Top 10 Mechanical & Related Engineering Jobs in Florida (+ Salaries)

Unless otherwise noted, all labor market data in this article is sourced from Lightcast/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, current as of April 2026.

Florida’s engineering landscape offers exciting opportunities for those interested in mechanical and related fields. With mean salaries for these specialized roles ranging from approximately $103,242 to $120,249 annually, and a consistent growth rate across many positions, the Sunshine State is a prime location to build a rewarding engineering career. From aerospace to manufacturing, you’ll find diverse challenges and a strong demand for skilled professionals.

Top 10 Mechanical and Related Engineering Jobs in Florida

1. Thermal Engineer

Thermal Engineers specialize in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfer and energy conversion. You’ll work on critical systems where temperature control and energy efficiency are paramount.

Salary: $90,463 (entry) – $118,728 (median) – $146,198 (top) with a mean of $120,249 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 130 active job postings.
Top Skills: Operations, Communication, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Leadership, and Problem Solving are key. Skills like Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), and Simcenter Amesim can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications: Secret Clearance (18%), Security Clearance (7%), and a Professional Engineer (PE) License (5%) are highly valued.
Top Employers in Florida: Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, L3Harris Technologies, Dewberry Engineers.

2. Mechanical Systems Engineer

A Mechanical Systems Engineer evaluates and optimizes the systems used in mechanical engineering. You’ll ensure mechanical processes and designs are efficient, reliable, and meet performance standards.

Salary: $93,320 (entry) – $113,438 (median) – $148,744 (top) with a mean of $118,746 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 120 active job postings.
Top Skills: Operations, Communication, Management, Coordinating, and Planning are essential. Mechanical Design skills can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications: Secret Clearance (21%), Security Clearance (21%), and Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (8%) are frequently sought.
Top Employers in Florida: Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, Siemens Energy, MITRE Corporation, Lockheed Martin.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$45,415), or Product Design Engineer (+$13,354).

3. Aerospace Engineer

As an Aerospace Engineer, you’ll design aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, applying your knowledge of engineering and physics to test prototypes. You might specialize in aeronautical design (airplanes, helicopters) or astronautical design (space vehicles), or focus on areas like aerodynamic flow or navigation.

Salary: $82,918 (entry) – $118,318 (median) – $154,916 (top) with a mean of $118,552 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Medium with approximately 660 active job postings.
Top Skills: Communication, Leadership, Operations, Mathematics, and Management are critical.
Certifications: Secret Clearance (23%), Security Clearance (15%), and DO-178B/C (Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification) (5%) are beneficial.
Top Employers in Florida: Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell International.
Career Advancement: Potential paths include Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$43,635), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), or Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678).

4. Lean Manufacturing Engineer

A Lean Manufacturing Engineer develops and implements LEAN methodologies to optimize manufacturing processes. Your goal is to improve product quality, efficiency, and repeatability while reducing costs, material flow, and cycle times.

Salary: $80,175 (entry) – $110,338 (median) – $144,070 (top) with a mean of $114,867 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 66 active job postings.
Top Skills: Problem Solving, Communication, Operations, Leadership, and Management are key. Expertise in Six Sigma Methodology and Lean Six Sigma can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt (21%), Six Sigma Certification (14%), and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (8%) are highly sought after.
Top Employers in Florida: Black & Veatch, GE Aerospace, Trane Technologies, Siemens Energy, Catalent.
Career Advancement: You could become a Lean Manufacturing Manager (+$13,397), Manufacturing Manager (+$17,882), or Manufacturing Engineering Manager (+$27,920).

5. Optical / Laser Engineer

As an Optical or Laser Engineer, you’ll research and develop technology based on the science of light. This could involve fiber optic cables for high-speed internet or lasers used for precise incisions and measurements, often collaborating with scientists and engineers from other disciplines.

Salary: $92,645 (entry) – $110,069 (median) – $135,447 (top) with a mean of $113,329 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 97 active job postings.
Top Skills: Communication, Mathematics, Management, Reliability, and Verbal Communication Skills are crucial. Skills in Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, and Laser Diode can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications: Security Clearance (46%), Secret Clearance (28%), and Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (7%) are frequently required.
Top Employers in Florida: Lockheed Martin, V2X Limited, L3Harris Technologies, University of Miami, Star Catcher.

