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

Published May 1, 2026 10 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.

Pennsylvania’s robust industrial and manufacturing sectors offer a dynamic landscape for mechanical and related engineers. With thousands of active job postings and median salaries often exceeding $100,000, pursuing a career in this field in the Keystone State presents significant opportunities for growth and impact. Whether you’re interested in aerospace, manufacturing, or project management, Pennsylvania has a place for your engineering talents.

Explore Top Mechanical and Related Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

1. Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft using knowledge of engineering and physics, and test 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 in areas like aerodynamic flow or navigation is also common.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $97,468, with median salaries reaching $121,802. Top earners in this field can command up to $155,843.
Demand: Demand for this role is Low in Pennsylvania, with approximately 181 active postings and a projected growth of 2.1%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Communication, Operations, Leadership, Problem Solving, and Planning.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) License (16% of job postings mention it), Security Clearance (7%), or Engineer in Training (6%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Pennsylvania State University, Ansys, GE Aerospace, Arconic, and Jacobs Solutions.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Aerospace Engineering Manager (with an average salary increase of +$43,635), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), and Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678).

2. 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, working on the mechanical systems that propel vehicles, or marine/naval architecture, focusing on a ship’s basic structure and design. Specialization in a particular vessel type or system is also possible.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $87,916, with median salaries reaching $104,685. Top earners in this field can command up to $137,162.
Demand: Demand for this role is Low in Pennsylvania, with approximately 88 active postings and a projected growth of 0.8%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Communication, Management, Planning, and Microsoft Office.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Secret Clearance (47% of job postings mention it), Security Clearance (26%), or Valid Driver’s License (10%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Noblis, Orbis Corporation, GE Vernova, Intecon, and Leidos.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Design Engineering Manager (with an average salary increase of +$44,608), Engineering Project Manager (+$14,180), and Director of Construction (+$40,983).

3. Reliability Engineer

A Reliability Engineer evaluates and analyzes the reliability of manufacturing and production equipment and processes. You will identify proactive maintenance requirements and process improvements, working to maximize reliable performance and prevent equipment or process failures.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $82,786, with median salaries reaching $106,692. Top earners in this field can command up to $131,516.
Demand: Demand for this role is Medium in Pennsylvania, with approximately 258 active postings and a projected growth of 1.6%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Reliability, Operations, Problem Solving, Management, and Leadership. Specific skills like Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, and Thermography can further boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Valid Driver’s License (7% of job postings mention it), Certified Quality Engineer (3%), or Professional Engineer (PE) License (3%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Search Enterprises South, Merck & Co., Westinghouse Electric Company, TE Connectivity, and System One.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Director of Manufacturing (with an average salary increase of +$52,258), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), and Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245).

4. Thermal Engineer

A Thermal Engineer specializes in thermodynamics, applying principles related to heat transfers and energy conversion.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $78,194, with median salaries reaching $102,392. Top earners in this field can command up to $129,543.
Demand: Demand for this role is Low in Pennsylvania, with approximately 67 active postings and a projected growth of 1.1%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Presentations, Innovation, Operations, Accountability, and Management. Specific skills like Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), and Simcenter Amesim can further boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Engineer in Training (10% of job postings mention it), Security Clearance (9%), or Professional Engineer (PE) License (6%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Westinghouse Electric Company, Emerson Electric, Pennsylvania State University, Naval Nuclear Laboratory, and Boyd Corp.

5. Manufacturing Test Engineer

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

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $70,772, with median salaries reaching $100,039. Top earners in this field can command up to $144,364.
Demand: Demand for this role is Low in Pennsylvania, with approximately 38 active postings and a projected growth of 1.6%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Communication, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Problem Solving, Operations, and Innovation. Specific skills like Test Engineering and Test Equipment can further boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Security Clearance (16% of job postings mention it), Secret Clearance (11%), or Top Secret Clearance (5%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Lutron Electronics, Lockheed Martin, Hitachi, The Judge Group, and Ford.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Software Systems Engineer (with an average salary increase of +$34,495) and Systems Engineer (+$27,611).

