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

Missouri offers a robust and diverse landscape for mechanical and related engineers, presenting significant career opportunities across various sectors. With median salaries ranging from approximately $96,000 to over $137,000 for many specialized roles, these positions provide strong earning potential. From aerospace design to robotics and manufacturing, you’ll find critical roles driving innovation and efficiency throughout the state.

Explore Top Mechanical Engineering Careers in Missouri

1. Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, applying their knowledge of engineering and physics. They test prototypes to ensure they meet design specifications and may specialize in aeronautical design (airplanes, helicopters) or astronautical design (space vehicles), or specific areas like aerodynamic flow or navigation.

Salary Range: You can expect an entry-level salary around $93,868, a median of $137,245, and top earners reaching $174,004, with a mean salary of $132,982.
Demand & Postings: Demand is medium, with 165 active job postings and a projected growth of 1.2%.
Top Skills: Mathematics, Planning, Problem Solving, Leadership, and Communication.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (44%), Secret Clearance (41%), and Professional Engineer (PE) License (11%).
Top Employers in Missouri: Boeing, Burns & McDonnell, GE Aerospace, HNTB, CTS International.
Career Advancement: You could advance to an Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$43,635), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), or Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678).

2. 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 for precise incisions and measurements. They often collaborate with scientists and engineers from other fields on technological advancements.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $86,215, the median salary is $119,470, and top earners can reach $175,434, with a mean salary of $126,811.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 19 active job postings and a projected growth of 1.5%.
Top Skills: Mathematics, Problem Solving, Communication, Microsoft Office, and Adaptability. Skills in Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, and Laser Diode can boost your salary.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (32%) and Secret Clearance (26%).
Top Employers in Missouri: Flight Safety International, Boeing, Deepsight Technology, Honeywell International, Saint Louis University.

3. Thermal Engineer

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

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $85,704, with a median of $118,728, and top earners reaching $159,163, with a mean salary of $120,360.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 18 active job postings and a projected growth of 3.0%.
Top Skills: Innovation, Verbal Communication Skills, Operations, Research, and Communication. Skills in Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), and Simcenter Amesim can boost your salary.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (39%) and Secret Clearance (28%).
Top Employers in Missouri: Boeing, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Thermavant Technologies, Insight Global, Psiquantum.

4. Reliability Engineer

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

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $92,564, the median is $113,608, and top earners can reach $160,193, with a mean salary of $117,959.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 108 active job postings and a projected growth of 3.0%.
Top Skills: Reliability, Management, Planning, Leadership, and Mathematics. Skills in Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, and Thermography can boost your salary.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (29%), Secret Clearance (19%), and Certified Reliability Engineer (10%).
Top Employers in Missouri: Boeing, Clarios, Actalent, Smithfield Foods, Ameren.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Director of Manufacturing (+$52,258), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), or Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245).

5. Mechanical Systems Engineer

A Mechanical Systems Engineer evaluates and optimizes the systems used within mechanical engineering, ensuring efficiency and performance.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $85,232, the median is $111,690, and top earners can reach $153,609, with a mean salary of $116,791.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 43 active job postings and a projected growth of 3.0%.
Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Mathematics, Coordinating, and Management. Mechanical Design skills can boost your salary.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (40%), Secret Clearance (33%), and Professional Engineer (PE) License (33%).
Top Employers in Missouri: Boeing, Olsson, Olsson Associates, Vestal Corporation, Vertiv.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$45,415), or Product Design Engineer (+$13,354).

6. Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, maintains, and develops 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 are around $73,486, the median is $103,484, and top earners can reach $155,589, with a mean salary of $110,096.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 48 active job postings and a projected growth of 1.5%.
Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Communication, Innovation, Detail Oriented, and Leadership. Skills in Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, and Motion Planning can boost your salary.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Microsoft Certified Professional (6%), Teaching Certificate (4%), and Secret Clearance (2%).
Top Employers in Missouri: Entegee, Anywhere Real Estate, Azenta, Hitachi, Saint-Gobain.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Robotics Software Engineer (+$39,881), Computer Vision Engineer (+$54,523), or Software Systems Engineer (+$36,683).

7. Marine Engineer / Architect

A Marine Engineer or Architect designs, constructs, tests, and maintains ships and other water-going vessels. They might specialize in the mechanical systems (marine engineering) or the basic structure and design (naval architecture) of a ship.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $74,279, the median is $107,672, and top earners can reach $144,049, with a mean salary of $109,471.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 8 active job postings and no projected growth (0.0%).
Top Skills: Communication, Operations, Record Keeping, Planning, and Microsoft Word.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (50%), Secret Clearance (13%), and Security Clearance (13%).
Top Employers in Missouri: American Cruise Lines, Black & Veatch, Noblis, Michels Corporation, BP.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Design Engineering Manager (+$44,608), Engineering Project Manager (+$14,180), or Director of Construction (+$40,983).

8. Fuel Cell Engineer

A Fuel Cell Engineer designs, evaluates, modifies, or constructs fuel cell components or systems for various applications, including transportation, stationary power, or portable devices.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $59,824, the median is $102,659, and top earners can reach $148,317, with a mean salary of $105,339.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 4 active job postings and a projected growth of 3.0%.
Top Skills: Professionalism, Positivity, Leadership, Progress Reporting, and Enthusiasm.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Professional Engineer (PE) License (25%) and Project Management Professional Certification (25%).
Top Employers in Missouri: Om Intl Group, Toyota Motor, Eagle-Picher.

9. Manufacturing Test Engineer

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

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $70,772, the median is $100,039, and top earners can reach $144,364, with a mean salary of $104,860.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 12 active job postings and a projected growth of 3.0%.
Top Skills: Mathematics, Leadership, Management, Communication, and Troubleshooting (Problem Solving). Skills in Test Engineering and Test Equipment can boost your salary.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Secret Clearance (67%), Security Clearance (67%), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification (8%).
Top Employers in Missouri: Boeing, Ford, Bi Labs, GE Aerospace.
Career Advancement: You could advance to a Software Systems Engineer (+$34,495) or Systems Engineer (+$27,611).

10. Mechanical Project Engineer

A Mechanical Project Engineer manages and oversees mechanical engineering projects, ensuring they are completed efficiently and effectively.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $84,726, the median is $96,166, and top earners can reach $126,594, with a mean salary of $101,615.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low, with 114 active job postings and a projected growth of 3.0%.
Top Skills: Communication, Leadership, Operations, Mentorship, and Management.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (20%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (12%), and Master Of Business Administration (MBA) (7%).
Top Employers in Missouri: JE Dunn Construction, Actalent, Ingersoll Rand, Professional Engineering Consultant, P.a., Leonardo DRS.
Career Advancement: You could advance to an Engineering Project Manager (+$19,623), Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$35,309), or Design Engineering Manager (+$50,051).

Ready to launch your career in mechanical engineering or a related field? Explore these and many more exciting career paths. Create a free profile on Tallo.com to connect with colleges, companies, and scholarship opportunities aligned with your ambitions.