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

Massachusetts is a powerhouse for innovation, making it an excellent state to launch a career in mechanical and related engineering. With over 3,000 active job postings across diverse specializations and median salaries often exceeding $100,000, you’ll find abundant opportunities to apply your problem-solving skills and drive technological advancements. Explore these top roles to see where your engineering journey could take you.

Discover Top Mechanical and Related Engineering Roles in Massachusetts

1. Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft using knowledge of engineering and physics, and tests prototypes to see if they work according to design. You might specialize in aeronautical design, working with airplanes and helicopters, or astronautical design, focusing on vehicles used in outer space. Specialization can also include areas like aerodynamic flow or navigation.

• Salary Range: Entry-level Aerospace Engineers in Massachusetts earn around $99,096, with the median salary at $128,361, and top earners reaching up to $159,907.
• Demand & Postings: This role has a Medium demand level, with 191 active postings and a projected growth of 2.8%.
• Top Skills: Problem Solving, Leadership, Communication, Management, Mathematics.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (23%), Secret Clearance (8%), Top Secret Clearance (8%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: Raytheon Technologies, GE Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
• 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 that uses the science of light (optics). This includes fiber optic cables, which enable high-speed internet connections, 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 Optical / Laser Engineers typically start around $97,841, with a median salary of $112,873, and experienced professionals can earn up to $170,833.
• Demand & Postings: This position shows a Medium demand, with 286 active postings and a projected growth of 1.3%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Leadership, Research. Salary-boosting skills include Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, and Laser Diode.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (22%), Secret Clearance (12%), Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (5%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: General Atomics, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Anduril Industries, L3Harris Technologies, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory.

3. Reliability Engineer

A Reliability Engineer evaluates and analyzes the reliability of manufacturing and production equipment and processes. Your work involves identifying proactive maintenance requirements and process improvements to maximize performance and prevent failures.

• Salary Range: Entry-level Reliability Engineers can expect to earn around $97,152, with a median salary of $120,083, and top earners reaching $145,064.
• Demand & Postings: This role has a Low demand, with 148 active postings and a projected growth of 1.2%.
• Top Skills: Reliability, Communication, Operations, Problem Solving, Leadership. Salary-boosting skills include Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, and Thermography.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (18%), Secret Clearance (9%), Six Sigma Certification (5%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: Raytheon Technologies, Cushman & Wakefield, Entegris, Formenergy, Arinc International Of Canada Ulc.
• Career Advancement Paths: Director of Manufacturing (earning an average of +$52,258 more), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245).

4. Thermal Engineer

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

• Salary Range: Entry-level Thermal Engineers in Massachusetts typically start around $98,596, with a median salary of $117,621, and top professionals can earn up to $156,551.
• Demand & Postings: This role has a Low demand, with 81 active postings and a projected growth of 1.8%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Innovation, Leadership, Planning, Problem Solving. Salary-boosting skills include Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), and Simcenter Amesim.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (22%), Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (7%), Secret Clearance (6%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: Raytheon Technologies, General Atomics, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Exponent, Textron.

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 coding languages like C++ and Python.

• Salary Range: Entry-level Robotics Engineers earn around $90,451, with the median salary at $116,956, and top earners reaching up to $147,350.
• Demand & Postings: This position has a Medium demand, with a significant 771 active postings and a projected growth of 1.3%.
• Top Skills: Problem Solving, Operations, Innovation, Communication, Teamwork. Salary-boosting skills include Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, and Motion Planning.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (27%), Six Sigma Certification (1%), Six Sigma Green Belt (1%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: Amazon, Symbotic, Motion Recruitment, Actalent, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
• Career Advancement Paths: Robotics Software Engineer (earning an average of +$39,881 more), Computer Vision Engineer (+$54,523), Software Systems Engineer (+$36,683).

6. Mechanical Testing Engineer

A Mechanical Testing Engineer designs and runs verification methods, creates test reports, and assists with troubleshooting for various mechanical engineering projects.

