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Research And Development Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Job Title Senior Mechanical Engineer Location Bethesda, MD 20800 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Staff Education Bachelor's Degree Travel ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer to support on-going ...

Mid Mechanical Engineering

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Job Title Mid Mechanical Engineering Location Bethesda, MD 20800 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Staff Education Bachelor's Degree Travel ...

Mid Mechanical Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Job Title Mid Mechanical Engineer Location Bethesda, MD 20800 US (Primary) Category Research, Development, and Engineering Job Type Full-Time Career Level Staff Education Bachelor's Degree Travel ...

Mechanical Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Toyon is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support a critical infrastructure protection program. In ... Toyon Research Corporation will consider the individual candidate's education, work experience ...

Mechanical Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

Integrated Logistics Support, Training Development and Delivery, Multimedia Support, and Technical System Support. Mechanical Engineer Research, plan, design, and develops mechanical and/or ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

LKC Technologies is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join a collaborative Research & Development team focused on innovative medical devices. In this onsite role in Germantown ...

Support research and development efforts and contribute to continuous process improvements in mechanical design and manufacturing. * Complete assigned engineering tasks with high quality and on-time ...

Support research and development efforts and contribute to continuous process improvements in mechanical design and manufacturing. * Complete assigned engineering tasks with high quality and on-time ...

Mechanical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Mechanical Engineer - Specialized Design Company Name: EKFox Location: Chantilly, VA Project Focus ... Mission-Critical Infrastructure, Secure Facilities, R&D, and Specialized HVAC Work Setting: In ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research And Development Mechanical Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$81.5K

$127.1K

$159.7K

How much do research and development mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development mechanical engineer in Washington is $127,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,500.00 and $143,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research and development mechanical engineer do?

A Research and Development (R&D) Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new mechanical devices or systems. They use engineering principles to create prototypes, improve existing products, and solve technical challenges. Their work often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to enhance product performance and efficiency. R&D Mechanical Engineers play a key role in driving innovation within industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.

What are some common challenges faced by research and development mechanical engineers during the product development cycle?

Research and Development Mechanical Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative designs with manufacturability and cost constraints, meeting tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. They may also need to iterate prototypes quickly based on feedback from cross-functional teams, including design, testing, and manufacturing. Collaboration and effective communication are essential for addressing unexpected technical issues and integrating new technologies into existing systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research and development mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Mechanical Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools (like ANSYS), and knowledge of prototyping and testing methodologies are essential. Creativity, effective communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for innovating and collaborating on complex projects. These skills and qualities enable engineers to develop innovative solutions, improve products, and maintain a competitive edge in technology-driven industries.

What is the difference between Research And Development Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectResearch And Development Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLabs, R&D departments, innovation-focused settingsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Industry UsageResearch institutions, product innovation, prototype developmentProduct design, manufacturing, engineering firms

Research And Development Mechanical Engineers focus on creating new products and improving existing ones through experimentation and innovation. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on designing and developing mechanical components and systems for manufacturing. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, their work environments and objectives differ significantly, with R&D engineers emphasizing innovation and prototyping, and design engineers focusing on detailed product development.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Research And Development Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Mechanical Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,077 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Prescient Edge

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Research, develop, design, manufacture, and test mechanical tools, engines, machines, and devices.

  • Work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and turbines.

  • Design power-using machines including refrigeration, air-conditioning equipment, and industrial production equipment.


Job description

Job Title
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Location
Bethesda, MD 20800 US (Primary)
Category
Research, Development, and Engineering
Job Type
Full-Time
Career Level
Staff
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Security Clearance Required
Secret
Job Description
Prescient Edge is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support a federal government client.
Benefits & Compensation:
At Prescient Edge, we believe that acting with integrity and serving our employees is the key to everyone's success. To that end, we provide employees with a best-in-class benefits package that includes:
  • A competitive salary with performance bonus opportunities.
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, vision, dental, and orthodontia coverage.
  • A substantial retirement plan with no vesting schedule.
  • Career development opportunities, including on-the-job training, tuition reimbursement, and networking.
  • A positive work environment where employees are respected, supported, and engaged.
  • Salary range: $130,000 - $190,000. Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills and the abilities of the applicant internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Description:
  • Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices.
  • They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines.
  • They also develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing.
  • Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work.
  • Mechanical engineers rely on computers to assist them in efficiently performing computations, and by permitting the modeling and simulation of new designs as well as facilitating changes to existing designs. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are used for design data processing and for turning the design into a product.

Job Requirements
Experience:
  • 7 years of professional experience.

Education:
  • Bachelor's level degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Security Clearance:
  • Security clearance required SECRET level.

Location:
  • Bethesda, MD.

Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) company in 2008. We are a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and RD&E support solutions to the Department of Defense and throughout the intelligence community. Prescient Edge is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. We strive to foster equity and inclusion throughout our organization because we believe that diversity of thought is critical for creating a safe and engaging work environment while also enabling the organization's success.

Prescient Edge logo

About Prescient Edge

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Prescient Edge is a prominent name in the global security industry, based out of McLean, VA, US. Established with the primary mission of harnessing science and technology for safety and security purposes, the company specializes in providing a wide range of products and services. This includes research and development, consulting, global operations support, intelligence evaluation, and advanced data solutions. These offerings make Prescient Edge an integral factor in national defense and commercial innovations.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

2008

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