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Solid Mechanics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Mechanical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$117K - $142K/yr

Strong command of engineering first principles across thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and solid mechanics; proven ability to simplify requirements and cut complexity * Experience with Siemens NX or ...

Kratos engineers and deploys technology and systems that move national security forward, with the ... Proficiency in principles of solid mechanics, hydraulics, and materials * Must possess a working ...

Engineer 1-4 - Rock Mechanics Location: Stillwater Mine - Nye, MT Schedule: 5x4, 4x5 - 11.5-hour ... Solid understanding of the fundamentals of geotechnical or geological engineering. * Strong ...

Minimum Qualifications Strong knowledge of solid mechanics. Experience in implicit and explicit ... S. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Structural Engineering, or similar discipline ...

Overview The Solid Mechanics department of Electric Boat is recognized among the Navy Community for ... Engineers in Solid Mechanics apply their knowledge of engineering mechanics, state-of-the-art ...

... solid mechanics, beam statics, Newtonian physics, and thermodynamics. Experience leading mechanical design & validation. 3D/2D software experience: 3D modeling (Pro/E, NX, CATIA, or Solidworks)

Overview The Solid Mechanics department of Electric Boat is recognized among the Navy Community for ... Engineers in Solid Mechanics apply their knowledge of engineering mechanics, state-of-the-art ...

Engineer 1-4 - Rock Mechanics Location: Stillwater Mine - Nye, MT Schedule: 5x4, 4x5 - 11.5-hour ... Solid understanding of the fundamentals of geotechnical or geological engineering. * Strong ...

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Solid Mechanics Engineer information

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$35K

$79.8K

$115.5K

How much do solid mechanics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for solid mechanics engineer in the United States is $79,812.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Solid Mechanics Engineers in cross-disciplinary projects?

Solid Mechanics Engineers often collaborate with professionals from fields like materials science, manufacturing, and design. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex mechanical concepts to team members with different technical backgrounds. Additionally, integrating solid mechanics solutions with broader system requirements can require balancing theoretical analysis with practical constraints such as manufacturability and cost. Success in these projects relies on strong teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to translate analytical results into actionable engineering decisions.

What does a Solid Mechanics Engineer do?

A Solid Mechanics Engineer specializes in analyzing and designing structures and materials to ensure they can withstand forces, pressures, and other physical impacts. They use principles of physics and materials science to solve problems related to stress, strain, and deformation in solid objects. Their work is crucial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, and manufacturing, where safety and durability are paramount. Solid Mechanics Engineers often use computer simulations and modeling software to predict how materials and structures will behave under various conditions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project management or innovation.

What is solid mechanics in engineering?

Solid mechanics is a branch of engineering that studies how solid materials deform and fail under various forces and loads. Solid mechanics engineers analyze stress, strain, and material properties to design and evaluate structures, often using tools like finite element analysis. This knowledge is essential for ensuring the safety and durability of mechanical components and structures.

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

To thrive as a Solid Mechanics Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and applied mathematics, usually backed by a relevant degree. Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS or Abaqus, and familiarity with CAD tools are typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards and certifications like PE licensure. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and translating complex data into actionable solutions. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing safe, reliable structures and components while meeting project specifications and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often with experience, advanced skills, and bonuses. Executive-level engineering positions or those in high-demand industries may also reach this compensation level.

What is the difference between Solid Mechanics Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectSolid Mechanics EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering; knowledge of mechanics and materialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or Chemical Engineering; focus on material properties
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation software, testing facilitiesMaterial testing labs, research facilities, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, civil engineering firmsManufacturing, aerospace, electronics industries

Solid Mechanics Engineers focus on analyzing and designing structures and components to withstand forces, emphasizing mechanics principles. Materials Engineers specialize in developing and testing materials to improve performance and durability. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within engineering projects.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Solid mechanics engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in areas like finite element analysis or project management can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost-of-living regions or senior roles. However, typical salaries for most mechanical engineers range from $70,000 to $120,000, with higher earnings often associated with leadership positions or working in certain industries such as aerospace or energy.
More about Solid Mechanics Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Solid Mechanics Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,812 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Amca

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$117K - $142K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview:

You will be a senior technical contributor on Amca's mechanical engineering team, owning the design, build, or test of flight hardware within a defined mechanical discipline - such as fluid systems, mechanisms, structural assemblies, cockpit avionics hardware, or power electronics packaging. You will work closely with the Mechanical Engineering Manager and cross-functional teams to take hardware from concept through qualification and into production. This is a deeply hands-on role for an engineer who thrives on hard technical problems, takes full ownership of their work, and is ready to grow into broader leadership over time.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the technical lead for a defined mechanical discipline, owning design decisions and outcomes end-to-end
  • Building out your own team of mechanical engineers, having extreme ownership over team progression 
  • Execute and oversee detailed design work including drawings, GD&T, FEA, component specifications, and risk assessments
  • Drive hardware from bench prototype through qualification and production handoff, leveraging Amca's in-house R&D lab and protoshop
  • Lead or support qualification campaigns including functional, environmental, pneumatic, hydraulic, and structural testing per MIL-STD and applicable aerospace standards
  • Spearhead root cause investigations in development, production, and test; own corrective actions through resolution
  • Ensure designs are optimized from day one for reliability, manufacturability, and cost
  • Provide technical mentorship and informal guidance to less experienced engineers on the team
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and build engineering to deliver integrated hardware systems
  • Participate in design reviews and contribute to raising the technical bar across the mechanical engineering function
  • Support customer-facing engagements and program reviews as a subject matter expert in your discipline

Qualifications:

  • Substantial experience in mechanical engineering for aerospace or defense hardware, with a strong track record taking products from concept through flight qualification and into production
  • Deep technical expertise in at least one mechanical discipline - such as fluid systems (pneumatic or hydraulic), mechanisms, structural design, cockpit avionics packaging, or power electronics enclosures - with working fluency across adjacent areas
  • Hands-on and lab-comfortable; expected to be in the protoshop and on the bench, not just at a CAD station
  • Strong command of engineering first principles across thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and solid mechanics; proven ability to simplify requirements and cut complexity
  • Experience with Siemens NX or equivalent CAD package; familiarity with FEA tools and test instrumentation
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, DO-160, and other aerospace qualification frameworks
  • Independent, direct, and action-oriented; takes full ownership and thrives with minimal oversight
  • Nascent leadership instincts - comfortable informally guiding peers and ready to grow into broader responsibility over time