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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in O Fallon, MO

Mechanical Engineering Manager (initially reporting to Graham; organizational reporting may evolve as the team grows) Position Summary The Defense Electronics Group is seeking both an Associate ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$120 - $175/hr

Associate Director - Mechanical Engineering Position Summary This lead engineer works primarily with the mechanical design aspects of consumables and reagents team, representing Systems Development ...

Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Union, MO · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology. Required: Written and verbal ... Associates will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job ...

New

Mechanical Design Engineer

Union, MO · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology. SKILLS: Required: Written ... Associates will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See O Fallon, MO salary details

$42.6K

$96.2K

$155.8K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate in O'Fallon, MO is $96,240.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $118,300.00 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 O'Fallon, MO?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in O'Fallon, MO are:

What cities near O'Fallon, MO are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs?

Cities near O'Fallon, MO with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in O'Fallon, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,240 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Actalent

O Fallon, MO

$55 - $67/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and packaging solutions for defense electronics products.

  • Create and maintain detailed 3D models, drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.

  • Support electronic packaging designs with consideration for thermal performance, structural integrity, environmental requirements, and EMI/EMC requirements.


Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer (Associate & Experienced)

Location: O'Fallon, Missouri

Business Unit: Defense Electronics Group

Reports To: Mechanical Engineering Manager (initially reporting to Graham; organizational reporting may evolve as the team grows)

Position Summary

The Defense Electronics Group is seeking both an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer and an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of advanced defense electronics products and related mechanical systems. These positions will play a key role in the design, development, integration, testing, and production support of ruggedized electronic assemblies, packaging solutions, power systems, and electromechanical products used in demanding military and defense applications.

Successful candidates will bring experience in mechanical design for electronics, including areas such as electronic packaging, EMI/EMC considerations, military-grade connectors, thermal management, and mechanical power systems. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical ownership and accountability, with the ability to support products throughout the full engineering lifecycle from concept through production and sustainment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and packaging solutions for defense electronics products.
  • Create and maintain detailed 3D models, drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
  • Support electronic packaging designs with consideration for thermal performance, structural integrity, environmental requirements, and EMI/EMC requirements.
  • Select and integrate military-grade and commercial connectors, fasteners, hardware, and electromechanical components.
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, systems, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams throughout product development.
  • Conduct design analyses, tolerance studies, and engineering trade-off evaluations.
  • Support prototype builds, testing, qualification activities, and product validation efforts.
  • Identify and resolve design issues during development, integration, and production.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
  • Support transition of products from development into production and ongoing sustainment activities.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable military, defense, customer, and regulatory requirements.
Required QualificationsAssociate Mechanical Design Engineer
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • 0-5 years of mechanical design experience.
  • Experience using 3D CAD tools for mechanical design and documentation.
  • Understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including materials, manufacturing processes, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
  • Exposure to electronic packaging, electromechanical systems, or machine design through industry experience, internships, co-ops, or academic projects.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain applicable security requirements as needed.
Experienced Mechanical Design Engineer
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • 7+ years of mechanical design and product development experience.
  • Demonstrated experience designing ruggedized electronics packaging, defense electronics products, or related electromechanical systems.
  • Strong knowledge of EMI/EMC design considerations, thermal management, and environmental design requirements.
  • Experience with military or defense industry standards and practices.
  • Proven ability to lead complex technical efforts and provide guidance to less experienced engineers.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain applicable security requirements as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in the aerospace, defense, military, or highly regulated electronics industries.
  • Experience in electronic packaging, embedded systems hardware integration, or electromechanical product development.
  • Familiarity with MIL-spec connectors and military environmental requirements.
  • Experience with thermal analysis, FEA, vibration, shock, or environmental testing.
  • Knowledge of DFM/DFA principles and manufacturing support.
  • Experience supporting products through full lifecycle development, production, and sustainment.
  • Project leadership or technical lead experience (Experienced level).
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of O'Fallon, Missouri.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $67.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in O'Fallon,Missouri.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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