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Phd Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Vantage Systems

Engineer IV

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$129K - $157K/yr

Support specialized systems engineering (mechanical, thermal, electrical, structural) for ... PhD degree * Clearance: TS with eligibility for SCI Poly

Pacific Fusion

Facilities Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

This is a high-impact role responsible for the integration of complex mechanical and electrical ... PE (Professional Engineer) license * Experience working closely with PhD scientists and R&D ...

Next Matter

Senior GNC Engineer

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Work closely with avionics, flight sciences, mechanisms, and flight software teams to integrate ... Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field ...

Vantage Systems

Engineer III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$117K - $143K/yr

Support specialized systems engineering (mechanical, thermal, electrical, structural) for ... PhD degree * Clearance: TS with eligibility for SCI Poly

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPhd Mechanical Engineer JobsPhd Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Phd Mechanical Engineer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$42.8K

$96.8K

$156.6K

How much do phd mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd mechanical engineer in Rio Rancho, NM is $96,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,700.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a PhD mechanical engineer do?

A PhD Mechanical Engineer is a highly trained professional who conducts advanced research and development in the field of mechanical engineering. They typically work on designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems, often leading innovative projects in areas such as robotics, energy systems, materials science, or manufacturing processes. In addition to research, they may teach at universities, publish scholarly papers, and mentor students. Their expertise is often sought after in both academia and industry for solving complex engineering challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD mechanical engineer?

To thrive as a PhD Mechanical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in mechanical engineering principles, research methodology, and problem-solving, underpinned by a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with simulation software (such as ANSYS or MATLAB), CAD tools, and experience with laboratory or experimental systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and project management skills help set top candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, leading complex research projects, and collaborating effectively in academic or industrial environments.

What types of projects do PhD mechanical engineers typically work on within a multidisciplinary team?

PhD Mechanical Engineers often contribute to complex research and development projects, such as advanced materials design, robotics, energy systems, or computational modeling. Within a multidisciplinary team, they frequently collaborate with electrical engineers, computer scientists, and specialists in fields like materials science or biology, depending on the project. Their role may involve leading experimental design, developing simulation models, and interpreting data to inform engineering solutions. This collaborative environment not only advances project goals but also provides opportunities to develop leadership and cross-functional communication skills.

What is the difference between Phd Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPhd Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
EducationDoctoral degree (PhD) in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsDesign, manufacturing, construction, and industry settings
CertificationsTypically none required, but may include professional engineering licensesProfessional Engineer (PE) license often preferred

The main difference between a Phd Mechanical Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their education level and work focus. Phd Mechanical Engineers primarily engage in research, development, and academic roles, while Mechanical Engineers focus on practical design, manufacturing, and industry applications. Both roles are vital in the engineering field, but their career paths and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Phd Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Phd Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Mechanical Engineer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,768 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Engineer IV

Vantage Systems

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$129K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Vantage Systems, Inc. (Vantage), is a pioneering force in the realm of multi-disciplinary engineering services for spaceflight projects. Since our establishment in 1992, we have consistently delivered progressive solutions to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) space flight community earning recognition for our unwavering integrity and dedication to delivering top-tier solutions that align with the U.S. space program missions.

For over three decades, Vantage’s commitment to quality service and innovation has driven our rapid growth. Fueled by a deep understanding of the ever-evolving U.S. space program, we continuously pioneer progressive solutions to address NASA’s & DoD’s pressing challenges. Our unwavering commitment to exceptional service is built upon a foundation of ethics, honesty, and a people-centric approach. Join us as we forge ahead, combining our expertise with NASA’s legacy of excellence to shape the future of space exploration.

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for a contract positioned onsite at the Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) SSHINE contract.


Engineer IV duties include the following, performed at a senior-journeyman level:

  • Support development of government flight experiment and space technology requirements, mission scope, design tradeoffs, CONOPS, conceptual designs, and mission analyses.
  • Perform analyses and evaluations through experimental testing, modeling/simulation, and engineering analysis.
  • Support MBSE: model development, evaluation, and testing.
  • Support specialized systems engineering (mechanical, thermal, electrical, structural) for spacecraft and balloon designs.
  • Travel to other Government agencies and contractor locations for design and test reviews, briefings, conferences, and meetings.
  • Prepare and present monthly status reports on activity and document lessons learned.
  • Support full life-cycle technology implementation: hardware/software design, development, testing, and re-engineering.
  • Research, development, and planning for future space system AI&T needs (new capabilities, planning tools, test concepts, data reduction/reporting tools).
  • Directly support flight operations: on-orbit operations, ops testing, anomaly prediction/detection, data trending, fault detection, config management, and root cause analyses.
  • Travel to other Government agencies and contractor locations for design and test reviews, briefings, conferences, and meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education/ Years of Relevant Experience: 15+ years of experience with BS degree or 10+ years of experience with MS degree or 5+ years of experience with PhD degree
  • Clearance: TS with eligibility for SCI Poly