Top 10 Mechanical & Related Engineering Jobs in New York with High 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.

New York offers a robust landscape for Mechanical and Related Engineers, with over 3,300 active job postings across diverse specializations. If you’re looking to build a high-impact career, the Empire State provides opportunities for strong earning potential, with median salaries for these roles often exceeding $100,000.

From designing cutting-edge aerospace technology to optimizing manufacturing processes, mechanical engineering offers a wide array of paths. Discover the top mechanical and related engineering careers in New York, complete with salary insights, demand levels, key skills, and advancement opportunities.

Top Mechanical & Related Engineering Jobs in New York

1. Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, applying engineering and physics principles to test prototypes. You might specialize in aeronautical design for airplanes and helicopters, or astronautical design for space vehicles, focusing on specific areas like aerodynamic flow or navigation.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $96,080, with a median salary of $128,007, and top earners reaching $154,959 annually.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low with 311 active postings and a projected growth of 4.0%.
Top Skills: Communication, Research, Leadership, Problem Solving, Planning.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (22%), Certified Quality Auditor (12%), Certified Quality Engineer (12%).
Top Employers in New York: GE Aerospace, GE Vernova, Superior Metal & Manufacturing, System One, Actalent.
Career Advancement Paths: Aerospace Engineering Manager (potential earnings increase of +$43,635), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678).

2. Thermal Engineer

A Thermal Engineer specializes in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfers and energy conversion. This role is crucial in industries ranging from electronics to power generation.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $85,704, with a median of $118,728, and top salaries reaching $159,163.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low with 50 active postings and a projected growth of 2.2%.
Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Research, Innovation, Interpersonal Communications.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), Simcenter Amesim.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (10%), Six Sigma Green Belt (6%), Secret Clearance (4%).
Top Employers in New York: IBM, Eaton Corporation, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Corning.
Career Advancement Paths: You can advance into senior engineering roles, lead R&D projects, or move into management positions within specialized thermal systems.

3. Reliability Engineer

As a Reliability Engineer, you’ll evaluate and analyze the reliability of manufacturing and production equipment and processes. Your work helps identify proactive maintenance requirements and process improvements to maximize performance and prevent failures.

Salary Range: Starting around $86,353, the median salary is $113,671, with top professionals earning up to $145,216.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low with 191 active postings and a projected growth of 2.1%.
Top Skills: Reliability, Operations, Communication, Problem Solving, Troubleshooting.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, Thermography.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (7%), Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge (5%), Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate (5%).
Top Employers in New York: JetBlue Airways, The Coca-Cola Company, DuPont, Chobani, L3Harris Technologies.
Career Advancement Paths: Director of Manufacturing (+$52,258), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245).

4. Manufacturing Automation Engineer

A Manufacturing Automation Engineer designs, programs, and improves automated machinery and processes within a manufacturing environment. You’ll be responsible for design specifications, documentation, and troubleshooting, often in industries like vehicle manufacturing or food processing where robots are used.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions typically offer around $85,477, with a median salary of $126,526, and top earners reaching $135,038.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low with 73 active postings and a projected growth of 2.1%.
Top Skills: Troubleshooting, Operations, Problem Solving, Management, Communication.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Industrial Automation, Automation Systems, Robotics.
Certifications that Boost Pay: While not specifically listed, industry-recognized certifications in robotics, PLC programming, or industrial control systems can significantly boost your profile and earning potential.
Top Employers in New York: GPAC, Trillium Staffing, General Motors, Adaptec Solutions, Arrow Electronics.
Career Advancement Paths: Automation Engineer (+$17,238), Director of Manufacturing (+$64,374).

5. Optical / Laser Engineer

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

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $91,158, with a median of $103,427, and top earners making up to $136,882.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low with 128 active postings and a projected growth of 1.3%.
Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Research, Operations, Management.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Laser Diode.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (4%), Product Certification (3%), Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (3%).
Top Employers in New York: Corning, Nokia, Vuzix Corporation, The Rockefeller University, GlobalFoundries.
Career Advancement Paths: Opportunities include senior specialist roles, R&D leadership, or project management in optical systems development.

