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Senior Design Engineer Jobs in Schenectady, NY (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Albany, NY · On-site

$103K - $137K/yr

GPI is seeking a Senior Mechanical (HVAC) Design Engineer to join our growing building systems practice in Albany, New York. This position offers an opportunity to lead complex mechanical design ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Troy, NY · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Roles may include design engineer, task lead/manager, project engineer, deputy project manager for structural and multi-discipline projects. Your Impact * Determine well-defined methods for ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Troy, NY · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Roles may include design engineer, task lead/manager, project engineer, deputy project manager for structural and multi-discipline projects. Your Impact * Determine well-defined methods for ...

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... This is a Sr. Technical position within the Power Delivery & Renewable unit of Arcadis. The ...

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Senior Design Engineer information

See Schenectady, NY salary details

$61K

$117.5K

$185.3K

How much do senior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design engineer in Schenectady, NY is $117,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,900.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior design engineer do?

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components, often within engineering or manufacturing industries. They create detailed technical drawings and specifications, oversee project timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Additionally, they mentor junior engineers, troubleshoot design challenges, and may interact with clients or stakeholders to clarify requirements and present solutions. Their role combines technical expertise, project management, and leadership skills.

How does a senior design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

Senior Design Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from manufacturing, quality assurance, project management, and marketing to ensure the successful development and launch of products. They lead design reviews, gather input from other departments, and address technical challenges collaboratively. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance design intent with practical constraints such as cost, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements. Regular meetings and iterative feedback loops are a standard part of the process, making teamwork and adaptability essential for success.

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

To thrive as a Senior Design Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, reliable designs while leading teams and projects to successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience in design, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, design experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, project management, cross-disciplinary collaborationDesign and development of mechanical components, CAD work, prototype testing
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, product design, machinery development

The main difference is that a Senior Design Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and may oversee projects, while a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on creating and testing mechanical components. Both roles require similar technical skills and work in related environments, but the senior position involves more oversight and strategic input.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Schenectady, NY?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Schenectady, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Design Engineer jobs in Schenectady, NY?

For Senior Design Engineer jobs in Schenectady, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Schenectady, NY are hiring for Senior Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Schenectady, NY with the most Senior Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Design Engineer job openings in Schenectady, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,521 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Entry-level Mechanical Design Engineer

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Schenectady, NY • On-site

$30 - $34.86/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 451 rated engineering


Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Plumbing /Fire Protection
 
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Mechanical Design Engineer supports the design and development of HVAC and mechanical systems for building projects while building foundational skills toward advancement as a Project Engineer or Design Engineer. This role contributes to all phases of mechanical design, documentation, coordination, and engineering analysis under the guidance of senior staff.

The Mechanical Design Engineer plays an important role in delivering high-quality, coordinated system designs across a variety of building types.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in preparing contract documents, including drawings and specifications
  • Plan, schedule, and contribute to mechanical design tasks under the guidance of senior engineers
  • Perform conventional engineering calculations and develop elementary designs from schematic sketches
  • Support the design of HVAC and mechanical systems in accordance with company standards
  • Coordinate with Senior Engineers, Project Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers to support production
  • Assist with interdisciplinary coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing teams
  • Communicate effectively to support consistent project progress
  • Participate in field investigations to collect data and verify site conditions
  • Support quality control efforts and incorporate design feedback from senior technical staff

Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Master of Science in a related field, or equivalent
  • Early-career to mid-level mechanical design experience preferred (internships, co-op, or 1–2 years professional experience)
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit preferred
  • Strong interest in HVAC and building mechanical system design
  • Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and mechanical design principles

Travel

Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. 5-10%

 Location: Rochester, New York

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $30.00 - $34.86 USD per hour. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

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