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Research And Development Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Reno, NV

Bruce Aerospace

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Carson City, NV · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative aerospace product development programs while ... Research components, materials, manufacturing methods, and installation requirements to support ...

Hamilton Company

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reno, NV · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

We specialize in the development, manufacturing and customization of precision measurement devices ... Responsibilities As a Senior Mechanical Engineer with Hamilton, you will help us deliver positive ...

Hamilton Company

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reno, NV · On-site

$95 - $140/hr

We specialize in the development, manufacturing and customization of precision measurement devices ... Responsibilities As a Senior Mechanical Engineer with Hamilton, you will help us deliver positive ...

Hamilton Company

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reno, NV

$104K - $137K/yr

We specialize in the development, manufacturing and customization of precision measurement devices ... As a Senior Mechanical Engineer with Hamilton, you will help us deliver positive innovations by ...

Hamilton Company

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reno, NV · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

We specialize in the development, manufacturing and customization of precision measurement devices ... Responsibilities As a Senior Mechanical Engineer with Hamilton, you will help us deliver positive ...

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All JobsResearch And Development Mechanical Engineer JobsResearch And Development Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Reno, NV

Research And Development Mechanical Engineer information

See Reno, NV salary details

$71.8K

$111.9K

$140.6K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development mechanical engineer in Reno, NV is $111,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,700.00 and $126,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV? For Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Research And Development Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Mechanical Engineer job openings in Reno, NV as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,187 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Sr Mechanical Engineer

Bruce Aerospace

Carson City, NV • On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative aerospace product development programs while working directly with customers, aircraft operators, and industry partners. As a key member of the engineering team, you will influence product strategy, customer success, manufacturing improvements, and the development of next-generation aircraft lighting solutions.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead aircraft installation programs and drive the mechanical development of new aerospace lighting products. This role serves as both a technical leader and program manager, responsible for guiding projects from concept through certification, production launch, and customer implementation.
The Senior Mechanical Engineer will oversee aircraft-specific installations, lead product development initiatives, support manufacturing improvements, and serve as a primary technical interface with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams. This position requires strong engineering expertise, project leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
Travel of up to 30% is required to support customer meetings, aircraft surveys, installations, product testing, and technical support activities.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Leadership & Product Development
  • Lead mechanical engineering projects from concept development through certification, production release, and product launch.
  • Provide technical leadership in the development of new aerospace lighting products and installation solutions.
  • Translate customer requirements into practical, manufacturable, and certifiable product designs.
  • Develop and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, mechanical analyses, installation documentation, and technical records.
  • Conduct aircraft surveys to gather installation, dimensional, interface, and customer-specific design data.
  • Support product certification and qualification efforts by preparing technical documentation and coordinating engineering deliverables.
  • Research components, materials, manufacturing methods, and installation requirements to support product development and customer programs.

Program Management & Customer Support
  • Serve as Lead Engineer and Program Manager for customer installation programs.
  • Define project scope, schedules, milestones, deliverables, and technical requirements.
  • Coordinate customer communications and provide technical leadership throughout program execution.
  • Support proposal development, technical reviews, certification activities, and installation planning.
  • Oversee installation activities and provide field support through project completion.
  • Travel domestically and internationally as required to support customer programs and business development activities.

Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
  • Lead design-for-manufacturability initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, and cost performance.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Quality teams to optimize new and existing products.
  • Identify opportunities for cost reduction through design simplification, material optimization, supplier alternatives, and process improvements.
  • Support supplier evaluations, alternate sourcing initiatives, and obsolescence management efforts.
  • Participate in prototype builds, first article inspections, and production launch activities.
  • Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for design, production, supplier, and field-related issues.
  • Review and approve engineering drawings, technical documents, and engineering releases.

Business Development & Technical Proposals
  • Support proposal development and customer quotations through technical analysis and engineering planning.
  • Review customer specifications, RFPs, and RFQs to evaluate engineering scope, certification requirements, technical risks, and project assumptions.
  • Develop innovative and cost-effective design solutions that support customer value and business growth.
  • Provide technical input on product configurations, installation approaches, certification strategies, and project execution plans.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Minimum 5 years of mechanical product design experience.
  • Minimum 3 years of SolidWorks 3D CAD experience.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and engineering documentation.
  • Experience managing engineering projects and leading cross-functional initiatives.
  • Proven ability to work independently and drive projects to successful completion.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience working directly with customers and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to travel up to 30%, including international travel when required.

Preferred
  • Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Aerospace product design experience.
  • Experience with FAA certification requirements and aerospace standards such as DO-160 or MIL-STD-461.
  • Experience with sheet metal design and fabrication.
  • Experience designing plastic molded components.
  • Field engineering and aircraft installation experience.
  • Technical writing experience, including specifications, test procedures, proposals, certification documentation, installation instructions, and operating manuals.
  • Experience utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to improve engineering or business processes.

Additional Requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, communicate, and mitigate technical and program risks.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality engineering standards.
  • Must be eligible to obtain any required U.S. Government authorizations in accordance with ITAR and EAR regulations.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work in office, manufacturing, and aircraft environments.
  • Frequent use of computers and standard office equipment.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, kneel, and perform repetitive hand movements.
  • Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to travel by automobile and commercial aircraft, including domestic and international travel.

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