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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Arvada, CO ยท Hybrid

$100K - $175K/yr

Job Title : Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer Reporting To: Head, Engrg. Sect. Work Schedule: Hybrid - Arvada, CO Overview Our Moog Space Vehicles Group is looking for a Sr Mechanical Design Engineer to ...

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Arvada, CO ยท On-site

$100K - $175K/yr

Job Title : Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer Reporting To: Head, Engrg. Sect. Work Schedule: Hybrid - Arvada, CO Overview Our Moog Space Vehicles Group is looking for a Sr Mechanical Design Engineer to ...

Vast is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager of Structures Design, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and ...

Sr Design Engineer

Red Wing, MN

$90K - $124K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Redwing, MN | Direct Hire | $110,000-$140,000 Konik is partnering with a well-respected manufacturing company specializing in automation equipment. We are seeking a ...

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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Chanhassen, MN ยท Hybrid

$91K - $126K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer About the Role We're looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical design of next-generation electronic products used in food ...

Sr Mech Design Eng (51479)

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $173K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Salary Range: $91,000 - $173,000/ Yr. As the largest machine tool builder in the western world, we need world-class talent in all of our departments. And we're not ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Chanhassen, MN ยท On-site

$91K - $126K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer About the Role We're looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical design of next-generation electronic products used in food ...

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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer information

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$72K

$108.6K

$151K

How much do senior mechanical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior mechanical design engineer in the United States is $108,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Mechanical Design Engineers in cross-functional project teams?

Senior Mechanical Design Engineers often work closely with professionals from electrical, manufacturing, and software disciplines. A common challenge is ensuring seamless integration of mechanical components with other systems while balancing design intent, cost, and manufacturability. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as conflicting priorities or technical constraints may arise during the development cycle. Proactively addressing these issues through regular collaboration and clear documentation helps maintain project timelines and product quality.

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

AspectSenior Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, professional certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, manufacturing firmsDesign teams, product development, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing companies, aerospace, automotiveSimilar industries, often entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in experience, responsibility, and expertise. Senior engineers typically lead projects, mentor junior staff, and handle complex design challenges, while Mechanical Design Engineers focus on executing design tasks under supervision. Both roles require a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and relevant certifications, but senior roles demand more experience and leadership skills.

What does a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer do?

A Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of mechanical systems, components, and products. They use advanced engineering principles and software to create detailed designs, oversee prototype development, and ensure that projects meet technical standards and client requirements. They often mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and participate in problem-solving during the manufacturing process. Their expertise is crucial for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of mechanical products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in design analysis, and a relevant engineering degree, often backed by professional certification (e.g., PE license). Expertise with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, simulation tools like ANSYS, and familiarity with product lifecycle management systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration skills help you manage complex projects and mentor junior engineers. These capabilities ensure the creation of innovative, reliable products while meeting project deadlines and maintaining engineering standards.
More about Senior Mechanical Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Mechanical Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Senior Mechanical Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Mechanical Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Mechanical Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,560 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer
Job Summary:
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and integration of mechanical systems for aircraft products. This role applies advanced engineering knowledge, analytical skills, and independent judgment to drive mechanical design, support testing and validation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer leads complex technical tasks, contributes to design strategy, and ensures mechanical solutions meet performance, manufacturability, quality, and reliability requirements.
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Develop, modify, and optimize 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and assemblies to meet mechanical design objectives.
  • Perform structural, thermal, and systems-level analysis to evaluate design performance and reliability.
  • Contribute to system requirements definition, trade studies, subsystem design approaches, and verification/validation planning.
  • Generate and review engineering documentation such as work orders, build guides, and process travelers, ensuring alignment with engineering intent and configuration control.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, technicians, and other engineering disciplines to support design iterations and resolve technical challenges.
  • Support test, verification, and validation of mechanical systems, documenting results and incorporating findings into design improvements.
  • Maintain configuration control and documentation integrity using PDM/PLM systems.
  • Participate in and provide input during design reviews, offering technical rationale, recommendations, and risk assessments.
  • Identify design risks, propose mitigations, and implement improvements to enhance manufacturability, safety, and product performance.
  • Mentor junior engineers and support development of engineering team skills.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field; master's preferred.
  • 5-9 years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, preferably in aerospace or complex mechanical systems.
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD tools, including drawing creation and revision control.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical systems, assemblies, structures, mechanisms, and materials.
  • Hands-on experience with design for manufacturability (DFM/DFA) principles.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise judgment, and manage complex engineering tasks.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desired Qualifications and Skills:
  • Experience with composite materials, precision machining, or advanced fabrication methods.
  • Knowledge of complementary disciplines such as stress analysis, dynamics, thermal analysis, or systems engineering.
  • Familiarity with structured development processes, gated design workflows, or PLM systems.
  • Experience with regulated quality standards such as ISO9001 or AS9100.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview:
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don't just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check and drug test.
Pay Range: $110k - $140k Salary/Exempt