Top 10 Mechanical and Related Engineer Jobs in Mississippi (+ 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.

Considering a career where innovation meets impact? Mechanical and related engineering roles in Mississippi offer exciting opportunities with significant earning potential. With mean salaries for specialized positions reaching over $126,000, you can find a rewarding path in a state embracing technological advancement across diverse industries.

Discover High-Paying Engineering Careers in Mississippi

1. Optical / Laser Engineer

Optical or Laser Engineers research and develop technology using the science of light (optics). This includes fiber optic cables for high-speed internet and lasers used for precise incisions and measurements. You’ll often collaborate 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 & Growth: Demand is currently Low with 0 active postings, but the field is projected to grow by 2.1%.
Skills that boost pay: Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Laser Diode.

2. Aerospace Engineer

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

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $90,474, the median is $119,000, and top professionals can earn up to $160,876. The mean salary is $121,996.
Demand & Growth: Demand is Low with 33 active postings, with a projected growth of 3.3%.
Top Skills: Operations, Planning, Leadership, Communication, Innovation.
Certifications that boost pay: Valid Driver’s License (24%), Security Clearance (15%), Secret Clearance (9%).
Top Employers in Mississippi: GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Noblis, Relativity Space, Eaton Corporation.
Career Advancement Paths: Aerospace Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $43,635), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678).

3. Thermal Engineer

A Thermal Engineer specializes in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfers and energy conversion within various systems.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions offer about $85,704, with a median salary of $118,728, and top earners can reach $159,163. The mean salary is $120,360.
Demand & Growth: Demand is Low with 8 active postings, and the field is projected to grow by 4.1%.
Top Skills: Operations, Research, Communication, Innovation, Program Management.
Skills that boost pay: Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), Simcenter Amesim.
Top Employers in Mississippi: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sierra Lobo, Hyve Solutions, Randstad.

4. Mechanical Systems Engineer

As a Mechanical Systems Engineer, you evaluate and optimize the complex systems used in mechanical engineering, ensuring efficiency and performance.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $85,232, the median is $111,690, and top professionals can earn up to $153,609. The mean salary is $116,791.
Demand & Growth: Demand is Low with 7 active postings, with a projected growth of 4.2%.
Top Skills: Operations, Self-Discipline, Positivity, Cleanliness, Leadership.
Skills that boost pay: Mechanical Design.
Certifications that boost pay: Valid Driver’s License (29%).
Top Employers in Mississippi: Rocket Lab USA, Sierra Lobo, American Honda Motor Company, R&P Technologies.
Career Advancement Paths: Mechanical Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$45,415), Product Design Engineer (+$13,354).

5. Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, maintains, and develops new applications for robots, while also conducting research to expand the potential of robotics. This role combines electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, often utilizing 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 & Growth: Demand is Low with 7 active postings, with a projected growth of 2.1%.
Top Skills: Teaching, Communication, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Organizational Skills, Strong Work Ethic.
Skills that boost pay: Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Motion Planning.
Certifications that boost pay: Valid Driver’s License (14%).
Top Employers in Mississippi: Robert Half, Howard Industries, Eliassen Group, Madison County Schools, Vicksburg Community Schools.
Career Advancement Paths: Robotics Software Engineer (potentially earning an additional $39,881), Computer Vision Engineer (+$54,523), Software Systems Engineer (+$36,683).

6. Marine Engineer / Architect

As a Marine Engineer or Architect, you design, construct, test, and maintain ships and other water-going vessels. You might specialize in marine engineering, focusing on mechanical propulsion systems, or in naval architecture, concentrating on a ship’s basic structure and design. Specialization in specific vessel types or design processes is also common.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are about $64,423, the median is $116,433, and top professionals can earn up to $148,499. The mean salary is $109,653.
Demand & Growth: Demand is Medium with 50 active postings, with a projected growth of 2.8%.
Top Skills: Operations, Microsoft Office, Planning, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Communication.
Certifications that boost pay: Secret Clearance (50%), Security Clearance (32%), Valid Driver’s License (22%).
Top Employers in Mississippi: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Serco, R&P Technologies, Three Saints Bay, Els Agency.
Career Advancement Paths: Design Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $44,608), Engineering Project Manager (+$14,180), Director of Construction (+$40,983).

