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Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Worcester Polytech

Research Assistant

Worcester, MA · On-site

$21/hr

JOB TITLE Research Assistant LOCATION Worcester DEPARTMENT NAME Mechanical & Materials Engineering - JM DIVISION NAME Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI SUMMARY Multiple PhD Research Assistant ...

Stryker

Senior Mechanical Engineer, R&D

Portage, MI

$77K - $129K/yr

Hybrid Senior Mechanical Engineer, R&D Portage, MI As a Senior Mechanical Engineer on our Research & Development team, you will contribute to the design, development, and verification of orthopedic ...

New

Alcoa

Mechanical Engineer - R&D

New Kensington, PA

... mechanical design, equipment development, troubleshooting, and project execution within a fast-paced research and development environment. The successful candidate will collaborate with engineers ...

Apptronik

Staff Mechanical Engineer - R&D

Austin, TX

We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D team and lead rapid development of next-generation robotic systems. This is a prototype-first role: you will turn novel mechanical concepts ...

Drexel University

Research Assistant

Philadelphia, PA

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Job no: 506912 Work type: Full-Time Location: University City ... Minimum of a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Astrophysics * Experience with Geant4 ...

Apptronik

Staff Mechanical Engineer - R&D

Austin, TX · On-site

We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D team and lead rapid development of next-generation robotic systems. This is a prototype-first role: you will turn novel mechanical concepts ...

Drexel University

Research Assistant

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Research Assistant Job no: 506912 Work type: Full-Time Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA ... Minimum of a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Astrophysics * Experience with Geant4 ...

IMS People

Be Seen First

Senior Product Engineer

Columbia, TN · On-site

$135K - $154K/yr

Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer (R&D) Location: Columbia, TN (Onsite) Job Type: Full-Time + Relocation Assistance We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer (R&D) to join our ...

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Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant information

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$33K

$88.8K

$134.5K

How much do mechanical engineer research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer research assistant in the United States is $88,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Mechanical Engineer Research Assistants need a solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles, data analysis, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree or progressing towards one. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools (like ANSYS or MATLAB), and laboratory instrumentation is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set candidates apart. These competencies are vital for supporting research projects, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis, and contributing to innovative engineering solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by Mechanical Engineer Research Assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Mechanical Engineer Research Assistants often face challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, managing tight deadlines, and learning new technical tools or software quickly. To overcome these, it's helpful to maintain open communication with supervisors and team members, stay organized with task lists and project management tools, and proactively seek out training or mentorship when encountering unfamiliar topics. Building strong collaboration skills and being flexible in day-to-day responsibilities can significantly ease transitions and contribute to successful research outcomes.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineer Research AssistantMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; some research experienceBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering; professional licensure optional
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or corporate R&D departmentsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, or project sites
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, R&D divisions of companiesManufacturing firms, engineering consultancies, industrial companies

The main difference is that a Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant primarily supports research projects and data collection, often in academic or research settings, while a Mechanical Engineer focuses on designing, analyzing, and implementing engineering solutions in industry. The research assistant role is more focused on supporting research activities, whereas the Mechanical Engineer role involves applying engineering principles to develop products and systems.

What does a Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant do?

A Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant supports research projects in the field of mechanical engineering by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and helping to design prototypes or systems. They work closely with senior engineers and researchers to develop new materials, products, or processes. Their tasks may include running simulations, preparing technical reports, and maintaining laboratory equipment. This role is vital for advancing technology and innovation within mechanical engineering research.
More about Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs are:
Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,754 per year, or $42.7 per hour.
ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Mechanical Engineer

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Mechanical Engineer

Southwest Research Institute

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Southwest Research Institute rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated research

Job description

Who We Are:
The Mechanical Systems Section within the Strategic Aerospace Department provides specialized electromechanical engineering support for U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command and Department of Defense programs. As a multidisciplinary team of dedicated engineers, we take pride in supporting the warfighter. Our expertise spans the design, development, and sustainment of hardware and software systems, delivering innovative solutions for the aerospace community, including aircraft and ground support equipment, from microcircuits to complex major subsystems.
Objectives of this Role:
  • Support aerospace mechanical design efforts by developing 3D models, detailed drawings, and mechanical assemblies from concept through release using SolidWorks.
  • Design simple to complex mechanical parts, housings, brackets, fixtures, and electronic packaging assemblies that meet program, manufacturing, and integration requirements.
  • Apply sound engineering principles in mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and materials to support reliable mechanical designs for aerospace applications.
  • Perform basic stress, thermal, fit, form, and function assessments and interpret analysis results to identify design risks, margins, and improvement opportunities.
  • Support multidisciplinary engineering teams by translating electrical, thermal, structural, and packaging requirements into practical mechanical design solutions.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Create, update, and maintain SolidWorks 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings for mechanical parts, electronic packaging, and aerospace hardware.
  • Support design reviews by preparing technical data, reviewing drawing packages, checking dimensions, and resolving mechanical design comments.
  • Perform basic stress, thermal, tolerance, and packaging assessments to verify that mechanical designs meet performance and integration requirements.
  • Coordinate with electrical, systems, manufacturing, and program staff to ensure mechanical designs support hardware layout, cable routing, cooling, assembly, and installation needs.
  • Support prototype build, inspection, troubleshooting, and test activities by resolving mechanical fit, fabrication, assembly, and documentation issues.

Requirements:
  • Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Mechatronics Engineering.
  • Solidworks certification, FEA/CFD certifications and/or trainings preferred.
  • 1-5 years: Working in an engineering team environment with proven experience in delivering high quality design in support of programs.
  • 1-5 years: Proficient with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, mechanical assemblies, detailed drawings, configurations, and design documentation.
  • 1-5 years: Working knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics of materials, stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and interpretation of engineering data.
  • 1-5 years: Ability to communicate technical issues clearly, work in a multidisciplinary team, and support aerospace hardware design, fabrication, integration, and testing.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:
Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas Or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
For more information about this division, visit the Defense & Intelligence Solutions home page.
For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .
An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

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