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

Published Apr 23, 2026 Updated May 6, 2026 9 min read

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.

Mechanical and related engineering roles in Hawaii offer strong career potential, with many median salaries exceeding $100,000. For example, a General Mechanical Engineer in Hawaii earns a median salary of $120,002, with 125 active job postings, indicating consistent opportunities across the islands. Whether you’re interested in aerospace, marine systems, or cutting-edge robotics, Hawaii’s engineering sector provides diverse paths for innovation and growth.

Here are 10 top mechanical and related engineering jobs you can pursue in Hawaii, complete with salary insights, demand levels, essential skills, and potential career advancements.

1. Optical / Laser Engineer

An Optical or Laser Engineer researches and develops technology that uses the science of light (optics). This can include fiber optic cables for high-speed internet or lasers used for precise incisions and measurements. You would work closely with scientists and engineers from other fields on technological advancements.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $86,215, with a median salary of $119,470, and top earners reaching $175,434. The mean salary is $126,811.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 3 active postings and a projected growth of 1.0%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, and Laser Diode expertise.
Certifications that Boost Pay: A Secret Clearance can boost your pay, held by 33% of professionals in this role.
Top Employers in Hawaii: KBR.
Career Advancement Paths: Career advancement paths were not specified in the provided data for this role.

2. Aerospace Engineer

As an Aerospace Engineer, you design aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft using principles of engineering and physics. You’ll also test prototypes to ensure they meet design specifications. You might specialize in aeronautical design (airplanes, helicopters) or astronautical design (space vehicles), focusing on areas like aerodynamic flow or navigation.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $90,474, the median is $119,000, and top professionals earn up to $160,876. The mean salary is $121,996.
Demand & Postings: Demand is medium, with 45 active postings and a projected growth of 3.3%.
Top Skills: Essential skills include Problem Solving, Coordinating, Consulting, Operations, and Verbal Communication Skills.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Relevant certifications include Engineer in Training (11%), Public Trust Clearance (7%), and a Valid Driver’s License (7%).
Top Employers in Hawaii: Burns & McDonnell, GE Aerospace, KBR, Amentum, Noblis.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance to an Aerospace Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $43,635), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), or Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678).

3. Thermal Engineer

A Thermal Engineer specializes in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfers and energy conversion. You’ll apply your expertise to various systems and designs that involve managing heat.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $85,704, with a median salary of $118,728, and top earners reaching $159,163. The mean salary is $120,360.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 2 active postings and a projected growth of 1.9%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Research, Communication, Innovation, Operations, and Program Management. Salary-boosting skills include Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), and Simcenter Amesim.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Certifications were not specified in the provided data for this role.
Top Employers in Hawaii: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Career Advancement Paths: Career advancement paths were not specified in the provided data for this role.

4. Mechanical Engineer (General)

As a General Mechanical Engineer, you research, design, develop, construct, and test a wide range of mechanical devices, from power generators to household appliances and surgical equipment. You might specialize in a particular type of machine or tool, developing new devices or improving existing ones for greater efficiency.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $87,751, the median is $120,002, and top professionals earn up to $136,428. The mean salary is $116,792.
Demand & Postings: Demand is medium, with 125 active postings and a projected growth of 1.9%.
Top Skills: Essential skills include Operations, Communication, Coordinating, Management, and Planning. Salary-boosting skills include Ansys Simulation Software and Finite Element Methods.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Valuable certifications include a Valid Driver’s License (26%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (19%), and Engineer in Training (17%).
Top Employers in Hawaii: WSP Global, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Stantec, Aura Corporation Limited, City County Honolulu.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance to a Mechanical Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $29,222), Mechanical Design Engineer (+$11,743), or Automotive Engineer (+$11,941).

5. Mechanical Systems Engineer

A Mechanical Systems Engineer evaluates and optimizes the various systems used within mechanical engineering. Your work ensures that mechanical processes and components function efficiently and effectively.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $85,232, with a median salary of $111,690, and top earners reaching $153,609. The mean salary is $116,791.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 7 active postings and a projected growth of 1.9%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Research, Operations, Writing, Self-Motivation, and Management. Mechanical Design is a salary-boosting skill.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Relevant certifications include Secret Clearance (29%), Security Clearance (29%), and Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (29%).
Top Employers in Hawaii: MITRE Corporation, KBR, Booz Allen Hamilton, United States Navy, Chugach Alaska Corporation.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance to a Mechanical Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$45,415), or Product Design Engineer (+$13,354).