7. Validation Engineer

A Validation Engineer evaluates and maintains machinery and equipment used in manufacturing processes, and supervises the workers who operate and repair these machines.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $81,020, with a median salary of $99,941, and top earners reaching $137,870. The mean salary is $106,159.
Demand & Growth: Demand is Low with 31 active postings, with a projected growth of 3.5%.
Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Mathematics, Operations.
Skills that boost pay: Commissioning Qualification Validation (CQV), Computer System Validation, Validation Master Plan.
Certifications that boost pay: Security Clearance (39%), Certified Quality Engineer (10%), Secret Clearance (6%).
Top Employers in Mississippi: Intellectt, Raytheon Technologies, Arinc International Of Canada Ulc, Baxter International, Ford.
Career Advancement Paths: Director of Quality Assurance (potentially earning an additional $41,051), Director of Manufacturing (+$58,064), Research and Development Manager (+$26,367).

8. Fuel Cell Engineer

As a Fuel Cell Engineer, you design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for various applications, including transportation, stationary power, or portable devices.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are about $59,824, the median is $102,659, and top professionals can earn up to $148,317. The mean salary is $105,339.
Demand & Growth: Demand is Low with 1 active posting, with a projected growth of 4.2%.
Top Skills: Motivational Skills, Management, Communication, Leadership, Innovation.

9. Manufacturing Test Engineer

A Manufacturing Test Engineer supports efficient manufacturing by developing and executing procedures to test machinery efficiency. You’ll analyze production test data, suggest corrective actions for deficiencies, set up maintenance schedules, and propose upgrades to enhance overall efficiency.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $70,772, with a median salary of $100,039, and top earners reaching $144,364. The mean salary is $104,860.
Demand & Growth: Demand is Low with 17 active postings, with a projected growth of 3.5%.
Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Leadership, Communication, Management, Mathematics.
Skills that boost pay: Test Engineering, Test Equipment.
Certifications that boost pay: Security Clearance (24%), Secret Clearance (6%), Top Secret Clearance (6%).
Top Employers in Mississippi: Hyve Solutions, Raytheon Technologies, Ford, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics.
Career Advancement Paths: Software Systems Engineer (potentially earning an additional $34,495), Systems Engineer (+$27,611).

10. Lean Manufacturing Engineer

A Lean Manufacturing Engineer develops and implements LEAN methodologies within a manufacturing environment. You’ll optimize machining processes for product quality, efficiency, and repeatability at the lowest cost, leading continuous improvement efforts by reducing tooling costs, improving material flow, and setting cycle times.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are about $78,846, the median is $91,917, and top professionals can earn up to $140,912. The mean salary is $100,227.
Demand & Growth: Demand is Low with 31 active postings, with a projected growth of 3.5%.
Top Skills: Management, Operations, Teaching, Problem Solving, Coaching.
Skills that boost pay: Six Sigma Methodology, Lean Six Sigma.
Certifications that boost pay: Six Sigma Green Belt (16%), Six Sigma Black Belt (13%), Secret Clearance (3%).
Top Employers in Mississippi: Fpc Of Savannah, Movement Search & Delivery, CyberCoders, Batesville Services, Modine Manufacturing.
Career Advancement Paths: Lean Manufacturing Manager (potentially earning an additional $13,397), Manufacturing Manager (+$17,882), Manufacturing Engineering Manager (+$27,920).

Ready to explore these exciting engineering careers in Mississippi? Create a free profile on Tallo to connect with colleges, scholarships, and companies looking for talent just like you!

Create a free profile on Tallo.com