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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 ...

B Capital

Staff Mechanical Engineer (R&D)

Austin, TX · On-site

Staff Mechanical Engineer -- R&D Lead rapid prototype development of mechanical systems for Apollo humanoid robot Location: Austin Job Tags: Hardware About The Role Austin, TX Apptronik is a human ...

Stryker

Senior Mechanical Engineer, R&D

Portage, MI · On-site

$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 ...

Vanderbilt University

Research Asst I

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Research Assistant is part of the Mechanical Engineering Department in the Dong Lab at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for evaluating airway medical devices ...

Stryker

Staff Mechanical Engineer, R&D

Portage, MI

$89K - $148K/yr

Hybrid Staff Mechanical Engineer, R&D Portage, MI Join a team developing innovative medical device technologies from concept through commercialization. This role provides the opportunity to ...

Stryker

Staff Mechanical Engineer, R&D

Portage, MI · On-site

$89K - $148K/yr

Hybrid Staff Mechanical Engineer, R&D Portage, MI Join a team developing innovative medical device technologies from concept through commercialization. This role provides the opportunity to ...

Alcoa

Mechanical Engineer - R&D

New Kensington, PA · On-site

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

Actalent

Mechanical Engineer

Winneconne, WI · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Mechanical Engineer - R&D The R&D Mechanical Engineer performs advanced mechanical design and documentation work with minimal supervision. This role independently develops detailed designs, ensures ...

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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 Sep 11, 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 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.

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

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.

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What states have the most Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs?

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Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,754 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Avionics Mechanical Engineer

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Southwest Research Institute
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Southwest Research Instituteexternal

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This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Southwest Research Institute rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Avionics Mechanical Engineer

16-01529

Who We Are:

The Strategic Aerospace Department within the Defense & Intelligence Solutions Division delivers cutting-edge engineering services to enhance the warfighter’s capabilities across bomber, tanker, and heavy aircraft platforms. We specialize in world-class research, design, and support, providing innovative solutions to modern challenges and legacy systems for the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Department of Defense, allied nations, and the U.S. Government, ensuring mission readiness and technological superiority.

Objectives of this Role:
  • Participate in large multidisciplinary teams to execute cradle-to-grave science and engineering projects that benefit national security.
  • Perform conceptual to detailed mechanical designs and analysis of avionics components to ensure it meets system requirements.
  • Contribute to the optimization of thermal, structural, and environmental designs to enhance system efficiency and support mission-critical aerospace systems.
  • Assist in the design and development of mechanical enclosures and mounting solutions for avionics systems, ensuring robust performance in demanding aerospace environments.
  • Optimize designs of avionics systems for weight, durability, and manufacturability, enhancing overall system performance and mission readiness.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Generate mechanical requirements specifications, mechanical solid models, mechanical fabrication/assembly drawings, performance test procedures, operational procedures, and installation/integration instructions.
  • Conduct structural, thermal, dynamic, and dimensional analyses to validate design capability against detailed design requirements
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate avionics systems, addressing design challenges and ensuring seamless mechanical and electrical compatibility.
  • Maintain and update engineering documentation, including test reports, design specifications, and technical drawings, ensuring alignment with aerospace standards.
  • Conduct thermal, stress, and vibration analyses to validate mechanical designs, supporting high reliability in aerospace operational environments.
Requirements:
  • Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Mechatronics Engineering.
  • 0-5 years: Proficiency in 3D SolidWorks CAD software for designing and modeling complex mechanical systems with a focus on aerospace applications.
  • 0-5 years: Strong knowledge of mechanical analysis methods, including thermal, structural, and vibration analyses, to validate designs under operational conditions.
  • 0-5 years: Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, solve design challenges, and document technical findings clearly.
  • 0-5 years: Proficiency in writing technical reports.
  • 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.

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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