• Salary Range: Entry-level Mechanical Testing Engineers typically start around $87,723, with a median salary of $114,937, and experienced professionals can earn up to $138,977.
• Demand & Postings: This role has a Medium demand, with 292 active postings and a projected growth of 1.8%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Problem Solving, Planning, Innovation. A key salary-boosting skill is Test Engineering.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (28%), Secret Clearance (16%), Top Secret Clearance (4%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: Raytheon Technologies, Actalent, L3Harris Technologies, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Textron.
• Career Advancement Paths: Hardware Quality Assurance / Test Engineer (earning an average of +$20,490 more), Research & Development Engineer (+$14,685), Mechanical Product Design Engineer (+$12,622).

7. Mechanical Design Engineer

A Mechanical Design Engineer designs and develops mechanical tools and components as part of the product development cycle.

• Salary Range: Entry-level Mechanical Design Engineers earn around $89,978, with the median salary at $107,338, and top earners reaching up to $150,391.
• Demand & Postings: This role has a Medium demand, with 330 active postings and a projected growth of 1.8%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Leadership, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Detail Oriented. Salary-boosting skills include Mechanical Design, Machinery Design, and Static Timing Analysis.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (17%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (4%), Microsoft Certified Professional (2%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: GE Aerospace, Raytheon Technologies, Apple, Nvidia, Actalent.
• Career Advancement Paths: Mechanical Engineering Manager (earning an average of +$17,479 more).

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 systems, or in marine/naval architecture, concentrating on a ship’s basic structure and design. Specialization can also include specific vessel types or design processes.

• Salary Range: Entry-level Marine Engineers / Architects typically start around $80,669, with a median salary of $104,924, and experienced professionals can earn up to $154,604.
• Demand & Postings: This role has a Low demand, with 74 active postings and a projected growth of 1.2%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Operations, Management, Planning, Presentations.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (14%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (12%), Secret Clearance (7%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: General Dynamics, AECOM, Hornblower Cruises And Events, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Geosyntec Consultants.
• Career Advancement Paths: Design Engineering Manager (earning an average of +$44,608 more), Engineering Project Manager (+$14,180), Director of Construction (+$40,983).

9. Manufacturing Test Engineer

A Manufacturing Test Engineer supports an efficient manufacturing process by developing and executing procedures to test the efficiency of machinery. You’ll assess production test data, suggest corrective actions for deficiencies, set up routine maintenance schedules, and recommend new processes or upgrades to enhance overall efficiency.

• Salary Range: Entry-level Manufacturing Test Engineers earn around $87,429, with the median salary at $106,981, and top earners reaching up to $144,330.
• Demand & Postings: This role has a Low demand, with 125 active postings and a projected growth of 1.2%.
• Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Problem Solving, Operations, Communication, Mathematics. Salary-boosting skills include Test Engineering and Test Equipment.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (35%), Secret Clearance (19%), Product Certification (2%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: Raytheon Technologies, Amazon, Anduril Industries, Arinc International Of Canada Ulc, Formlabs.
• Career Advancement Paths: Software Systems Engineer (earning an average of +$34,495 more), Systems Engineer (+$27,611).

10. Manufacturing Process Engineer

A Manufacturing Process Engineer develops workflow, workstation, and equipment improvement recommendations within a manufacturing environment. You’ll fine-tune processes by researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment, applying your knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials.

• Salary Range: Entry-level Manufacturing Process Engineers typically start around $87,502, with a median salary of $105,366, and experienced professionals can earn up to $140,662.
• Demand & Postings: This role has a Medium demand, with 798 active postings and a projected growth of 1.2%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Leadership, Detail Oriented, Planning. Salary-boosting skills include PTC Creo (CAD Suite), Register-Transfer Level, and Static Timing Analysis.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (9%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (6%), Secret Clearance (2%).
• Top Employers in Massachusetts: GE Aerospace, Amazon, Boston Scientific, The Judge Group, Raytheon Technologies.
• Career Advancement Paths: Product Design Engineer (earning an average of +$14,647 more), Design Engineering Manager (+$34,913), Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$20,171).

Ready to engineer your future? Explore these and countless other career paths. Create a free profile on Tallo.com to connect with colleges and companies looking for talent like yours, and discover opportunities that match your skills and ambitions.