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Retired Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$75K - $118K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or ...

Showing results 21-40

Retired Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do retired mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for retired mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a retired mechanical engineer do?

A Retired Mechanical Engineer is someone who has concluded their professional career in mechanical engineering but may still engage in consulting, mentoring, or personal projects. Many retired engineers apply their knowledge to volunteer work, part-time roles, or hobbies like DIY projects and invention. Some also share their experience through teaching, writing, or professional organizations. Retirement doesn't always mean a complete departure from engineering—it often allows for more flexibility in applying technical expertise in new ways.

What types of opportunities are available for retired mechanical engineers who still wish to remain active in the field?

Retired mechanical engineers often find opportunities in consulting, mentoring, or part-time project roles, where their years of experience are highly valued. Many companies and organizations seek retired professionals for advisory positions, technical review panels, or to help train and support younger engineers. You may also choose to volunteer your expertise for nonprofits, educational institutions, or community development projects. The flexibility of these roles typically allows you to tailor your work to your availability and interests while making a meaningful impact in your area of expertise.

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

A successful Retired Mechanical Engineer will have a robust background in mechanical design, analysis, and project management, supported by an engineering degree and professional licensure such as a PE. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards is often essential through one’s career. Strong problem-solving abilities, mentorship, and clear communication are valuable soft skills for those transitioning into consulting, part-time, or volunteer engineering roles after retirement. These competencies ensure continued effectiveness, respect, and value whether contributing expertise, advising teams, or pursuing new opportunities post-retirement.

What jobs can you get out of retired mechanical engineer?

Retired mechanical engineers can pursue roles such as technical consultants, project managers, or technical trainers, leveraging their engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills. They may also work in education, technical writing, or advisory positions, often with flexible schedules or part-time arrangements. Certifications in project management or CAD software can enhance opportunities in these fields.
More about Retired Mechanical Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Retired Mechanical Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Retired Mechanical Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Retired Mechanical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Retired Mechanical Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Retired Mechanical Engineer jobs?

For Retired Mechanical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Retired Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER-San Diego,CA

Bonita, CA • On-site

Naval Sea Systems Command
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Duties
  • You will resolve technical issues under the cognizance of the Chief Engineer.
  • You will ensure engineering data complies with design specification, mechanical engineering practice and the applicable contract.
  • You will conduct technical evaluations and investigations and resolve problems that arise during design, construction and overhaul of naval ships.
  • You will review and evaluate changes to ship repair specifications to determine the impact on the system design, operation, construction schedule and cost.
  • You will identify and resolve problems that arise during inspections and tests.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
Qualifications
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the (GS-11) grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector as a professional engineer serving as a technical advisor of shipboard systems (e.g. design, construction, testing, and evaluation) to provide guidance and resolve problems (e.g. testing issues, changes to ship's specifications, guidance plans, contract drawings, change orders, and field requests) for the construction, modernization or improvement of ships.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: IOR 800 series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
Applicants must meet the following basic education requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:
Successful completion of a professional engineering degree. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration For more information about EI and EIT registration requirements, please visit the National Society of Professional Engineers website at: http://www.nspe.org
OR
Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico The FE examination is not administered by the U. S. Office of Personnel Management. For more information, please visit: http://www.nspe.org/Licensure/HowtoGetLicensed/index.html.
OR
Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A (above). The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A (above)
OR
Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least one year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily, there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
Additional information
This announcement uses the Defense Industrial Base, Major Range and Test Facilities direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Several vacancies may be filled.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf .
Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
A relocation incentive is generally a single payment intended to offset some of the relocation costs experienced by the selectee. A relocation incentive may be authorized.
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees.