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

South Carolina’s engineering landscape offers exciting opportunities for individuals passionate about mechanical and related fields. With median salaries for these roles often exceeding six figures, and a consistent demand for skilled professionals, pursuing a career in mechanical engineering in the Palmetto State can lead to a rewarding and high-impact career.

Explore Top Mechanical and Related Engineering Careers in South Carolina

1. Optical / Laser Engineer

Optical / Laser Engineers research and develop technology using the science of light, including fiber optic cables for high-speed internet and lasers for precise incisions and measurements. They collaborate with scientists and engineers from diverse fields to advance technology.

Salary Range: $86,215 (entry) – $119,470 (median) – $175,434 (top) | Mean: $126,811
Demand Level: Low (19 active postings)
Growth: 2.3%
Top Skills: Communication, English Language, Mathematics, Research, Time Management
Skills that boost pay: Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Laser Diode
Certifications that boost pay: Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) (21%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: SAIC, Clemson University, GE Healthcare, Marriott International, Thorlabs
Career Advancement Paths: Not specified in data.

2. Aerospace Engineer

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

Salary Range: $102,848 (entry) – $123,007 (median) – $146,622 (top) | Mean: $123,418
Demand Level: Low (63 active postings)
Growth: 4.0%
Top Skills: Problem Solving, Operations, Leadership, Program Management, Planning
Certifications that boost pay: Security Clearance (30%), Secret Clearance (24%), Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate (19%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, Burns & McDonnell, The Judge Group, Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson
Career Advancement Paths: Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$43,635), Systems Architect (General) (+$25,527), Software Systems Engineer (+$33,678)

3. Thermal Engineer

Thermal Engineers specialize in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfers and energy conversion. Your work is crucial in designing systems that manage heat efficiently across various applications.

Salary Range: $85,704 (entry) – $118,728 (median) – $159,163 (top) | Mean: $120,360
Demand Level: Low (25 active postings)
Growth: 3.2%
Top Skills: Communication, Operations, Management, Innovation, Research
Skills that boost pay: Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), Simcenter Amesim
Certifications that boost pay: Professional Engineer (PE) License (4%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: GE Vernova, Airsys, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Advanced Liquid Cooling Technologies, EnerSys
Career Advancement Paths: Not specified in data.

4. Mechanical Systems Engineer

As a Mechanical Systems Engineer, you would evaluate and optimize the systems used in mechanical engineering. This role involves ensuring that mechanical components and processes function efficiently and effectively within larger systems.

Salary Range: $85,232 (entry) – $111,690 (median) – $153,609 (top) | Mean: $116,791
Demand Level: Low (31 active postings)
Growth: 3.2%
Top Skills: Operations, Communication, Leadership, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Detail Oriented
Skills that boost pay: Mechanical Design
Certifications that boost pay: Security Clearance (16%), Secret Clearance (6%), HVAC Certification (3%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: Affinity Search Limited, Westinghouse Electric Company, Textron, Boeing, GE Vernova
Career Advancement Paths: Mechanical Engineering Manager (+$18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (+$45,415), Product Design Engineer (+$13,354)

5. Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, maintain, and develop new applications for robots, while also conducting research to expand the potential of robotics. This role combines electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, often using C++ and Python.

Salary Range: $73,486 (entry) – $103,484 (median) – $155,589 (top) | Mean: $110,096
Demand Level: Low (36 active postings)
Growth: 2.3%
Top Skills: Communication, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Packaging And Labeling, Leadership, Problem Solving
Skills that boost pay: Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Motion Planning
Top Employers in South Carolina: Techtronic Industries Group, Techtronic Industries North America, Google, GE Vernova, Adecco
Career Advancement Paths: Robotics Software Engineer (+$39,881), Computer Vision Engineer (+$54,523), Software Systems Engineer (+$36,683)

6. Marine Engineer / Architect

Marine Engineers or Architects design, construct, test, and maintain ships and other water-going vessels. You might specialize in marine engineering (mechanical propulsion systems) or naval architecture (ship structure and design), or focus on a specific vessel type or design process.

