Published Apr 30, 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.
Vermont’s mechanical and related engineering sector offers exciting opportunities for innovative minds. With a median salary around $110,000 and over 140 active job postings across various specialties, the Green Mountain State is a promising hub for engineers looking to design, build, and improve the technologies of tomorrow. Whether you’re interested in aerospace, robotics, or product design, you’ll find a path to a fulfilling career here.
Top Mechanical & Related Engineering Jobs in Vermont
1. Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft using knowledge of engineering and physics. They test prototypes to ensure they meet design specifications. You might specialize in aeronautical design for airplanes and helicopters, or astronautical design for space vehicles, focusing on areas like aerodynamic flow or navigation.
- Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $99,172, with a median salary of $129,871, and top earners reaching $151,585 annually. The mean salary is $129,054.
- Demand in Vermont: Medium (42 active postings), with a projected growth of 1.6%.
- Top Skills: Communication, Leadership, Problem Solving, Operations, Planning.
- Certifications that boost pay: DO-178B/C (Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification) (10%), Project Management Professional Certification (5%), Engineer in Training (2%).
- Top Employers in Vermont: Beta Technologies, GE Aerospace, Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Tanner & Associates, Noblis.
- Career Advancement Paths: Aerospace Engineering Manager (earning an average of +$43,635 more), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678).
2. Optical / Laser Engineer
An Optical or Laser Engineer researches and develops technology based on the science of light (optics). This can include fiber optic cables for high-speed internet or lasers for precise incisions and measurements. You’ll often collaborate with scientists and engineers from other fields to advance technology.
- Salary Range: Entry-level roles typically offer around $86,215, with a median salary of $119,470, and top professionals earning up to $175,434 annually. The mean salary is $126,811.
- Demand in Vermont: Low (0 active postings), with a projected growth of 0.6%. While specific education data was not provided, these roles typically require a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- Key Skills: Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Laser Diode.
- Certifications that boost pay: No specific certifications were listed as significantly boosting pay for this role.
- Top Employers in Vermont: No specific top employers in Vermont were listed for this role.
- Career Advancement Paths: No specific career advancement paths were listed for this role.
3. Thermal Engineer
A Thermal Engineer specializes in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfers and energy conversion. You’ll apply principles of heat and energy to design and optimize systems.
- Salary Range: Entry-level positions start at approximately $85,704, with a median salary of $118,728, and top professionals earning up to $159,163 annually. The mean salary is $120,360.
- Demand in Vermont: Low (2 active postings), with a projected growth of 2.1%. A high school diploma or GED is listed as the typical education.
- Top Skills: Research, Communication, Innovation, Operations, Program Management.
- Skills that boost your pay: Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), Simcenter Amesim.
- Certifications that boost pay: No specific certifications were listed as significantly boosting pay for this role.
- Top Employers in Vermont: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
- Career Advancement Paths: No specific career advancement paths were listed for this role.
4. Mechanical Systems Engineer
As a Mechanical Systems Engineer, you evaluate and optimize the systems used in mechanical engineering. This role involves ensuring mechanical processes are efficient and effective.
- Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $85,232, the median is $111,690, and top earners can make up to $153,609 annually. The mean salary is $116,791.
- Demand in Vermont: Low (2 active postings), with a projected growth of 2.1%. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required.
- Top Skills: Detail Oriented, Self-Starter, Reading Comprehension, Communication, Innovation.
- Skills that boost your pay: Mechanical Design.
- Certifications that boost pay: Product Certification (50%).
- Top Employers in Vermont: Applied Research Associates, Beta Technologies.
- Career Advancement Paths: Mechanical Engineering Manager (earning an average of +$18,878 more), Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$45,415), Product Design Engineer (+$13,354).
5. Reliability Engineer
A Reliability Engineer evaluates and analyzes the reliability of manufacturing and production equipment and processes. Your work focuses on identifying proactive maintenance requirements, implementing process improvements, maximizing reliable performance, and preventing equipment or process failures.
- Salary Range: Entry-level positions typically offer around $85,004, with a median salary of $109,998, and top professionals earning up to $150,744 annually. The mean salary is $114,755.
- Demand in Vermont: Low (15 active postings), with a projected growth of 1.8%. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required.
- Top Skills: Reliability, Communication, Problem Solving, Management, Operations.
- Skills that boost your pay: Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, Thermography.
- Certifications that boost pay: Certified Reliability Engineer (13%), Product Certification (7%).
- Top Employers in Vermont: WestRock, Keurig Dr Pepper, Merck & Co., Unilever, Allied Resources Technical Consultants.
