Top 10 Mechanical and Related Engineer Jobs in Oregon (+ Salaries)

Published Apr 28, 2026 Updated May 1, 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.

Oregon’s engineering landscape offers robust opportunities for those interested in mechanical and related fields. With median salaries for these roles often exceeding $110,000, and hundreds of active job postings across the state, pursuing a career in mechanical engineering in Oregon can lead to a rewarding and high-paying future.

1. Research & Development Engineer

A Research & Development Engineer researches and invents new methods or improves existing ones within engineering and manufacturing. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of products and processes.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $84,709, with a median salary of $140,063, and top earners reaching $183,970.
Demand & Postings: This role has medium demand with 130 active postings in Oregon, and a projected growth of 2.4%.
Top Skills: Innovation, Communication, Problem Solving, Research, and Detail Oriented skills are highly valued. Boosting your pay can also come from skills in R (Programming Language) and Python (Programming Language).
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider Six Sigma Certification (1%), Forklift Certification (1%), or Six Sigma Green Belt (1%).
Top Employers in Oregon: Synopsys, TE Connectivity, Industrial Electric Mfg, Lonza, and Thermo Fisher Scientific are key employers.
Career Advancement Paths: You could advance to an Optical / Laser Engineer (potentially earning an additional $19,027), Research and Development Manager (+$16,954), or Hardware Engineer (General) (+$17,115).

2. Validation Engineer

As a Validation Engineer, you evaluate and maintain machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, and supervise workers who operate and repair these machines. Your work ensures quality and efficiency in production.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries begin at $87,261, with a median of $123,091, and top earners reaching $209,442.
Demand & Postings: Demand for Validation Engineers is medium, with 111 active postings and a growth rate of 2.7%.
Top Skills: Problem Solving, Operations, Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, and Innovation are crucial. Specialized skills like Commissioning Qualification Validation (CQV), Computer System Validation, and Validation Master Plan can significantly boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Certifications like Certified Fraud Examiner (6%) and Certified Quality Engineer (2%) can enhance your profile.
Top Employers in Oregon: Apple, Genentech, Intel, Harvest Technical Services, and Spectraforce Technologies are prominent employers.
Career Advancement Paths: Potential paths include Director of Quality Assurance (potentially earning an additional $41,051), Director of Manufacturing (+$58,064), or Research and Development Manager (+$26,367).

3. Mechanical Design Engineer

A Mechanical Design Engineer designs and develops mechanical tools as part of the product development cycle. You’ll bring concepts to life through detailed engineering designs.

Salary Range: Expect entry-level salaries around $94,798, a median of $124,615, and top salaries up to $169,212.
Demand & Postings: This role has medium demand with 181 active postings and a growth rate of 2.4%.
Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Innovation, Detail Oriented, and Interpersonal Communications are essential. Skills in Mechanical Design, Machinery Design, and Static Timing Analysis can boost your salary.
Certifications that Boost Pay: The Professional Engineer (PE) License (4%), Engineer in Training (2%), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification (2%) are beneficial.
Top Employers in Oregon: Apple, Actalent, Raytheon Technologies, Intel, and Leatherman Tool Group frequently hire for this role.
Career Advancement Paths: A common advancement path is to Mechanical Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $17,479).

4. Optical / Laser Engineer

An Optical or Laser Engineer researches and develops technology that uses the science of light (optics), including fiber optic cables and lasers. You’ll work on cutting-edge applications in various industries.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions offer around $86,215, with a median salary of $119,470, and top earners reaching $175,434.
Demand & Postings: This is a specialized field with low demand, currently showing 33 active postings and a growth rate of 1.1%.
Top Skills: Communication, Smartphone Operation, Management, Problem Solving, and Customer Service are important. Skills in Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, and Laser Diode can boost your pay.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Certifications like Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate (12%), Product Certification (3%), and Security Clearance (3%) can be advantageous.
Top Employers in Oregon: Coherent, Garmin International, Hillsboro Aviation, Raytheon Technologies, and Arinc International Of Canada Ulc are notable employers.
Career Advancement Paths: This role itself is often an advancement from other engineering positions, such as Research & Development Engineer.

