, tolerances)
  • Translate system requirements into detailed mechanical designs that meet performance, durability, manufacturability, and cost targets
  • Support architecture and concept development for new electric mobility products

Design & Analysis
  • Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings using industry-standard CAD tools
  • Perform mechanical calculations and analysis related to:
    • Gear trains, bearings, shafts, and fasteners
    • Structural strength, fatigue, and vibration
    • Thermal management and packaging constraints
  • Conduct tolerance analysis and support DFMEA and design reviews

Prototyping & Testing
  • Plan and execute prototype builds, including supplier coordination and in-house assembly support
  • Define and support mechanical testing activities such as:
    • Functional and durability testing
    • Environmental and thermal testing
    • Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) evaluation
  • Analyze test results and iterate designs to meet performance and reliability targets

Manufacturing & Supplier Collaboration
  • Support manufacturing process development, including DFM/DFA activities
  • Work with external suppliers on component sourcing, feasibility reviews, and design refinements
  • Assist with production launch activities and resolution of field or manufacturing issues

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with electrical, software, and controls engineers to ensure integrated system performance
  • Participate in project planning, technical reviews, and design milestones
  • Provide clear technical documentation and communicate progress effectively

Requirements and Preferred Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 3-5 years of experience in mechanical product development (e-mobility, automotive, bicycle, robotics, or similar industries preferred)
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, including:
  • Gearboxes and power transmission
  • Bearings, shafts, and structural components
  • Materials and manufacturing processes
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX)
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and design validation
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, iterative development environment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with electric motors and drivetrain integration
  • Knowledge of bicycle or light electric vehicle standards and interfaces
  • Familiarity with DFMEA, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Experience supporting manufacturing ramp-up or production launch
  • Exposure to NVH or thermal design for electromechanical systems

Key Competencies
  • Strong mechanical engineering intuition and problem-solving skills
  • Practical, hands-on mindset with attention to detail
  • Ability to balance innovation with manufacturability and cost
  • Effective communication and teamwork across disciplines
  • Passion for e-mobility, sustainability, and product excellence

PAY & BENEFITS
    • Full-Time
    • Salary Range: $92,000 - $101,000
    • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
    • Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
    • 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
    • Tuition Reimbursement

WHY GATES?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
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