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Mechanical Engineering Trainee Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Our unique sublet services performing electronic and mechanical repairs and programming make us the ... Conduct training and test trainees. * Work with managers anddetermine needed training on theuse of ...

Our unique sublet services performing electronic and mechanical repairs and programming make us the ... Conduct training and test trainees. * Work with managers and determine needed training on the use ...

Showing results 21-33

Mechanical Engineering Trainee information

See Oregon salary details

$48.1K

$108.8K

$176K

How much do mechanical engineering trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering trainee 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 trainee?

Mechanical Engineering Trainees are entry-level professionals or recent graduates who work under the supervision of experienced engineers to learn practical skills and gain hands-on experience in the field of mechanical engineering. Their responsibilities may include assisting with design, analysis, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems or products. The trainee period helps them understand industry standards, tools, and workflows, preparing them for more advanced engineering roles in the future.

What types of projects and tasks can a mechanical engineering trainee expect to work on during their first year?

As a Mechanical Engineering Trainee, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and design-oriented projects under the guidance of experienced engineers. Typical tasks include assisting with CAD modeling, performing basic calculations, supporting prototype development, and helping with testing and data collection. You may also participate in team meetings, collaborate with other departments like manufacturing or quality assurance, and contribute to process improvement initiatives. These experiences are designed to build your technical skills and provide exposure to the full product development lifecycle.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Trainee, a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and problem-solving abilities is essential, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (like SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help trainees effectively collaborate and learn from experienced engineers. These skills are crucial for successfully contributing to projects, addressing technical challenges, and developing into a competent mechanical engineer.

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

AspectMechanical Engineering TraineeMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in mechanical engineeringBachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level position, often in manufacturing or design firmsDesign departments, engineering firms, or manufacturing companies
Job FocusLearning, assisting, and gaining practical experience in mechanical systemsCreating, analyzing, and improving mechanical designs and components

The main difference is that a Mechanical Engineering Trainee is an entry-level role focused on learning and gaining experience, while a Mechanical Design Engineer is a specialized professional responsible for designing mechanical systems. Trainees often work under supervision, whereas Design Engineers handle complex projects independently.

How do I get my first job as a mechanical engineering trainee?

To secure your first mechanical engineering trainee position, build a strong foundation with a relevant degree or diploma, gain practical experience through internships or projects, and develop skills in CAD software and basic engineering principles. Networking with industry professionals and applying through company career portals or job boards can also improve your chances.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Oregon are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Trainee job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,771 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The School of Dentistry shares the mission of the Oregon Health & Science University to provide educational programs, basic and clinical research, and high quality care and community programs. We strive to foster an environment of mutual respect where the free exchange of ideas can flourish. The dental school prepares graduates in general dentistry and the dental specialties to deliver compassionate and ethical oro-facial health care. 

Function/Duties of Position

The Pfeifer lab is a collaborative Research group within the School of Dentistry, Department of Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences. The lab was established in 2011 and has been continuously supported by the NIH-National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and others. We have a strong track record in the fields of Biomaterials and Polymer Chemistry, with over 150 publications and several full patents. Our focus is to develop materials solutions for use in healthcare applications (including oral) with a heavy emphasis at the interface with microbiology and host tissue interactions. We have been able to be successful in this quest thanks to a multi-disciplinary team of highly collaborative individuals, including materials scientists, clinicians, engineers, chemists and microbiologists. The work we do spans traditional materials science and cell biology. We'd love for you to join us!

Dr. Carmem Pfeifer seeks an Assistant Staff Scientist with extensive knowledge of microbiology and materials science related methods to drive research projects to academic and translational goals. This person will contribute to scientific direction of numerous projects and share the management responsibilities for lab members working on those projects. Technical expertise in the area molecular biology and molecular design, as well as collaborative research approach are key to success in this role. 

Required Qualifications
  • PhD in relevant field (Bioengineering, Biology, Biomaterials, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science)
  • Doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences or related fields and a minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral work experience in a research lab with a focus on material-tissue/biofilm interactions
  • Intimate knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology assays
  • Knowledge of how to operate various instrumentation and basic engineering principles for applications and troubleshooting with instrumentation (including at least a few of the following: Mechanical testing: universal testing machine (flexural strength, fracture toughness, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheology); Spectroscopic techniques (IR and UV-Vis, mass spec, GPC, HPLC); Imaging (SEM and confocal microscopy)
  • Ability to optimize and adapt existing molecular biology protocols for analysis of modified material surfaces
  • Familiarity with spatial analysis approaches such as spatial transcriptomics, especially for engineered tissues or on-chip systems
  • Familiarity with technical writing, including research manuscripts, methods manuscripts, patents, and other IP documentation
  • Ability to lead discussions around research projects and proactively communicate with research team members for the success of the project
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills: both written and verbal
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
  • Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) on Window OS, and other advanced graphing and image design software (Prism, Origin, Photoshop, Adobe illustrator)
  • Ability to use empathy and diplomacy to support trainees and other lab members 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with molecular biology techniques, in silico docking, molecular simulations, microbiology, materials science
  • High-quality peer-reviewed publications
  • Grant writing experience
  • Small molecule synthesis
  • Peptide synthesis
  • MATLAB
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Workshop experience
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887