5. Reliability Engineer

A Reliability Engineer evaluates and analyzes the reliability of manufacturing and production equipment and processes. You’ll identify proactive maintenance requirements and process improvements to maximize performance.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries start at $107,099, with a median of $125,110, and top earners reaching $144,064.
Demand & Postings: This role has low demand with 92 active postings and a growth rate of 2.7%.
Top Skills: Reliability, Operations, Management, Leadership, and Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) are key. Skills in Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, and Thermography can increase your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider the Certified Reliability Engineer (7%), Certified Business Manager (4%), or Certified Quality Engineer (4%) certifications.
Top Employers in Oregon: Georgia-Pacific, TE Connectivity, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Portland General Electric, and Trillium Staffing are among the top employers.
Career Advancement Paths: You could advance to Director of Manufacturing (potentially earning an additional $52,258), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), or Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245).

6. Manufacturing Process Engineer

A Manufacturing Process Engineer develops workflow, workstation, and equipment improvement recommendations within a company’s manufacturing environment. You’ll fine-tune processes to optimize production.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions typically start around $77,755, with a median salary of $124,238, and top earners reaching $172,701.
Demand & Postings: This role has medium demand with 312 active postings, indicating strong opportunities, and a growth rate of 2.7%.
Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Operations, Leadership, and Innovation are highly sought after. Skills in PTC Creo (CAD Suite), Register-Transfer Level, and Static Timing Analysis can boost your salary.
Certifications that Boost Pay: The Professional Engineer (PE) License (13%), Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate (5%), and Engineer in Training (4%) are valuable.
Top Employers in Oregon: Intel, Hillsboro Aviation, Apple, Southland Industries, and Consor Engineers frequently hire for this position.
Career Advancement Paths: Potential advancements include Product Design Engineer (potentially earning an additional $14,647), Design Engineering Manager (+$34,913), or Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$20,171).

7. Aerospace Engineer

As an Aerospace Engineer, you design aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft using knowledge of engineering and physics, and test prototypes. You might specialize in aeronautical or astronautical design.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries begin at $90,474, with a median of $119,000, and top earners reaching $160,876.
Demand & Postings: This role has medium demand with 96 active postings and a strong growth rate of 3.3%.
Top Skills: Customer Service, Operations, Strong Work Ethic, Optimism, and Willingness To Learn are essential. Given the specialized nature, specific technical skills are also highly valued.
Certifications that Boost Pay: The Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate (40%), Pilot Licensing And Certification (13%), and Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge (6%) are highly beneficial.
Top Employers in Oregon: Hillsboro Aviation, Garmin International, Fit Pay, GE Aerospace, and Sierra Nevada Corporation are key employers.
Career Advancement Paths: You could advance to Aerospace Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $43,635), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), or Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678).

8. Thermal Engineer

A Thermal Engineer specializes in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfers and energy conversion. You’ll work on systems where temperature control and energy efficiency are critical.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions offer around $85,704, with a median salary of $118,728, and top earners reaching $159,163.
Demand & Postings: This is a niche field with low demand, currently showing 10 active postings, but with a growth rate of 2.4%.
Top Skills: Research, Management, Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, and Operations are important. Skills in Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), and Simcenter Amesim can boost your pay.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider the Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate (10%) or Microsoft Certified Professional (10%).
Top Employers in Oregon: Lumicity, Lam Research, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Qualcomm, and Hillsboro Aviation are among the top employers.

9. Automotive Engineer

An Automotive Engineer creates and improves mechanisms for automotive components. You’ll contribute to the design and performance of vehicles and their systems.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $93,210, with a median of $115,450, and top earners reaching $157,511.
Demand & Postings: This role has low demand with 62 active postings and a growth rate of 2.4%.
Top Skills: Planning, Communication, Writing, Problem Solving, and Management are essential. Skills in Engineering Design Process and Mechanical Engineering can boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: The Professional Engineer (PE) License (16%), Valid Driver’s License (6%), and NICET Fire Alarm Systems (5%) can be valuable.
Top Employers in Oregon: Electrical Consultants, Consor Engineers, Ford, Siemens, and The Judge Group are notable employers.
Career Advancement Paths: You could advance to Design Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $32,023), Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$17,281), or Electrical Engineering Manager (+$22,834).

10. Mechanical Systems Engineer

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

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $85,232, with a median salary of $111,690, and top earners reaching $153,609.
Demand & Postings: This role has low demand with 19 active postings and a growth rate of 2.4%.
Top Skills: Communication, Detail Oriented, Problem Solving, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), and Accountability are important. Mechanical Design skills can significantly boost your pay.
Certifications that Boost Pay: The Engineer in Training (16%) certification is beneficial for this role.
Top Employers in Oregon: Panthalassa, Meta, Nuscale Power, Biotronik, and Curtiss-Wright are among the top employers.
Career Advancement Paths: Potential advancements include Mechanical Engineering Manager (potentially earning an additional $18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$45,415), or Product Design Engineer (+$13,354).

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