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Precision Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

Apply precision engineering methodologies including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal stability assessment, kinematic design, and metrology planning. * Evaluate system performance through ...

Crane Company

Precision Grinder

Burbank, CA · On-site

You'll join a business with a long track record of engineering excellence, set in the wonderful ... Precision Grinder Level I - Overview The Grinder Precision I operates precision grinding machines ...

Forest City Gear

Precision Grinder

Roscoe, IL

$19 - $42/hr

Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve any production issues. * Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean work environment. Qualifications * Proven experience as a Precision ...

Essex Industries Inc

Precision Assembler

Milford, CT · On-site

Summary of Job The Precision Assembler is a mechanical assembly specialist responsible for ... Perform complex mechanical assembly operations using blueprints, engineering specifications, work ...

Sigmund Cohn

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Manufacturing Maintenance Mechanic

Mount Vernon, NY · On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Sigmund Cohn is a leader in precision engineering and manufacturing, delivering innovative solutions that combine technical expertise with exceptional quality. Our team is driven by a shared ...

New

Master Machine & Fabrication, Inc.

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CNC Programmer Machinist

Gaston, OR · On-site

$17 - $35/hr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machining processes and a passion for precision engineering. As a Machinist, you will be responsible for operating various machines to fabricate ...

New

Master Machine & Fabrication, Inc.

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CNC Programmer Machinist

Gaston, OR · On-site

$17 - $35/hr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machining processes and a passion for precision engineering. As a Machinist, you will be responsible for operating various machines to fabricate ...

New

Creative Liquid Coatings, INC

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Engineering Manager

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... precision engineering for the most demanding industrial applications.

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Precision Engineering information

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$12

$31

$57

How much do precision engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for precision engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In precision engineering, senior roles such as lead engineers, engineering managers, or specialists with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in areas like CAD software, metrology, or manufacturing processes, typically within high-tech or aerospace industries.

How much do precision engineers earn?

Precision engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in CAD, CNC machining, and quality control can lead to higher salaries and career advancement.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Precision Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Precision Engineer, you need expertise in mechanical design, materials science, and high-accuracy manufacturing, usually supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC machinery, and industry standards like ISO 9001 is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of ultra-precise components, reduce errors, and support innovation in industries where tolerances are critical.

What is precision engineering?

Precision engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on designing, manufacturing, and measuring components and systems with extremely tight tolerances and high accuracy. This discipline is crucial in industries where even the smallest deviation can affect performance, such as aerospace, electronics, and medical device manufacturing. Precision engineers use advanced technologies and processes to ensure that parts and assemblies meet exacting standards, often at the micron or nanometer scale.

What are some common challenges faced by precision engineers when working on complex projects?

Precision engineers frequently encounter challenges related to maintaining extremely tight tolerances, especially when working with intricate components or advanced materials. Ensuring quality and consistency across all stages of the manufacturing process requires close collaboration with design, production, and quality assurance teams. Additionally, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and integrating new machinery or software can be demanding but also presents opportunities for professional growth. Problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential to overcome these hurdles and deliver high-quality results.

What is the difference between Precision Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPrecision EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or related field, often with specialization in precision manufacturing or metrologyRequires a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, with broader focus on design, thermodynamics, and mechanics
Work EnvironmentSpecialized manufacturing facilities, laboratories, or research environments focused on high-precision componentsVaried settings including factories, design offices, and research labs for diverse mechanical systems
Industry UsageUsed mainly in industries like aerospace, medical devices, and high-precision manufacturingWidely used across automotive, aerospace, robotics, and general manufacturing sectors

While both Precision Engineering and Mechanical Engineering require a strong engineering background, Precision Engineering focuses on creating and maintaining extremely accurate components and systems, often in specialized environments. Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of mechanical systems and design, making it more versatile across industries.

What do precision engineers do?

