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Mechanical Engineering Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of mechanical engineering research and developmental activities and technologies and advances in order to incorporate them into atypical or highly difficult assignments. * Broad knowledge ...

Knowledge of mechanical engineering research and developmental activities and technologies and advances in order to incorporate them into atypical or highly difficult assignments. * Broad knowledge ...

Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Austin, TX · On-site

$103.10K - $142.20K/yr

Champion innovation and research initiatives to explore emerging technologies and trends. * Serve ... in Mechanical Engineering or related field. * 5+ years of professional work experience as a ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$110.80K - $152.80K/yr

... R&D lab and protoshop * Lead root cause investigations in development, production, and test; own ... Represent mechanical engineering in customer-facing engagements and program reviews Qualifications:

In this role, you will support research and development engineers in project execution via design ... Within a mechanical engineering discipline, maintain an up-to-date knowledge and work towards ...

Mechanical Engineer

Burlington, WA · On-site

$80.20K - $105K/yr

Responsible for performing mechanical engineering research, design, development, and evaluations to support new product development. * Leverage new research and existing knowledge base into design of ...

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Mechanical Engineering Research information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do mechanical engineering research jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering research in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Mechanical Engineering Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Mechanical Engineering Research, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, advanced mathematics, and often a graduate degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS or MATLAB, and experience with laboratory equipment are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear technical communication set outstanding researchers apart. These skills ensure rigorous, innovative research and effective collaboration, which are vital for advancing technology and solving complex engineering challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in mechanical engineering research roles?

Mechanical engineering research professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing theoretical analysis with experimental validation, managing tight project timelines, and staying current with rapidly evolving technologies. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is frequent, so strong communication skills are crucial for integrating input from different fields. Additionally, securing funding for research and publishing results in reputable journals can be competitive, requiring persistence and adaptability.

What is mechanical engineering research?

Mechanical engineering research involves the systematic investigation and development of new technologies, materials, processes, or methods within the field of mechanical engineering. Researchers in this area work to solve complex engineering problems, improve existing mechanical systems, and innovate in areas like robotics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science. The goal is to advance knowledge and contribute to technological progress in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Research vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering ResearchMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; often requires research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; focus on design skills
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic or corporate R&D centersDesign studios, manufacturing plants, engineering firms
Primary FocusDeveloping new theories, materials, or technologiesCreating and testing mechanical components and systems
Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, R&D departmentsProduct development, manufacturing, engineering consulting

Mechanical Engineering Research involves exploring new concepts and technologies in labs, often within academic or corporate R&D settings. In contrast, Mechanical Design Engineers focus on designing, prototyping, and refining mechanical systems for practical application. Both roles require a strong foundation in mechanical engineering but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

More about Mechanical Engineering Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Research jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Engineering Research job openings:
What states have the most Mechanical Engineering Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineering Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Aurora, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


KBR rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 349 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Mechanical Engineer
KBR is hiring a highly skilled and motivated Mechanical Engineer to join a high-performance team and provide support to the Civil Engineer Squadron at Buckley Space Force Base. You will work with professionals and provide mechanical engineering subject matter expertise to support Facility, Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (FSRM) projects. Projects include HVAC repair, generator replacements and new construction.
This work is in Aurora, Colorado. Most work is unsupervised and requires the candidate to work independently to meet government timelines.
Applicants MUST possess an active Secret clearance.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Performing O&M engineering involving maintenance, repair, upgrade, and operation of mechanical equipment and systems to infrastructure facilities, including utility systems, at a military installation utilizing a professional knowledge of mechanical engineering.
  • Determine where major failure problems or instabilities exist and how to correct them.
  • Redesign systems, or any part of a system, as necessary; prescribe changes in materials and practices used; and develop new calibration procedures.
  • Determine short and long range requirements for replacement of existing complex and major mechanical systems, equipment, etc.
  • Serve as a consultant on all mechanical engineering aspects of projects and provide mechanical engineering support to trades and crafts shops.
  • Provide technical knowledge and expertise in mechanical engineering to assist with project and construction management and perform reviews of completed projects to ensure compliance with funding requirements and optimal use of resources.

Minimum Qualifications
  • An active Secret clearance is required to be considered for this position, which is something only a U.S. citizen can obtain.
  • BS or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of 3+ years' experience in Mechanical Engineering and design.
  • Knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts, principles, and practices applicable to a broad range of atypical or highly difficult facilities engineering assignments.
  • Extensive knowledge with engineering disciplines as well as other related areas/functions.
  • Knowledge of mechanical engineering research and developmental activities and technologies and advances in order to incorporate them into atypical or highly difficult assignments.
  • Broad knowledge of state and local jurisdiction over the use of land and natural resources, the construction of facilities and utilities, and the distribution of utilities services.
  • Ability to adapt precedents or make significant departures from previous approaches to similar projects in order to provide for specialized requirements of some projects.
  • Ability to plan and monitor large and complex facilities engineering projects requiring searching out and development of new or greatly modified methods and approaches so as to assure applicable objectives, standards, and requirements are met.
  • Outstanding organizational and leadership skills.
  • Effective interpersonal skills especially in team building and customer relationships.
  • Comfortable interacting with the customer's higher management to determine customer needs, technical direction, and strategy.
  • Proficient with MS Office.

Desired Qualifications
  • Professional Engineering license to practice engineering in any state.
  • Experience with federal, state, and local codes concerning health, safety, and the environment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of DoD policies and procedures to include contracting and funding.

Work Environment:
  • Location: Buckley SFB, CO
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal 0-20%
  • Working Hours: Standard

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40hrs
Basic Compensation:
$90,000 - $106,000
This range is for Colorado only.
The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.
Additional Compensation:
KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998