6. Mechanical Systems Engineer

A Mechanical Systems Engineer evaluates and optimizes the various systems used in mechanical engineering. This role requires a holistic understanding of how different mechanical components interact within a larger system.

Salary Range: Starting salaries are around $86,836, with a median of $103,410, and top earners reaching $133,744.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low with 95 active postings and a projected growth of 2.2%.
Top Skills: Communication, Research, Problem Solving, Troubleshooting, Detail Oriented.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Mechanical Design.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (9%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (8%), Secret Clearance (7%).
Top Employers in New York: GE Vernova, GE Aerospace, Atlas Copco Process Equipment Co., Ltd., Ramboll, L3Harris Technologies.
Career Advancement Paths: Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$45,415), Product Design Engineer (+$13,354).

7. Production Engineer

As a Production Engineer, you’ll combine knowledge of manufacturing technology and engineering sciences with management theory. You’ll design production steps, define and monitor necessary resources, and evaluate the overall efficiency of processes.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $81,856, with a median of $103,534, and top professionals earning up to $139,840.
Demand & Postings: Demand is medium with 414 active postings and a projected growth of 2.1%.
Top Skills: Troubleshooting, Operations, Communication, Problem Solving, Management.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Production Engineering.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Engineer in Training (1%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (1%), Food Safety Certification (1%).
Top Employers in New York: Actalent, Meta, Insight Global, Yahoo Holdings, Collabera.
Career Advancement Paths: Manufacturing Engineering Manager (+$15,045), Operations Engineering Manager (+$31,251), Director of Manufacturing (+$60,714).

8. Mechanical Engineer (General)

A General Mechanical Engineer researches, designs, develops, constructs, and tests mechanical devices, including machines, engines, and tools. You might work on anything from power generators to household appliances, developing new devices or improving existing ones for efficiency.

Salary Range: Starting around $80,686, the median salary is $105,252, with top earners reaching $127,771.
Demand & Postings: Demand is medium with 1,849 active postings and a projected growth of 2.2%.
Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Troubleshooting.
Salary-Boosting Skills: Ansys Simulation Software, Finite Element Methods.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Professional Engineer (PE) License (16%), Engineer in Training (6%), Security Clearance (5%).
Top Employers in New York: Actalent, GPAC, Hays, Jobot, City of New York.
Career Advancement Paths: Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$29,222), Mechanical Design Engineer (+$11,743), Automotive Engineer (+$11,941).

9. Marine Engineer / Architect

A Marine Engineer or Architect designs, constructs, tests, and maintains ships and other water-going vessels. You could specialize in marine engineering, focusing on mechanical propulsion systems, or naval architecture, concentrating on a ship’s structure and design.

Salary Range: Entry-level positions are around $72,970, with a median of $106,588, and top earners making up to $138,546.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low with 189 active postings and a projected growth of 0.7%.
Top Skills: Communication, Coordinating, Planning, Leadership, Investigation.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Standards Of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (19%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (17%), Valid Driver’s License (15%).
Top Employers in New York: Hatch, SUNY Maritime College, Moran Towing Corporation, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, WSP Global.
Career Advancement Paths: Design Engineering Manager (+$44,608), Engineering Project Manager (+$14,180), Director of Construction (+$40,983).

10. Fuel Cell Engineer

As a Fuel Cell Engineer, you’ll design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for various applications, including transportation, stationary power, or portable devices. This is a growing field in clean energy technology.

Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $59,824, with a median of $102,659, and top earners reaching $148,317.
Demand & Postings: Demand is low with 63 active postings and a projected growth of 2.2%.
Top Skills: Self-Motivation, Analytical Skills, Interpersonal Communications, Teamwork, Presentations.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Product Certification (2%) and other relevant engineering or clean energy technology certifications can enhance your career prospects.
Top Employers in New York: GE Vernova, Plug Power, White Glove Placement, Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers, Unifrax I.
Career Advancement Paths: Opportunities include senior R&D roles, project management in renewable energy, or specializing in specific fuel cell technologies.

Exploring a career in mechanical and related engineering in New York offers diverse opportunities with competitive salaries. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to advance, understanding these roles can help you chart a successful path. Ready to take the next step in your career exploration? Create a free profile on Tallo.com to connect with colleges, companies, and scholarship opportunities aligned with your interests.