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Senior Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Watertown, SD

Senior Design Engineer

Watertown, SD · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

Senior Design Engineer Watertown, SD Join our team at Terex Utilities and embark on an exciting ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field * 5+ years of ...

Senior Design Engineer

Watertown, SD · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

Senior Design Engineer Watertown, SD Join our team at Terex Utilities and embark on an exciting ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field * 5+ years of ...

Sr. Project Engineer

Watertown, SD · On-site

$94.30K - $122.90K/yr

SUMMARY: The Sr. Project Engineer supports a broad range of moderately complex projects ranging ... Proven ability to quickly and effectively troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software issues ...

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Senior Mechanical Engineer information

See Watertown, SD salary details

$71K

$116.7K

$162.9K

How much do senior mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior mechanical engineer in Watertown, SD is $116,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,500.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Senior Mechanical Engineer Do?

A senior mechanical engineer manages the research and manufacturing of mechanical devices and systems. Day to day responsibilities of a senior mechanical engineer include estimating manufacturing project costs and timelines, making recommendations on system efficiencies and safety, and performing general engineering duties such as the development and testing of machines. A senior mechanical engineer job is a leadership position and requires managerial experience and excellent communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical design, engineering analysis, and project management, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering and several years of industry experience. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), FEA tools, and familiarity with relevant industry standards and certifications (like PE licensure) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you lead teams and collaborate effectively with cross-functional departments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering innovative, reliable engineering solutions and successfully managing complex projects.

How does a Senior Mechanical Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you’ll regularly work alongside professionals from disciplines such as electrical engineering, manufacturing, project management, and quality assurance. Effective collaboration involves participating in design reviews, aligning on technical requirements, and troubleshooting challenges that arise during development. You’ll often serve as a key technical liaison, ensuring that mechanical solutions integrate seamlessly with other systems and that project milestones are met on schedule. Strong communication and leadership skills are invaluable, as you’ll help guide both junior engineers and multidisciplinary teams toward shared goals.

Can you make 200k as a mechanical engineer?

Senior mechanical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries or locations can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually. Factors such as certifications, specialization, and employer size also influence earning potential. However, typical salaries vary widely based on these factors and geographic region.

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

AspectSenior Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredAssociate's or Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, project management, often in engineering firms or manufacturingDrafting, CAD modeling, product development, typically in design departments
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveProduct design companies, manufacturing, engineering consultancies

While both roles involve mechanical design, Senior Mechanical Engineers focus on project oversight, analysis, and technical leadership, whereas Mechanical Designers primarily handle CAD modeling and drafting tasks. The senior role requires more advanced credentials and experience, often with broader responsibilities in project management and engineering decisions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Watertown, SD? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Watertown, SD are:
What cities near Watertown, SD are hiring for Senior Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Watertown, SD with the most Senior Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Senior Design Engineer

Senior Design Engineer

Terex Corporation

Watertown, SD • On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Terex rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:
Join our Team: Senior Design Engineer
Watertown, SD
Join our team at Terex Utilities and embark on an exciting opportunity as we seek a skilled and dedicated Senior Design Engineer to contribute to the Terex Utilities Team.
At Terex Utilities we believe in fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every person is empowered to thrive. We're dedicated to driving quality, innovation, embracing diversity, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We're committed to excellence in everything we do, and we're seeking talented individuals who share our passion and values to join our team.
As a Senior Installation Design Engineer, you will lead complex design projects, mentor peers, and drive engineering rigor across custom truck installations. You will develop and review 3D models, 2D shop drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate, efficient, and high-quality builds. In addition to hands-on design work, you will serve as a key technical resource-guiding cross-functional teams, influencing design decisions, and supporting production with expert-level troubleshooting.
What you'll do
Technical Leadership
  • Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert within the Installation Design team.
  • Lead and participate in cross-functional design reviews with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Product Management.
  • Mentor junior engineers and designers, providing training, guidance, and peer review support.
  • Drive standardization, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives across installation engineering.