6. Research & Development Engineer

A Research & Development Engineer researches and invents new methods or improves existing ones within engineering and manufacturing.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $76,158, with median salaries reaching $99,460. Top earners in this field can command up to $139,630.
Demand: Demand for this role is Medium in Pennsylvania, with approximately 684 active postings and a projected growth of 1.1%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Communication, Research, Innovation, Problem Solving, and Operations. Specific skills like R (Programming Language) and Python (Programming Language) can further boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Security Clearance (8% of job postings mention it), Product Certification (5%), or Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (3%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include TE Connectivity, Pennsylvania State University, Ansys, Edwards Lifesciences, and Westinghouse Electric Company.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Optical / Laser Engineer (with an average salary increase of +$19,027), Research and Development Manager (+$16,954), and Hardware Engineer (General) (+$17,115).

7. Mechanical Project Engineer

A Mechanical Project Engineer manages and oversees mechanical engineering projects.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $83,885, with median salaries reaching $95,817. Top earners in this field can command up to $125,294.
Demand: Demand for this role is Medium in Pennsylvania, with approximately 269 active postings and a projected growth of 1.1%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Communication, Management, Coordinating, Operations, and Problem Solving.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) License (13% of job postings mention it), Project Management Professional Certification (11%), or Secret Clearance (2%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Westinghouse Electric Company, Actalent, Johnson Controls, Enercon, and Southland Industries.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Engineering Project Manager (with an average salary increase of +$19,623), Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$35,309), and Design Engineering Manager (+$50,051).

8. Supplier Quality Engineer

A Supplier Quality Engineer manages relationships with suppliers with a focus on improving product quality. You will perform audits to ensure compliance with your organization’s quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $78,710, with median salaries reaching $98,131. Top earners in this field can command up to $128,619.
Demand: Demand for this role is Medium in Pennsylvania, with approximately 371 active postings and a projected growth of 1.6%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Problem Solving, Communication, Management, Quality Assurance, and Operations. Specific skills like Supplier Development, Supplier Quality Engineering, and Supply Chain can further boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Security Clearance (12% of job postings mention it), Certified Quality Engineer (11%), or American Society For Quality (ASQ) Certified (11%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Westinghouse Electric Company, GE Aerospace, BAE Systems, Curtiss-Wright, and Avantor.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Quality Engineering Manager (with an average salary increase of +$35,373), Director of Quality Assurance (+$52,372), and Manufacturing Manager (+$13,678).

9. Manufacturing Automation Engineer

A Manufacturing Automation Engineer designs, programs, and improves automated machinery and processes within a manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for the design specifications, documentation, and troubleshooting of equipment, often working in industries like vehicle manufacturing and food processing plants where robots or machines perform specific functions.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $79,641, with median salaries reaching $100,718. Top earners in this field can command up to $124,995.
Demand: Demand for this role is Low in Pennsylvania, with approximately 171 active postings and a projected growth of 1.6%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Operations, Communication, Leadership, and Problem Solving. Specific skills like Industrial Automation, Automation Systems, and Robotics can further boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Project Management Professional Certification (5% of job postings mention it), Master Of Business Administration (MBA) (5%), or Six Sigma Green Belt (3%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Sanofi, Merck & Co., NPAworldwide, Honeywell International, and The Judge Group.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Automation Engineer (with an average salary increase of +$17,238) and Director of Manufacturing (+$64,374).

10. Mechanical Engineer (General)

A Mechanical Engineer researches, designs, develops, constructs, and tests mechanical devices including machines, engines, and tools. You might work on devices ranging from power generators to household dishwashers to surgical equipment, specializing in a particular type of machine or tool, or developing new devices or improving existing ones to run more efficiently.

Salary: Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $72,651, with median salaries reaching $101,144. Top earners in this field can command up to $118,840.
Demand: Demand for this role is High in Pennsylvania, with approximately 2,764 active postings and a projected growth of 1.1%.
Top Skills: Key skills include Operations, Communication, Problem Solving, Leadership, and Microsoft Office. Specific skills like Ansys Simulation Software and Finite Element Methods can further boost your earning potential.
Certifications that Boost Pay: Consider pursuing certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) License (30% of job postings mention it), Engineer in Training (23%), or Security Clearance (6%) to enhance your profile and pay.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania: Leading employers include Jooble, Constellation Energy, Westinghouse Electric Company, Jobot, and Pennsylvania State University.
Career Advancement: Typical career advancement paths include Mechanical Engineering Manager (with an average salary increase of +$29,222), Mechanical Design Engineer (+$11,743), and Automotive Engineer (+$11,941).

Ready to launch your career in mechanical and related engineering in Pennsylvania? Explore these and other exciting opportunities. Create a free profile on Tallo.com to connect with colleges and companies looking for talent like you.