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Mechanical Engineering Manager Jobs in Washington

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Jessup, MD · Hybrid

$107K - $147K/yr

Mechanical Engineering Manager Liquid Robotics is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and manage a team of Mechanical Engineers in the development of autonomous ocean robots. You and ...

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Lead and manage a team of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers responsible for project execution, product design, engineering documentation, and technical support. * Establish engineering priorities ...

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Mechanical Engineering Manager information

See Washington salary details

$81.5K

$141.8K

$203.9K

How much do mechanical engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering manager in Washington is $141,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,800.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical engineering manager do?

The responsibilities of a mechanical engineering manager involve overseeing a team of design engineers. In this position, your management duties typically include technical and design operations as well as administrative tasks. You plan a budget, work schedule, and benchmarks and deadlines for each project. You also work with stakeholders and other managers to define objectives for each project. During a project, you use computer-aided design and drafting programs to manage the technical and planning aspects of projects. A manager also works in the field to ensure that building, installation, or manufacturing match their design and technical specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering manager, and why are they important?

A Mechanical Engineering Manager needs a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, project management, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering along with relevant experience. Familiarity with CAD software, engineering simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications like PMP are highly valuable. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal communication skills help them effectively guide teams and collaborate across departments. These competencies ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget while fostering innovation and team development.

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

AspectMechanical Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and industrial firmsApplied across similar industries for technical roles

The main difference is that a Mechanical Engineering Manager focuses on team leadership, project management, and strategic oversight, while a Mechanical Engineer concentrates on technical design, analysis, and development tasks. Both roles require a strong engineering background, but the manager role involves more leadership and administrative responsibilities.

What does a mechanical engineering manager do?

A Mechanical Engineering Manager oversees teams of mechanical engineers and technicians, guiding the design, development, and testing of mechanical devices and systems. They are responsible for managing project timelines, budgets, and ensuring technical quality and compliance with safety standards. Additionally, they collaborate with other departments, mentor engineering staff, and help resolve complex technical problems. Their role is a blend of leadership, project management, and engineering expertise.

What does a mechanical engineering manager get paid?

A mechanical engineering manager's average salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often oversee engineering teams, manage projects, and require strong technical skills and leadership abilities.

How does a mechanical engineering manager typically balance project leadership with mentoring team members?

A Mechanical Engineering Manager often juggles overseeing project progress and deliverables while also dedicating time to mentor and develop their engineering team. This balance is achieved by setting clear project milestones, delegating tasks appropriately, and fostering open communication channels. Regular one-on-one meetings and technical reviews allow managers to support individual growth and address challenges early, ensuring both team performance and employee development. Effective managers also create opportunities for team members to take on increasing responsibilities, promoting career advancement within the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Mechanical Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,759 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Liquid Robotics

Jessup, MD • Hybrid

$107K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Liquid Robotics is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and manage a team of Mechanical Engineers in the development of autonomous ocean robots. You and your team will work with a cross-discipline group of engineers in the development, testing, integration, and maintenance of the Wave Glider platform and associated payloads and peripherals. The successful candidate will bring proven experience in mechanical design, naval architecture, and personnel management. This position is hybrid an requires a minimum of one day a week onsite at our Jessup, Maryland facility. This position reports to the Head of Engineering.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Manage the mechanical engineering work within the company. Provide expert advice to leadership, set goals for the mechanical design team, and help set company vision for mechanical solutions.
  • Lead, guide, and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers of varying skills and skill levels.
  • Lead efforts to translate customer and business needs into viable, proven solutions within time and funding limits. Interface with counterparts in systems, electrical, software and operations groups to develop solutions and coordinate design tradeoffs.
  • Define schedules, budgets, and solutions, both for customer proposals and internal development. Develop risk analyses and mitigations.
  • Identify hardware requirements based on user and business needs.
  • Develop architectures and designs that meet defined hardware requirements, capturing artifacts in 3D CAD and Product Lifecycle Management tools.
  • Apply mechanical engineering principles to naval architecture tasks, leveraging tools such as Orca3D for structural and hydrodynamic vessel design.
  • Perform trade studies to help optimize designs for cost, schedule and performance. Create prototypes for early validation of product architectures and design solutions.Perform
  • Review designs and drawings against: general standards, design requirements, geometric tolerances, drafting practices and the applicable manufacturing process.
  • Oversee in change control and escalation processes as a Mechanical Engineering expert.
  • Perform and oversee methodical root cause analysis and resolve non-compliance in part performance.
  • Support the capital procurement process by selecting tools, equipment, and facilities needed to support the organization.
  • Provide technical support for the production and operations teams as well as other business functions.
  • Own the company's design practices, standards, and policies for Mechanical Design and Analysis. Enforce and improve the company's Mechanical Engineering tools, design processes, and methodologies.

Key Attributes:

  • Demonstrates broad engineering knowledge applicable to robotics development for maritime environments. Able to apply deep experience in mechanical design; strong understanding of how the various aspects of a system affect and influence one another.
  • Stays aware of technology advancements. Applies knowledge across a variety of solution spaces.
  • Applies excellent problem solving and technical abilities to complex problems; able to guide a team in executing root cause analysis and problem resolutions.
  • Demonstrated experience with 3-D CAD, particularly Solidworks, and PDM tools to manage design databases. Experience in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) with focus on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation software.
  • Familiarity with PLM and other product life-cycle tools such as Arena, JIRA, and Confluence
  • Ability to manage creative and cost effective electro-mechanical designs and systems (motors, controls, sensors, robotics).
  • Experience designing for varied manufacturing and assembly processes such as composite materials construction, CNC machining, injection molding, cable over-molding and sheet metal fabrication
  • Experience designing with materials such as stainless steel, titanium, acetal, and fiberglass.
  • Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and ISO standards, GD&T and accepted drafting practices
  • Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, is able to effectively exchange information with technical teams, nontechnical stakeholders, and customers.
  • Maintains strong customer focus, balanced with business requirements. Suggests valuable improvements and products based on customer and business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering; advanced degree strongly preferred.
  • 10 years of engineering experience in mechanical design and naval architecture.
  • 3 years of management experience, working with a range of junior to senior employees.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Experience with the Liquid Robotics Wave Glider system is a strong discriminator.

U.S. Person status required.

Ability to obtain a US Secret Clearance required. Preference given to candidates with active security clearance at time of hire.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $190,000 - $261,8000

Liquid Robotics designs and manufactures Wave Gliders, the first wave and solar powered autonomous ocean robots. With our partners we address many of the planet's greatest challenges, by transforming how to assess, monitor, and protect the ocean. We solve critical problems for defense, commercial, and science customers.

Visit us atwww.liquid-robotics.comto learn more.

Liquid Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteranstatusor other characteristics protected by law.