1

Research And Development Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

Rochester, NY · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Job Title: SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER Posting Start Date: 7/27/26 At TE, you will unleash your ... You'll solve complex mechanical engineering challenges in sub-micron precision design, working with ...

Mechanical Engineer

Webster, NY · On-site

$38 - $43/hr

Support the design and development of new and existing mechanical systems and components. * Conduct ... Develop and maintain engineering documentation including specifications, test plans, and technical ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

We are currently hiring a mid-level Mechanical Engineer in our Building Engineering Division ... Leadership Development Program * Fitness Reimbursement * Tuition Reimbursement * Referral Bonus ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

We are currently hiring a mid-level Mechanical Engineer in our Building Engineering Division ... Leadership Development Program * Fitness Reimbursement * Tuition Reimbursement * Referral Bonus ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

We are currently hiring a mid-level Mechanical Engineer in our Building Engineering Division ... Leadership Development Program * Fitness Reimbursement * Tuition Reimbursement * Referral Bonus ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Batavia, NY · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

... the development of cost estimates, as well as the monitoring and/or management of budgetary ... Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by ...

Associate, Mechanical Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site +1

$59K - $110K/yr

Specialist, Mechanical Engineer - Dynamics Analyst (Space Optical Systems) Job Code: 37544 Job ... Conducting analysis, synthesis, development, and implementation of feedback control systems. This ...

Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly design and prototyping for the Corning Rochester Technology Center, Advanced Optics facility In ...

Showing results 41-60

Research And Development Mechanical Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$71K

$110.7K

$139.1K

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

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development mechanical engineer in Rochester, NY is $110,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,600.00 and $124,800.00 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 Rochester, NY?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Research And Development Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Research And Development Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Research And Development Mechanical Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,704 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Scientist, Mechanical Engineer (Space Mechanisms) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)

Rochester, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Design high-precision and complex space opto-mechanical hardware, including machined components, composite structures, deployable mechanisms, and support structures.

  • Lead and participate in technical reviews, interface with suppliers and other engineering disciplines, and present design details to customers and reviewers.

  • Develop and perform testing to demonstrate proof-of-concept or qualification of new designs, and support production with tooling, test equipment, and shop aids.


Job description

Job Title: Scientist, Mechanical Engineer (Space Optical Mechanisms) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max)

Job Code: 39051

Job Location: Wilmington, MA or Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Sign-On Bonus: A sign-on bonus of up to $50K may be included as part of an offer package for this level

Job Description: 

L3Harris is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic senior Mechanical Engineer to support customer-funded programs and internal research efforts within our Space, Superiority and Imaging Division.  Our Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance solutions serve a broad array of government, civil, and commercial customers by enhancing information superiority, contributing to our national security and providing actionable data for the protection of property and human life.  We specialize in high-reliability airborne and space-based remote sensing payloads that offer active and motion imaging and data processing, exploitation and dissemination. We also provide solutions that map and monitor the earth for a variety of commercial and governmental users.

Mechanical Engineer to perform design, development, analysis, and manufacturing tasks on complex mechanical hardware including precision space structures and mechanisms in a program team environment. Program support and technical leadership over requirements definition, concept generation, material and finish selection, trade studies, design sensitivity/optimization studies, preliminary and detailed design, design sensitivity and tolerance analysis, design documentation, Bill of Materials (BOM) management, and assembly/integration and testing. Candidate must be in an expert in 3D modeling, design for manufacturing and ability to work independently or within a multi-disciplined team environment.

In this role the candidate will:

  • Design high-precision and complex space opto-mechanical telescopes hardware as part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT).  Hardware variety spans machined components, composite structures, deployable mechanisms, opto-mechanical support structure, bearings, capital tooling and fixturing, launch mechanisms
  • Leverage high reliability, flight-proven, heritage design concepts in order to produce high quality designs within an aggressive timeline
  • Lead and participate in technical team reviews and technical review boards
  • Interface with outside suppliers/customers and other engineering disciplines to drive designs to closure (Structural, Thermal, Electrical, Manufacturing, Integration and Testing, Quality, Configuration Management).
  • Present design details at program reviews to customers and independent reviewers.
  • Develop and perform testing to show proof-of-concept and/or qualification of new designs.
  • Support production operations with design of tooling, test equipment, and shop aids.
  • Provide regular status updates to Program Management and Project Engineers on cost and schedule performance.

Essential Functions: 

  • Responsible for establishing key performance error budgets.
  • Able to identify and select mechanism components like ball bearings, motors (servo, stepper, limited-angle torque, solenoids, and voice coils), position sensors (encoders, resolvers, LVDTs, Hall effect), and springs
  • Adept at calculating torque margin per AIAA S-114A-2020 and/or NASA-STD-5017
  • Able to design launch lock solutions for mechanisms, particularly for low shock and FOD containment
  • Comfortable selecting lubricants for spaceflight applications near sensitive optics
  • Able to design for vacuum environments over broad temperature ranges while maintaining cleanroom cleanliness
  • Uses proven, reliable design concepts to create high-quality, new designs in aggressive timelines.
  • Defines and establishes the technical approach to meet assigned objective.
  • Directs, coordinates and provides assistance to engineering team in order to meet assigned objectives.
  • Prepares reports, formal documentation and presentation materials summarizing analysis results and present results to both external and internal groups, including leadership and customers including Preliminary Design reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR) and Technical Interchange Meetings (TIM).
  • Establish educational and training goals for area of expertise and ensure those goals are achieved
  • Able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Security Clearance

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Control Systems, or related disciplines from an ABET-accredited program and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
  • 7+ years in CAD modeling and design tools
  • Prior or current experience with spaceflight mechanism applications
  • 5+ years of professional experience leading a multi-disciplinary mechanical engineering team through system requirements, design, analysis, test, hardware build, delivery and launch
  • Professional experience with analysis methods (FEA and hand-calculations) is required

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Strong proficiency in design and 3D modeling of solids, surfaces, and assemblies (Creo, NX, Catia, Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor)
  • Proficiency in analysis FEA tools such as FEMAP, MSC Nastran, and/or ANSYS
  • Experience with Halpin Engineering's Orbis for bearing analysis
  • Experience with MATLAB for analysis automation and data processing
  • Proficiency in tolerance stack-up analysis for mechanical designs as well as GD&T.
  • Experience in design of space-based mechanical structures, mechanisms, and electronics packaging along with engineering drawing development.
  • Experience building hardware in a high reliability environment, working with technicians
  • Experience interfacing with machinist and designing parts for ease of manufacturing processes
  • Strong familiarity with component level, sub-assembly level, and assembly level product testing.
  • Proficiency with root cause corrective action (RCCA) tools (e.g. 5 why, fishbone)
  • Proficiency with risk management and mitigation tools such as Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Experience serving on a Material Review Board (MRB) - evaluate and disposition non-conforming hardware. Development of rework and structural repair procedures.
  • Experience in leading engineering teams from conceptual through detailed design phases
  • Proficiency working with a product data management (PDM) software, and familiarity with configuration management best practices
  • Familiarity with ISO 9000/AS-9100 Quality Management Systems and Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma fundamentals.
  • Proficiency with fundamentals of project management (e.g. budget, schedule, technical execution, risk management). Strong proficiency in MS project scheduling.
  • Training and mentoring of new hires and junior engineering staff members.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C. area, Denver, or NYC areas is $146,000.00 - $271,000.00. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, Cleveland Ohio, Vermont and Virginia is $126,500.00 - $235,500.00 This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-RK1