- Career Advancement Paths: Director of Manufacturing (earning an average of +$52,258 more), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245).
6. Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, maintains, and develops new applications for robots, while also conducting research to expand the potential of robotics. This field combines electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, often utilizing coding languages like C++ and Python.
- Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $73,486, the median is $103,484, and top earners can make up to $155,589 annually. The mean salary is $110,096.
- Demand in Vermont: Low (12 active postings), with a projected growth of 0.6%. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required.
- Top Skills: Leadership, Innovation, Operations, Mentorship, Planning.
- Skills that boost your pay: Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Motion Planning.
- Certifications that boost pay: No specific certifications were listed as significantly boosting pay for this role.
- Top Employers in Vermont: GlobalFoundries, Eliassen Group, Rigorous.
- Career Advancement Paths: Robotics Software Engineer (earning an average of +$39,881 more), Computer Vision Engineer (+$54,523), Software Systems Engineer (+$36,683).
7. Research & Development Engineer
As a Research & Development Engineer, you research and invent new methods or improve existing ones within engineering and manufacturing. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, bringing new ideas to life.
- Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $75,851, with a median salary of $102,291, and top earners reaching $157,205 annually. The mean salary is $109,665.
- Demand in Vermont: Low (20 active postings), with a projected growth of 2.1%. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required.
- Top Skills: Innovation, Research, Communication, Organizational Skills, Self-Motivation.
- Skills that boost your pay: R (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language).
- Certifications that boost pay: Security Clearance (25%), Six Sigma Black Belt (5%).
- Top Employers in Vermont: GlobalFoundries, Keurig Dr Pepper, General Motors, Northeastern University, C And D Hr Consulting.
- Career Advancement Paths: Optical / Laser Engineer (earning an average of +$19,027 more), Research and Development Manager (+$16,954), Hardware Engineer (General) (+$17,115).
8. 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 marine/naval architecture, concentrating on a ship’s structure and design. Specialization can also be by vessel type or specific design processes.
- Salary Range: Entry-level roles typically offer around $74,279, with a median salary of $107,672, and top professionals earning up to $144,049 annually. The mean salary is $109,471.
- Demand in Vermont: Low (1 active posting), with a projected growth of 1.9%. A high school diploma or GED is listed as the typical education.
- Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving).
- Certifications that boost pay: Secret Clearance (100%), Security Clearance (100%).
- Top Employers in Vermont: Noblis.
- Career Advancement Paths: Design Engineering Manager (earning an average of +$44,608 more), Engineering Project Manager (+$14,180), Director of Construction (+$40,983).
9. Mechanical Design Engineer
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you design and develop mechanical tools and components as part of the product development cycle. Your creativity and technical skills will be crucial in bringing new products to market.
- Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $78,867, with a median salary of $100,510, and top earners reaching $150,818 annually. The mean salary is $108,463.
- Demand in Vermont: Medium (27 active postings), with a projected growth of 2.1%. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required.
- Top Skills: Communication, Sales, Innovation, Time Management, Coordinating.
- Skills that boost your pay: Mechanical Design, Machinery Design, Static Timing Analysis.
- Certifications that boost pay: No specific certifications were listed as significantly boosting pay for this role.
- Top Employers in Vermont: Husky Injection Molding Systems, Marvell Technology, GE Aerospace, Hayward Tyler, Beta Technologies.
- Career Advancement Paths: Mechanical Engineering Manager (earning an average of +$17,479 more).
10. Automotive Engineer
An Automotive Engineer creates and improves mechanisms for automotive components. You’ll be involved in the design and development of various parts that make vehicles function, from engines to safety systems.
- Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $75,202, the median is $101,256, and top earners can make up to $151,749 annually. The mean salary is $108,147.
- Demand in Vermont: Medium (25 active postings), with a projected growth of 2.1%. A Bachelor’s degree is typically required.
- Top Skills: Communication, Research, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Verbal Communication Skills, Critical Thinking.
- Skills that boost your pay: Engineering Design Process, Mechanical Engineering.
- Certifications that boost pay: Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) (12%), Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) (12%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (8%).
- Top Employers in Vermont: Ford, CDM Smith, Raytheon Technologies, Entergy, Sonnax Transmission Company.
- Career Advancement Paths: Design Engineering Manager (earning an average of +$32,023 more), Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$17,281), Electrical Engineering Manager (+$22,834).
Vermont’s mechanical and related engineering field offers diverse opportunities for innovation and growth. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to advance, these roles represent some of the most impactful and rewarding paths available. To explore these and other exciting career opportunities, and to connect with employers looking for talent like yours, create a free profile on Tallo today.