Advanced Design Responsibilities
  • Lead the design of complex custom installations, including structural, hydraulic, and electrical system integration.
  • Develop detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and complete BOMs that enable efficient and accurate production.
  • Perform advanced weight studies, load case evaluations, manufacturability assessments, and installation feasibility reviews.
  • Architect and update parts and assemblies with minimal instruction, using strong engineering judgment and experience.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with internal teams to resolve design challenges, clarify customer requirements, and ensure accurate customer approvals.
  • Work closely with vendors to validate component specifications and integrate purchased parts effectively.
  • Support production teams by diagnosing design-related issues and developing robust, timely solutions.

Documentation & Process Ownership
  • Lead Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and ensure documentation accuracy and compliance.
  • Maintain and improve technical specifications, design standards, checklists, and process documentation.
  • Review technical documents for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to engineering standards.

Other Responsibilities
  • Contribute to new product development initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
  • Assist with field or production investigations through root-cause analysis and corrective action recommendations.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives.

What you'll bring
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field
  • 5+ years of professional engineering experience, preferably in custom mobile equipment, heavy machinery, or vehicle upfitting
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or Onshape preferred)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to lead engineering projects and drive design from concept through release
  • Experience mentoring or reviewing the work of junior engineers or designers
  • Strong understanding of hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and structural system integration
  • Advanced design skills including blueprint reading, tolerance stack-ups, root-cause analysis, static/dynamic load calculations, and basic FEA
  • Knowledge of lean principles and experience driving process improvements
  • Experience with PLM platforms and MRP/ERP systems
  • Understanding of weldment design, bolted joint theory, and manufacturing processes
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technical documentation best practices
  • Familiarity with controller applications, project management practices, and new product development cycles
  • Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in custom utility equipment design
  • Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally and smaller items frequently

Salary: The compensation range for this position is $70,000 - $93,000 annually/salary. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc.
Why Join Us
  • We are a global company, and our culture is defined by our Values - Integrity, Respect, Improvement, Servant Leadership, Courage, and Citizenship. Check out this video! The Terex purpose
  • Safety is an absolute way of life. We expect all team members to prioritize safety and commit to Zero Harm.

If you are interested in an open position but feel you may not meet all the listed qualifications, we still encourage you to apply.
About Terex:
Terex Corporation is a global leader in specialized equipment solutions, serving essential sectors such as emergency services, waste and recycling, utilities, and construction. Our diversified portfolio positions us in resilient, high-demand markets with strong long-term growth potential.
We design and manufacture advanced specialty vehicles-including fire, ambulance, and recreational vehicles-alongside waste collection vehicles, materials processing machinery, mobile elevating work platforms, and equipment for the electric utility industry. Through our global dealer, parts and service network and true value-creating digital solutions, we deliver best-in-class lifecycle support, helping customers maximize return on investment.
With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and Asia Pacific, Terex combines global reach with local expertise to capture opportunities worldwide. Our strategy is clear: exceed customer expectations, invest in innovation, leverage our diversified portfolio, and deliver consistent, profitable growth for our shareholders.
For more information, please visit www.terex.com.
Additional Information:
We are passionate about producing equipment that helps improve the lives of people around the world and providing our team members with a rewarding career and the opportunity to make an impact. We are committed to recruiting, engaging, developing, and retaining team members at all levels of our global workforce. Our culture is defined by our Terex Way Values - Integrity, Respect, Improvement, Servant Leadership, Courage, and Citizenship. Our values are the driving force behind our commitment to maintain an inclusive, supportive, non-discriminatory, and safe workplace for all team members. To that end, we are committed to actively foster a culture where every team member feels valued, listened to, and appreciated. We are committed to being fair and impartial in our decisions. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability, including disabled veterans, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting the recruiting department (person or department) at Globaltalentacquisitions@terex.com.
The Company offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities, and a full range of benefits, including paid vacation, 401(k), medical, dental, and vision.

What Terex employees say

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Terex logo

About Terex

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Terex Corporation, based in Norwalk, CT, US, operates in the global equipment manufacturing industry, specializing in lifting and material handling solutions. Their vast product lineup includes diverse equipment ranging from aerial work platforms, cranes, and material handlers to crushers, conveyors, and more. The business was founded in 1933 as Euclid Company and rebranded as Terex in 1970. Its goal is to provide solutions that drive value for customers and investors through a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and corporate responsibility.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Norwalk, CT, US

Year founded

1933

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