1

Mechanical Engineering Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teledyne Microwave Solutions invests heavily in research and development to maintain the ability to ... Lead the Mechanical Engineering team in the design and development of intricate custom IMAs and ...

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field * 3+ years of mechanical design or R&D experience * Experience with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar) * Strong ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Logan, UT · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

... R&D Hardware Engineering team in the design and development of market-leading fitness products. The ideal candidate brings deep mechanical engineering expertise, a track record of shipping high ...

Mechanical Engineer

Burlington, WA · On-site

$80K - $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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

CMTA | Lafayette, CA (Onsite) Are you a mechanical engineering leader who thrives at the ... Research and evaluate new systems, products, and approaches that enhance CMTA's services.

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 17, 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior mechanical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation tools, and leadership roles in high-paying industries such as aerospace, automotive, or energy can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and a track record of significant project contributions or executive responsibilities.

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.

Can I make 200k as a mechanical engineer?

Achieving a salary of $200,000 as a mechanical engineer is possible but typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, specialization in high-demand areas such as aerospace or robotics, and often working in senior or managerial roles. Salaries vary by industry, location, and company size, with top earners often holding professional certifications and advanced degrees.

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.

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 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.

Can you do research in mechanical engineering?

Mechanical engineering research involves investigating new technologies, materials, and systems related to mechanics, thermodynamics, and design. Researchers in this field often work in laboratories or academic settings, utilizing tools like CAD software and testing equipment, and may require advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. to conduct independent research. The role typically involves data analysis, experimentation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior mechanical engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, automotive, or energy. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, professional certifications, and a track record of significant project contributions or management responsibilities.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Senior Manager Mechanical Engineering

MetOx International, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday


Job description

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International, we're pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As Senior Manager Mechanical Engineering, you'll join a dynamic team committed to strengthening the world's energy systems to make them more resilient, efficient, and reliable.

Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, the Senior Manager Mechanical Engineering leads teams responsible for the design, development, and deployment of advanced MOCVD tooling. This role drives execution across complex, cross-functional initiatives and ensures delivery of scalable, high-performance equipment that supports MetOx's next-generation manufacturing platforms. This leader owns functional outcomes, builds team capability, and drives engineering excellence in tool design, integration, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership & Development

  • Leads, develops, and mentors senior individual contributors.
  • Builds leadership capability across the organization and strengthens bench depth.
  • Conducts regular talent reviews; identifies capability gaps and builds targeted development or hiring plans.
  • Drives organizational alignment and supports structural changes to enable scale.
  • Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Operational Execution

  • Oversees mechanical engineering teams focused on MOCVD tool design, build, and deployment.
  • Owns delivery of complex equipment programs, including timelines, quality, and technical performance.
  • Drives efficiency improvements in tool design, build, and integration processes.
  • Leads resolution of critical cross-functional technical and operational issues.
  • Ensures designs meet requirements for manufacturability, reliability, and scalability.

Technical Leadership (Tool Building & MOCVD)

  • Provides strategic oversight for mechanical design of advanced deposition systems (MOCVD platforms).
  • Guides architecture decisions for high-temperature, vacuum, and thin-film processing equipment.
  • Partners with Process, R&D, and Equipment Engineering teams to translate process requirements into robust tool designs.
  • Champions best practices in tool design, including DFx (Design for Manufacturability, Assembly, Reliability).
  • Drives innovation in equipment design to reduce technical risk and accelerate deployment.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Builds strong cross-functional relationships across Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, and Operations.
  • Navigates and resolves conflict effectively to maintain progress on critical initiatives.
  • Communicates program status, risks, and trade-offs clearly to senior leadership.
  • Aligns engineering priorities with broader company objectives.

Strategic & Innovative Thinking

  • Shapes tactical execution plans and influences broader engineering and platform strategy.
  • Identifies opportunities to improve system performance, reduce cost, and increase throughput.
  • Introduces innovative approaches to tool design and development.
  • Supports long-term roadmap development for MOCVD platform evolution.

Leadership Presence & Influence

  • Establishes credibility as a technical and people leader across the organization.
  • Influences peers and senior leaders through sound judgment and expertise.
  • Inspires confidence across large, cross-functional groups.
  • Serves as a key leader in driving engineering culture and execution discipline.

Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
  • 10 years of engineering experience, with significant focus on complex equipment or tool development.
  • 3 years of experience leading engineering teams.
  • An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis, depending on relevance and level.
  • Prior experience designing or building MOCVD, PVD, or similar semiconductor/thin-film deposition equipment.
  • Demonstrated deep understanding of vacuum systems, thermal systems, and precision mechanical design.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Prior experience operating effectively in high-growth or scaling manufacturing environments.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

  • Demonstrates strong leadership and organizational development capability.
  • Applies deep technical expertise in mechanical system design for complex equipment.
  • Leads through ambiguity and drives execution across multiple teams.
  • Communicates and collaborates effectively across functions.
  • Connects technical decisions to business outcomes with a strategic mindset.
  • Scales teams, processes, and systems effectively.

Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs.  

MetOx is proud to offer competitive benefits including:

  • Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment
  • 401(k) match
  • Paid parental leave & adoption assistance
  • Educational reimbursement
  • And more!

 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.