Salary Range: $74,279 (entry) – $107,672 (median) – $144,049 (top) | Mean: $109,471
Demand Level: Low (18 active postings)
Growth: 2.2%
Top Skills: Operations, Planning, Innovation, Management, Verbal Communication Skills
Certifications that boost pay: Valid Driver’s License (22%), Standards Of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (17%), Secret Clearance (11%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: Black & Veatch, WSP Global, American Cruise Lines, Geosyntec Consultants, Savage
Career Advancement Paths: Design Engineering Manager (+$44,608), Engineering Project Manager (+$14,180), Director of Construction (+$40,983)

7. Reliability Engineer

A Reliability Engineer evaluates and analyzes the reliability of manufacturing equipment and processes. You’ll identify proactive maintenance needs and process improvements to maximize performance and prevent failures.

Salary Range: $82,317 (entry) – $108,031 (median) – $130,610 (top) | Mean: $106,500
Demand Level: Medium (104 active postings)
Growth: 3.0%
Top Skills: Reliability, Problem Solving, Communication, Leadership, Operations
Skills that boost pay: Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, Thermography
Certifications that boost pay: Lean Six Sigma Certification (4%), Certified Business Manager (4%), Certified Reliability Engineer (3%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: WestRock, GE Vernova, Actalent, Sylvamo, Duke Energy
Career Advancement Paths: Director of Manufacturing (+$52,258), Technical Manager / Director (+$15,592), Director of Quality Assurance (+$35,245)

8. Validation Engineer

Validation Engineers evaluate and maintain machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, and supervise the workers who operate and repair these machines. Your role ensures that production systems meet quality and performance standards.

Salary Range: $81,020 (entry) – $99,941 (median) – $137,870 (top) | Mean: $106,159
Demand Level: Low (44 active postings)
Growth: 3.0%
Top Skills: Communication, Operations, Problem Solving, Influencing Skills, Management
Skills that boost pay: Commissioning Qualification Validation (CQV), Computer System Validation, Validation Master Plan
Certifications that boost pay: Certified Quality Engineer (7%), Lean Manufacturing Certification (5%), Certified Quality Auditor (5%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: GE Vernova, Fluor, Ford, Catalent, Proterra
Career Advancement Paths: Director of Quality Assurance (+$41,051), Director of Manufacturing (+$58,064), Research and Development Manager (+$26,367)

9. Fuel Cell Engineer

Fuel Cell Engineers design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for various applications, including transportation, stationary power, and portable devices. This is a cutting-edge field with significant growth potential.

Salary Range: $59,824 (entry) – $102,659 (median) – $148,317 (top) | Mean: $105,339
Demand Level: Low (17 active postings)
Growth: 3.2%
Top Skills: Communication, Operations, Teamwork, Accountability, Quality Assurance
Certifications that boost pay: Secret Clearance (6%), Master Of Business Administration (MBA) (6%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: Westinghouse Electric Company, Insight Global, Butler Aerospace & Defense, Express Employment Professionals, Electrolux
Career Advancement Paths: Not specified in data.

10. Manufacturing Test Engineer

As a Manufacturing Test Engineer, you support efficient manufacturing by developing and executing procedures to test machinery. You assess production test data, suggest corrective actions, set up maintenance schedules, and propose upgrades to enhance overall efficiency.

Salary Range: $70,772 (entry) – $100,039 (median) – $144,364 (top) | Mean: $104,860
Demand Level: Low (43 active postings)
Growth: 3.0%
Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Communication, Operations, Problem Solving, Management
Skills that boost pay: Test Engineering, Test Equipment
Certifications that boost pay: Security Clearance (9%), Valid Driver’s License (7%), Secret Clearance (2%)
Top Employers in South Carolina: Jabil, Lockheed Martin, TEKsystems, Actalent, Ford
Career Advancement Paths: Software Systems Engineer (+$34,495), Systems Engineer (+$27,611)

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