Precision engineers design, develop, and maintain highly accurate manufacturing processes and equipment to produce components with tight tolerances. They often work with advanced measurement tools, such as coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), and require strong technical skills in engineering and quality control to ensure parts meet strict specifications.
More about Precision Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Precision Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Precision Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Precision Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Precision Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Precision Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Precision Engineering jobs are:
Precision Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Precision Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer
About Us
We are building scalable, fault-tolerant neutral atom quantum computers that harness the power of atomic physics, precision engineering, and advanced control systems. Our interdisciplinary team combines quantum scientists, optical mechanical and electrical engineers, and software developers to push the boundaries of what's physically possible.
About the Role
We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical system design, system engineering, and infrastructure architecture that enable high-fidelity, scalable neutral atom quantum systems. This role will own key aspects of system design and integration - from mechanical and thermal stability to automated alignment and digital design workflows - ensuring that our hardware meets the demands of world-class quantum performance.
You will be responsible for end-to-end ownership of mechanical design and integration, partnering closely with physics, optical, and controls teams to deliver robust, high-precision, and manufacturable systems.
Key Areas of Ownership
  • Thermal and Vibration Management - Architect and own thermal control systems, including liquid cooling infrastructure, vibration isolation, and dynamic stability of quantum system platforms.
  • Systems Engineering (SysML) - Apply systems engineering principles and SysML modeling to define interfaces, requirements, and traceability across mechanical, electrical, and optical domains.
  • PLM / Digital Thread - Establish and maintain a robust product lifecycle management (PLM) workflows and practices, ensuring a seamless digital thread from concept through production.
  • CAD Ownership - Oversee mechanical CAD architecture, standards, libraries, and best practices across the engineering organization.
  • DFM/DFA - Ensure smooth transfer of design to NPI at CM by ensuring design and documentation accuracy and completeness (mCAD, BOM, assembly and testing procedures and documentation, etc.).
  • Alignment and Calibration Design for Automation - Lead the mechanical and control architecture for automated alignment, calibration, and repeatability across complex opto-mechanical subsystems.
  • Precision Engineering - Develop robust, reliable, and stable assemblies supporting optical and electrical requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Own the architecture, design, optimization of electrical enclosures, liquid cooling and thermal/environmental control systems, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers, vibration isolation, and precision opto-mechanical assemblies through delegation and mentoring of more junior engineers.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely across multidisciplinary teams about technical reasoning and design tradeoffs, project statuses, risks, blockers, etc.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (optical engineering, electrical engineering, controls engineering, laser engineering, software engineering, AMO physicists and other scientists) to ensure tight integration and system-level performance and reliability
  • Advocate for and help implement engineering best practices including phase-gated design process, testing, and proper documentation to enable reliability and scalability, while also balancing the need to make rapid progress in a fast moving startup environment.
  • Contribute strategically to system roadmaps, manufacturing scaling plans, and overall hardware development strategy.
  • Advance state-of-the-art engineering practices at QuEra through independent research, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate closely with the R&D/science team to clearly define requirements for modules and systems, and to translate those requirements into testable acceptance criteria.
Qualifications
Required:
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years in precision mechanical design for high-stability or opto-mechanical systems.
  • Expertise in thermal management, vibration isolation, and liquid cooling systems.
  • Strong proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or Inventor), PLM and digital thread practices, and analysis tools.
  • Experience implementing systems engineering frameworks (SysML, MBSE).
  • Proven success in leading complex, multi-disciplinary hardware development programs from concept through to production
  • Collaborative mindset
  • Ability to move fast and keep multiple projects moving forward at the same time
Preferred:
  • Background in atomic physics, quantum systems, or UHV opto-mechanical design.
  • Experience developing and scaling automation systems for precision alignment or calibration.
  • Hands-on experience with precision assembly, metrology, and validation testing.
  • Proven track record of taking design from concept through NPI and into sustainment
  • Strong communication and leadership skills across technical and executive teams.

Salary Range: 150,000 - 210,000. We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience. In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.
QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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