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Mechanical Engineering Startup Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Project Engineer

Clatskanie, OR · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Lead the engineering and execution of small to mid-sized capital and expense projects from concept development through startup, commissioning, and project closeout. * Provide mechanical engineering ...

Mechanical Systems Engineer

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

If you are passionate about engineering innovative equipment, solving complex technical challenges ... Support installation, startup, and commissioning activities as needed Requirements: What We're ...

As a Mechanical Engineer, Structures you will own the design, development, and analysis of Node ... startup or agile development environment * Familiarity with marine/offshore engineering ...

As a Mechanical Engineer, Structures you will own the design, development, and analysis of Node ... startup or agile development environment * Familiarity with marine/offshore engineering ...

As a Mechanical Engineer, Structures you will own the design, development, and analysis of Node ... startup or agile development environment * Familiarity with marine/offshore engineering ...

Lead mechanical support for startup, commissioning, and system turnover * Champion safety, quality ... Engineering, or related field (Equivalent field experience may be considered in lieu of a degree ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

What makes IRPI unique is how we integrate research, design, and fluid-thermal engineering to ... Nice to Have * Experience at a small space company, startup, or small-team R&D environment.

Engineering Project Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Lead multi‑discipline engineering teams (mechanical, chemical/process, piping, electrical ... Provide engineering support during procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.

... startup environment Youll stand out with * Systems engineering principles and architecture * Closed-loop systems and control design * Failure-mode analysis and redundancy planning * Fluid mechanics ...

... startup environment You'll stand out with * Systems engineering principles and architecture * Closed-loop systems and control design * Failure-mode analysis and redundancy planning * Fluid mechanics ...

Work directly on the manufacturing floor to debug hardware and software issues and support equipment startup and optimization. Essential Skills * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Engineering Startup information

See Oregon salary details

$48.1K

$108.8K

$176K

How much do mechanical engineering startup jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering startup in Oregon is $108,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,200.00 and $133,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical engineering startup?

A mechanical engineering startup is a new business venture focused on developing, designing, or manufacturing products and solutions that leverage the principles of mechanical engineering. These startups typically work on innovations in areas such as robotics, manufacturing equipment, automotive components, energy systems, or consumer devices. They often aim to bring new technologies to market, solve industry problems, or improve existing mechanical systems. Mechanical engineering startups can range from small teams prototyping in a garage to larger groups with significant funding and facilities. Their success often depends on technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and the ability to rapidly iterate on product designs.

What are some common challenges mechanical engineers face when working in a startup environment?

Mechanical engineers in startups often encounter challenges such as limited resources, rapidly shifting project priorities, and the need to wear multiple hats. Unlike larger organizations, startups may lack specialized teams, so engineers may need to handle a mix of design, prototyping, testing, and even some business or customer-facing tasks. The fast-paced environment can be rewarding, but also demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and excellent time management skills. Collaboration with colleagues from different backgrounds is frequent, fostering innovation but also requiring strong communication and flexibility.

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

To thrive in a mechanical engineering startup, you need a solid grounding in mechanical design, problem-solving, and prototyping, typically supported by a mechanical engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), rapid prototyping tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications (like FE or PE) are highly valued. Strong adaptability, entrepreneurial mindset, and effective teamwork skills help individuals excel in the dynamic and resource-constrained environment of a startup. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, efficiently bringing products to market, and overcoming the unique challenges faced by early-stage companies.

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

AspectMechanical Engineering StartupMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, innovative, often small teams, dynamic projectsStructured, corporate or industrial settings, project-based, collaborative
Employer & IndustryStartups in tech, manufacturing, or product developmentEstablished companies, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Mechanical Engineering Startup roles focus on innovation, versatility, and rapid project execution within small teams, often requiring a broad skill set. Mechanical Engineers in established firms work on well-defined projects with structured processes. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in work environment and project scope.

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineering Startup jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineering Startup jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Startup job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,771 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Mechanical Project Engineer

Koch Industries

Clatskanie, OR • On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
Georgia-Pacific's Consumer Products Division is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to join our Wauna Paper Mill team in Clatskanie, Oregon. In this role, you will leverage your mechanical engineering expertise to develop and execute capital and expense projects that improve safety, reliability, production capability, and cost performance. While project management is part of the role, our primary focus is identifying a technically strong engineer who can solve challenging mechanical problems, influence others through expertise, and help develop capability across the organization.
Our Team
With more than 900 employees, Wauna is one of the largest integrated paper and tissue manufacturing facilities in North America. Employees at Wauna have the opportunity to work across large-scale manufacturing operations, utilities, infrastructure, and reliability systems while supporting well-known tissue, towel, and napkin brands. Our team recently invested more than $150 million to expand capabilities, strengthen our brands, and continue delivering the quality products our customers expect.
Learn more by visiting our consumer products homepage.
What You Will Do
  • Lead the engineering and execution of small to mid-sized capital and expense projects from concept development through startup, commissioning, and project closeout.
  • Provide mechanical engineering expertise for rotating equipment, fixed equipment, piping systems, structural systems, and civil infrastructure projects throughout the mill.
  • Develop technical scopes of work, engineering packages, equipment specifications, conceptual designs, cost estimates, schedules, and capital investment proposals.
  • Apply sound engineering principles and technical analysis to solve complex operating and reliability challenges while identifying practical, cost-effective solutions.
  • Collaborate with operations, maintenance, reliability, procurement, contractors, consultants, and technology resources to deliver safe, reliable, and effective project outcomes.
  • Review and coordinate engineering deliverables, vendor designs, equipment specifications, and construction activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, engineering standards, and mill safety expectations.
  • Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, procurement activities, spending forecasts, and change management processes to achieve business objectives.
  • Evaluate equipment failures, conduct root cause analysis, and implement sustainable improvements that enhance reliability, maintainability, operability, and safety performance.
  • Support construction, checkout, startup, and post-project reviews while providing technical guidance and field support during implementation.
  • Influence and mentor engineers, technicians, contractors, and operations partners through technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem solving, regardless of formal leadership responsibility.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Experience supporting or executing engineering projects within a manufacturing, industrial or military environment.
  • Experience supporting rotating equipment, fixed equipment, piping systems, and other mechanical assets.
  • Experience developing engineering scopes, technical specifications, or project deliverables for capital or maintenance-related projects
  • Experience mentoring, coaching, and influencing peers and cross-functional teams without formal supervisory responsibility.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Pulp & Paper experience.
  • Experience leading equipment reliability, asset improvement, or root cause failure analysis initiatives.
  • Structural or civil engineering experience.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Georgia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day - to make everyday products even better.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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