Top 10 Mechanical and Related Engineering Jobs in Montana (+ 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.

Montana offers exciting opportunities for those pursuing careers in mechanical and related engineering fields. With median salaries for these specialized roles often exceeding $109,000, you can find financially rewarding positions across various industries, from aerospace to robotics. If you’re looking to apply your engineering skills in a state known for innovation and natural beauty, Montana has roles worth exploring.

1. Optical / Laser Engineer

An Optical or Laser Engineer researches and develops technology that uses the science of light (optics). This includes designing fiber optic cables for high-speed internet and lasers for precision applications like incisions and measurements. You’ll collaborate with scientists and engineers from other fields on technological advancements.

Salary Range: You can expect an entry-level salary around \$86,215, a median salary of \$119,470, and top earners reaching \$175,434.
Demand: Demand is currently low, with 3 active postings.
Top Skills: Planning, Budgeting, Management, Innovation, Memos.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Laser Diode.
Top Employers in Montana: Teledyne Flir.
Career Advancement: This role itself is highly specialized, offering deep expertise in a cutting-edge field.

2. Aerospace Engineer

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

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around \$90,474, with a median salary of \$119,000, and top professionals earning up to \$160,876.
Demand: Demand is low, with 14 active postings.
Top Skills: Innovation, Operations, Communication, Leadership, Program Management.
Certifications that Boost Pay: DO-178B/C (Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification) (14%), Valid Driver’s License (14%), Certified Quality Engineer (7%).
Top Employers in Montana: GE Aerospace, Noblis, Ford, Dowl, S&K Electronics.
Career Advancement: You could advance to an Aerospace Engineering Manager (potentially adding \$43,635 to your salary), Systems Architect (General) (adding \$25,527), or Software Systems Engineer (adding \$33,678).

3. Thermal Engineer

A Thermal Engineer specializes in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfers and energy conversion. Your expertise will be crucial in designing systems that manage heat efficiently across various applications.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around \$85,704, with a median of \$118,728, and top earners reaching \$159,163.
Demand: Demand is low, with 4 active postings.
Top Skills: Research, Communication, Innovation, Operations, Program Management.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), Simcenter Amesim.
Top Employers in Montana: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Career Advancement: Expertise in this field can lead to senior engineering roles or specialization in specific thermal management technologies.

4. Mechanical Systems Engineer

As a Mechanical Systems Engineer, you’ll evaluate and optimize the complex systems used in mechanical engineering. Your work ensures efficiency and peak performance of mechanical components and integrated systems.

Salary Range: Expect an entry-level salary of around \$85,232, a median of \$111,690, and top salaries up to \$153,609.
Demand: Demand is currently low, with 0 active postings, but skills are highly transferable.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Mechanical Design.
Top Employers in Montana: (Data not available for specific employers, but roles often exist within manufacturing, aerospace, and energy sectors).
Career Advancement: Potential paths include Mechanical Engineering Manager (adding \$18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (adding \$45,415), or Product Design Engineer (adding \$13,354).

5. Reliability Engineer

A Reliability Engineer evaluates and analyzes the reliability of manufacturing equipment and processes. Your goal is to identify proactive maintenance needs and process improvements to maximize performance and prevent failures.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are about \$85,004, with a median of \$109,998, and top professionals earning up to \$150,744.
Demand: Demand is low, with 12 active postings.
Top Skills: Reliability, Management, Operations, Investigation, Microsoft Excel.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, Thermography.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Certified Reliability Engineer (17%), Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card (17%).
Top Employers in Montana: Calumet, Merck & Co., Calumet Gp, Phillips 66, CHS.
Career Advancement: You could become a Director of Manufacturing (potentially adding \$52,258), Technical Manager / Director (adding \$15,592), or Director of Quality Assurance (adding \$35,245).

6. Robotics Engineer

As a Robotics Engineer, you’ll design, maintain, and develop new applications for robots, conducting research to expand their potential. This role combines electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, often utilizing languages like C++ and Python.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries begin around \$73,486, the median is \$103,484, and top earners can reach \$155,589.
Demand: Demand is low, with 4 active postings.
Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Energetic, Mathematics, Planning, Research.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Motion Planning.
Top Employers in Montana: Eliassen Group, Jobot.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Robotics Software Engineer (adding \$39,881), Computer Vision Engineer (adding \$54,523), or Software Systems Engineer (adding \$36,683).

7. Research & Development Engineer

A Research & Development Engineer innovates new methods or improves existing ones within engineering and manufacturing. You’ll be at the forefront of creating solutions and enhancing product capabilities.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around \$75,851, the median is \$102,291, and top professionals can earn up to \$157,205.
Demand: Demand is low, with 13 active postings.
Top Skills: Ideation, Innovation, Teamwork, Information Gathering, Knowledge Transfer.
Salary-Boosting Skills: R (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language).
Top Employers in Montana: Zimmer Biomet, General Motors, Express Employment Professionals, Montana State University, American Chemet Corporation.
Career Advancement: Potential paths include Optical / Laser Engineer (adding \$19,027), Research and Development Manager (adding \$16,954), or Hardware Engineer (General) (adding \$17,115).

8. Marine Engineer / Architect

As a Marine Engineer or Architect, you’ll design, construct, test, and maintain ships and other water-going vessels. You might specialize in marine engineering, focusing on mechanical propulsion systems, or naval architecture, concentrating on a ship’s structure and design.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries start around \$74,279, with a median of \$107,672, and top earners reaching \$144,049.
Demand: Demand is low, with 1 active posting.
Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving).
Certifications that Boost Pay: Secret Clearance (100%), Security Clearance (100%).
Top Employers in Montana: Noblis.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Design Engineering Manager (adding \$44,608), Engineering Project Manager (adding \$14,180), or Director of Construction (adding \$40,983).

9. Mechanical Design Engineer

A Mechanical Design Engineer designs and develops mechanical tools and components as a crucial part of the product development cycle. Your creativity and technical skills will bring new products to life.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions typically start around \$78,867, with a median salary of \$100,510, and top engineers earning up to \$150,818.
Demand: Demand is low, with 25 active postings.
Top Skills: Communication, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Innovation, Microsoft Excel, Problem Solving.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Mechanical Design, Machinery Design, Static Timing Analysis.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (12%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (8%).
Top Employers in Montana: LC Staffing, Klj, Griffin Global Systems, Arm Group, Cta Agency.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Mechanical Engineering Manager (adding \$17,479).

10. Automotive Engineer

As an Automotive Engineer, you’ll create and improve mechanisms for automotive components. Your work directly contributes to the safety, efficiency, and performance of vehicles.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around \$75,202, the median is \$101,256, and top professionals can earn up to \$151,749.
Demand: Demand is low, with 12 active postings.
Top Skills: Communication, Research, Microsoft Office, Writing, Report Writing.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Engineering Design Process, Mechanical Engineering.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Engineer in Training (17%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (17%), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification (8%).
Top Employers in Montana: Ford, Cta Agency, Lumen Technologies, Diversified Agency, Ryder.
Career Advancement: Possible paths include Design Engineering Manager (adding \$32,023), Mechanical Engineering Manager (adding \$17,281), or Electrical Engineering Manager (adding \$22,834).

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