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Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

Under immediate supervision, the Associate Mechanical Engineer performs mechanical design and ... Assists in design engineering support for existing products or product development or research ...

$125 - $150/hr

Familiarity with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs is a plus * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Additional Information Employment Type: Full-time Role Reports to

Mechanical Engineer R&D Co-op

Indianola, PA · On-site

$24 - $45.50/hr

Mechanical Engineer R&D Co-op The primary responsibilities of this role are to: Design and test mechanical components and parts; Design and development of mechanical fixtures for hardware testing;

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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.

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 are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs?

For Mechanical Engineer Research Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Mechanical Engineering AI Expert

Austin, TX • On-site, Remote

$50 - $150/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Mechanical Engineering AI Expert

Remote | Contractor | $50–$150 per hour equivalent

We are recruiting experienced Mechanical Engineering AI Experts to support a large-scale project helping train and evaluate next-generation AI systems.

No previous AI experience is required. Your engineering expertise is what matters.

The Role

Depending on your background, work may include:

  • Reviewing AI-generated engineering answers for technical accuracy
  • Solving mechanical engineering problems
  • Creating technical questions, assessments and grading criteria
  • Reviewing CAD models, drawings and technical documentation

Working with FEA, stress analysis, thermodynamics, dynamics, vibration or fluid mechanics

Analysing test data, sensors, instrumentation and failure reports

Producing clear explanations of engineering reasoning

Supporting AI training with realistic engineering scenarios and technical content

We’re Looking For

You could come from a background such as:

  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Mechanical Design Engineer
  • FEA / Simulation Engineer
  • R&D Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineering Technician
  • Test Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineering Lecturer / Professor / Researcher

Ideally, you will have:

A degree, MSc, PhD or recognised technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering

  • OR substantial hands-on mechanical engineering experience
  • Typically 4–5+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong technical problem-solving ability
  • Excellent written communication

Experience with engineering drawings, calculations, testing, CAD, FEA or technical documentation

Experience with SolidWorks, NX, Creo, CATIA, ANSYS, Abaqus or Nastran may be advantageous for some projects.

Contract

Projects are fully remote and typically move quickly, with successful applicants often starting within 24–48 hours of onboarding.

Compensation varies by project and expertise, typically equivalent to around $50–$150 per hour.

If you are an experienced Mechanical Engineering AI Expert interested in applying your technical knowledge to advanced AI projects, apply today.

Essential requirements

  • A degree, MSc, PhD or recognised technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering
  • OR substantial hands-on mechanical engineering experience
  • Typically 4–5+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong technical problem-solving ability
  • Excellent written communication
  • Experience with engineering drawings, calculations, testing, CAD, FEA or technical documentation