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Mechanical Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Mechanical Development Engineer

Waukesha, WI ยท 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 ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Yocumtown, PA ยท On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

This position will serve as the key mechanical development engineer representative in the connector design group to support new connector design at customers, component, documentation, and quality ...

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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 6, 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 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.

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 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.
More about Mechanical Development Engineer jobs
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:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,200 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Lead Mechanical Development Engineer

INNIO

Waukesha, WI โ€ข On-site

$110K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description
About INNIO Group
INNIO Group is a global distributed energy solutions provider that delivers reliable, flexible, transient, decentralized, modular and efficient power. With a track record of innovation, INNIO designs, manufactures and services high-performance power systems under its Jenbacher and Waukesha brands. The company delivers power for applications including data centers, microgrids, grid stabilization, industrial energy and gas compression.
INNIO operates a global installed base across approximately 100 countries as of December 31, 2025, supported by a resilient, high-margin services business that delivers long-term, recurring revenues across the full equipment lifecycle. As electricity demand accelerates-driven by AI, electrification and grid constraints-INNIO enables scalable, behind-the-meter power generation with high efficiency, fast start capability, strong transient performance and fuel flexibility, including hydrogen-ready solutions. INNIO employs over 5,000 people worldwide and is committed to moving energy forward.
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), work cross functionally to determine disposition of engine components such as castings, and engineering changes along with complex design and development activities of engine components and systems for current product support in serial products. In this role, you will both heavily develop new product while utilizing knowledge of manufacturing processes to solve problems while also leading and mentoring Engineers on programs.
In this role you'll develop new engine systems and solve technical -related problems using DMAIC methodology, including:
  • Creating component and system technical requirements for complex design and development activities while working closely with technical and cross-functional personnel
  • Providing technical leadership to new supplier development and component quality projects, leading validation tests (DVP&R) for key engine components
  • Utilizing knowledge of casting processes in conjunction with material lab analysis to determine if the qualification should be approved.
  • Leading the on-time execution of multiple simultaneous projects in line with the Design for Six sigma (DFSS) & Design for Reliability (DFR) principles, utilizing Critical to Quality (CTQ) flow-downs and effective Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to guide system developments and to drive the Design Validation Plans & Reporting (DVP&R) in line with the customer and product requirements
  • Performing engineering studies and calculations within the scope of assigned work including defining the requirements for simulation and physical validation of designs
  • Leading cross functional development teams, including leadership of RCA projects and oversight of the preparation
  • Procuring prototype hardware for design validation, product release, and trouble-shooting production and field service type problems
  • Ensuring all required business system transactions associated with ECO releases are completed as required
  • Providing technical engineering support to other functional areas as required, including other engineering teams, manufacturing, purchasing, application engineering, marketing, service, contracted engineering consultants, and suppliers
  • Utilizing Design of Experiments (DoE) to prepare and execute validation activities identified in the DVP&R, utilizing the full suite of on-site test facilities available, as well as targeted field testing

What you'll bring:
  • Bachelor's / Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design Technology from an accredited university or college.
  • Minimum of 8 years' experience in mechanical design and/or development experience with components and systems of reciprocating internal combustion engines and/or engine-driven packaged equipment

What'll make you stand out:
  • Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance calculation and DVA tool in the development process
  • Understanding of engine performance, simulation/FEA, engine testing/DVP, and mechanical development
  • Knowledge of materials, manufacturing, quality std/tools (ISO/DFMEA/DFSS/DFR), and assembly processes and experience working with the associated functional organizations
  • Robust knowledge capture and documentation
  • New product design leadership experience
  • Current product support and problem-solving design experience
  • Knowledge and experience in the use of rapid prototype techniques
  • Comfortable in an international environment and have strong oral and written communication skills
  • Organizational skills required to manage multiple projects and/or activities
  • Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing, oral, listening and presentation skills

Additional Details:
  • Location: Waukesha, WI
  • Travel: Up to 10% domestic and international travel.
  • Visa Sponsorship: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the foreseeable future.

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