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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN

High School Diploma or equivalent Associate degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred, but not required. Required Skills/Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent Associate degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred, but not required. Required Skills/Experience:

MEP Senior Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Our structured career development program empowers associates to grow quickly into expanded roles ... Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, construction management ...

Good mechanical and electrical skills. * Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and ... Associate degree. LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER (Non-Canada) The above is meant to describe the ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (such as Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering) or a related technical field; an associate degree is required and a bachelor's degree is preferred.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (such as Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering) or a related technical field; an associate degree is required and a bachelor's degree is preferred.

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Robot Programmer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$30 - $42/hr

Associate Degree in Robotics Technology or Automation * Experience with Kawasaki, Fanuc, ABB, or ... In addition, Engineering Services, including Mechanical, Quality, Simulation, and Service Part ...

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology. * Minimum of 5 ... 000 associates around the world who help create a better tomorrow by providing sustainable ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See Fort Wayne, IN salary details

$41.6K

$94.1K

$152.3K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate in Fort Wayne, IN is $94,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $115,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical engineering associate?

Mechanical Engineering Associates are early-career professionals who support engineering teams in designing, testing, and improving mechanical systems and products. They typically assist with creating technical drawings, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and solving engineering problems under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is often a starting point for recent graduates in mechanical engineering, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to learn industry practices. Mechanical Engineering Associates may work in various sectors, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering associate?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Associate, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as exposure to industry standards like ASME, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and convey technical concepts clearly. These capabilities ensure high-quality project outcomes and efficient integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are the most common challenges faced by mechanical engineering associates when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering tasks?

One of the most common challenges Mechanical Engineering Associates encounter is adapting to the pace and complexity of real-world engineering projects compared to academic assignments. In industry, projects often involve tight deadlines, multidisciplinary teams, and the need to balance technical accuracy with practical constraints like budget and manufacturability. Associates must also become proficient in using industry-standard software and tools, and learn to interpret and apply company-specific standards. Effective communication with senior engineers and other departments is essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Associate vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering AssociateMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or equivalentBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting roles in design, testing, and manufacturingDesign, analysis, and project management responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, product development, and technical supportDesign firms, industrial companies, and R&D departments

The Mechanical Engineering Associate typically holds an associate's degree and performs support tasks in engineering projects, while the Mechanical Engineer has a bachelor's degree and takes on more complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles are essential in engineering teams, but the associate role is more entry-level and supportive in nature.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Fort Wayne, IN?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Fort Wayne, IN are:

What cities near Fort Wayne, IN are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs?

Cities near Fort Wayne, IN with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in Fort Wayne, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,117 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Senior Associate, Mechanical Engineering (Optics)

L3HHCM20

Fort Wayne, IN

$94K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Associate, Mechanical Engineer (Space Optics)

Job Code: 40585

Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description: 

This role will support the design and development of space borne precision optics, mirrors and mounts, and cryogenic optical systems for IR payloads. Includes completing mechanical systems analysis, architecture definition, Specification and ICD development with supporting trade studies.

Essential Functions: 

  • Mechanical systems leadership for IR payloads and subsystems from requirement allocations and flow downs to specification and interface definition and compliance verification
  • Detailed mechanical design skills of precision optics for IR payloads including optical mirrors, mirror mounts, windows, filters focal plane mounts and telescopes for cryogenic applications
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing and Procurement during the build and test of mechanisms
  • Leadership of small to mid-sized cross-functional design teams for IR payloads and mechanical subsystems
  • Author PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
  • Perform trade studies to determine optimal designs
  • Assist with schedule, cost, and technical responsibility at the major subsystem level
  • Responsible for directing and reviewing, the work of junior engineers and designers and technicians.
  • Participate in risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for complex projects
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance
  • Up to 10% travel may be required

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 0-2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 6 years of prior related experience.
  • Experience in design and testing for space environments (i.e., temperature, vacuum, radiation, etc.)
  • 3+ years of experience in 3D CAD modeling using industry standard tools
  • Experience with optical focus and thermalization design experience

 

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active Secret Clearance is preferred
  • Optical alignment design experience
  • PTC Creo or Solidworks is strongly preferred
  • NASA 5017 and ABMA Standards knowledge
  • GD&T, tolerance stacks
  • Experience with Tribology
  • Prior COBRA or Orbis experience
  • Prior experience in developing aircraft structures or major sub-assemblies is strongly desired
  • Prior electronics packaging experience
  • Design experience in spaceborne IR optical systems

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