6. Reliability Engineer

A Reliability Engineer evaluates and analyzes the reliability of manufacturing and production equipment and processes. Your work will involve identifying proactive maintenance requirements, implementing process improvements, and maximizing performance to prevent failures.

Salary: $88,633 (entry) – $111,760 (median) – $136,968 (top) with a mean of $111,956 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 238 active job postings.
Top Skills: Reliability, Management, Operations, Communication, and Problem Solving are essential. Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, and Thermography skills can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) License (7%), Certified Reliability Engineer (5%), and a Valid Driver’s License (5%) are beneficial.
Top Employers in Florida: NextEra Energy, Mosaic, Georgia-Pacific, Trillium Staffing, L3Harris Technologies.
Career Advancement: You could become a Director of Manufacturing (+$52,258), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), or Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245).

7. Mechanical Testing Engineer

As a Mechanical Testing Engineer, you’ll design and execute verification methods, create test reports, and assist with troubleshooting for various mechanical engineering projects. Your role is critical in ensuring product and system performance.

Salary: $75,060 (entry) – $102,642 (median) – $150,344 (top) with a mean of $107,516 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 334 active job postings.
Top Skills: Communication, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Operations, Planning, and Coordinating are vital. Test Engineering skills can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications: Security Clearance (32%), Secret Clearance (25%), and Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (9%) are often required.
Top Employers in Florida: Blue Origin, L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Actalent, Raytheon Technologies.
Career Advancement: Potential paths include Hardware Quality Assurance / Test Engineer (+$20,490), Research & Development Engineer (+$14,685), or Mechanical Product Design Engineer (+$12,622).

8. Fuel Cell Engineer

A Fuel Cell Engineer designs, evaluates, modifies, or constructs fuel cell components and systems. Your work will contribute to applications in transportation, stationary power, or portable devices, advancing clean energy solutions.

Salary: $59,824 (entry) – $102,659 (median) – $148,317 (top) with a mean of $105,339 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 6 active job postings.
Top Skills: Management, Communication, Operations, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), and Calculators are important.
Top Employers in Florida: Generator Source, Insight Global, UBS.

9. Manufacturing Automation Engineer

As a Manufacturing Automation Engineer, you’ll design, program, and improve automated machinery and processes within manufacturing environments. You’ll be responsible for design specifications, documentation, and troubleshooting equipment, often working with robotics in industries like vehicle manufacturing or food processing.

Salary: $71,805 (entry) – $101,470 (median) – $127,897 (top) with a mean of $103,464 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 92 active job postings.
Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Operations, Communication, Management, and Innovation are key. Industrial Automation, Automation Systems, and Robotics skills can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications: A Valid Driver’s License (2%), Security Clearance (2%), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) (2%) are occasionally seen.
Top Employers in Florida: Kelly Services, Jabil, Honeywell International, Danfoss, Saint-Gobain.
Career Advancement: You could advance to an Automation Engineer (+$17,238) or Director of Manufacturing (+$64,374).

10. Automotive Engineer

An Automotive Engineer creates and improves mechanisms for automotive components. Your expertise will be crucial in developing new vehicle technologies, enhancing performance, and ensuring safety standards are met.

Salary: $63,960 (entry) – $102,640 (median) – $150,417 (top) with a mean of $103,242 annually.
Demand: Demand for this role in Florida is Low with approximately 285 active job postings.
Top Skills: Communication, Operations, Management, Planning, and Problem Solving are essential. Engineering Design Process and Mechanical Engineering skills can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications: A Valid Driver’s License (21%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (11%), and Engineer in Training (6%) are valuable.
Top Employers in Florida: Blue Origin, McKim & Creed, GE Aerospace, AVI-SPL, Honeywell International.
Career Advancement: Possible career paths include Design Engineering Manager (+$32,023), Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$17,281), or Electrical Engineering Manager (+$22,834).

Ready to explore a career in mechanical or related engineering in Florida? Your journey begins with understanding the roles, skills, and opportunities available. Create a free profile on Tallo.com to connect with colleges and companies, showcase your talents, and find your perfect career path.