6. Reliability Engineer

As a Reliability Engineer, you evaluate and analyze the reliability of manufacturing and production equipment and processes. Your goal is to identify proactive maintenance requirements and process improvements, working to maximize reliable performance and prevent equipment or process failures.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $85,004, the median is $109,998, and top professionals earn up to $150,744. The mean salary is $114,755.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 9 active postings and a projected growth of 3.4%.
Top Skills: Essential skills include Operations, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Management, Reliability, and Lifting Ability. Salary-boosting skills include Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, and Thermography.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Valuable certifications include Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate (44%), Public Trust Clearance (33%), and a Valid Driver’s License (33%).
Top Employers in Hawaii: Amentum, Merck & Co., Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, PepsiCo.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance to a Director of Manufacturing (potentially earning an additional $52,258), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), or Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245).

7. Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs robots, maintains them, develops new applications, and conducts research to expand the potential of robotics. This role combines electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, often utilizing coding languages like C++ and Python.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $73,486, with a median salary of $103,484, and top earners reaching $155,589. The mean salary is $110,096.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 3 active postings and a projected growth of 1.0%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Planning, Communication, Critical Thinking, Leadership, and Interpersonal Communications. Salary-boosting skills include Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, and Motion Planning.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Certifications were not specified in the provided data for this role.
Top Employers in Hawaii: Eliassen Group, Cornell University, Assets School.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance to a Robotics Software Engineer (potentially earning an additional $39,881), Computer Vision Engineer (+$54,523), or Software Systems Engineer (+$36,683).

8. Research & Development Engineer

As a Research & Development Engineer, you research and invent new methods or improve existing ones within the fields of engineering and manufacturing. Your work drives innovation and progress.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $75,851, the median is $102,291, and top professionals earn up to $157,205. The mean salary is $109,665.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 11 active postings and a projected growth of 1.9%.
Top Skills: Essential skills include Innovation, Mathematics, Self-Starter, Energetic, and Supervision. Salary-boosting skills include R (Programming Language) and Python (Programming Language).
Certifications that Boost Pay: Certifications were not specified in the provided data for this role.
Top Employers in Hawaii: Oceanit Laboratories, General Motors, Zimmer Biomet.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance to an Optical / Laser Engineer (potentially earning an additional $19,027), Research and Development Manager (+$16,954), or Hardware Engineer (General) (+$17,115).

9. Marine Engineer / Architect

A Marine Engineer or Architect designs, constructs, tests, and maintains ships and other water-going vessels. You might specialize in marine engineering, focusing on mechanical propulsion systems, or in marine/naval architecture, concentrating on the basic structure and design of a ship. You could also specialize in a particular type of vessel or a specific system involved in ship design.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $74,279, with a median salary of $107,672, and top earners reaching $144,049. The mean salary is $109,471.
Demand & Postings: Demand is medium, with 42 active postings and a projected growth of 0.3%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Communication, Planning, Leadership, Operations, and Problem Solving.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Relevant certifications include Secret Clearance (29%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (21%), and a Valid Driver’s License (14%).
Top Employers in Hawaii: Adecco, Moffatt & Nichol, Strategic Technology Institute, Flatiron Construction, Systems Planning And Analysis.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance to a Design Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $44,608), Engineering Project Manager (+$14,180), or Director of Construction (+$40,983).

10. Mechanical Design Engineer

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you are responsible for designing and developing mechanical tools and components as a crucial part of the product development cycle.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $78,867, the median is $100,510, and top professionals earn up to $150,818. The mean salary is $108,463.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 7 active postings and a projected growth of 1.9%.
Top Skills: Essential skills include Leadership, Resilience, Communication, Coordinating, and Reliability. Salary-boosting skills include Mechanical Design, Machinery Design, and Static Timing Analysis.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Valuable certifications include LEED Accredited Professional (AP) (14%) and Professional Engineer (PE) License (14%).
Top Employers in Hawaii: Interface Corporation Limited, GE Aerospace, Ford, Energi People, Jobot.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance to a Mechanical Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $17,479).

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