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The differences between machine design engineers and lead engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a machine design engineer and a lead engineer. Additionally, a lead engineer has an average salary of $84,927, which is higher than the $79,371 average annual salary of a machine design engineer.
The top three skills for a machine design engineer include solidworks, project management and FEA. The most important skills for a lead engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Machine Design Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $79,371 | $84,927 |
| Hourly rate | $38.16 | $40.83 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 136,423 | 301,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A machine design engineer specializes in designing and developing machines, tools, and engines for different industries. Their duties include identifying and understanding project requirements, creating blueprints and prototypes, selecting ideal resources, establishing and implementing test plans, facilitating upgrades, and setting protocols and standards. They also enhance existing machines by identifying their strengths and weaknesses and providing solutions against potential issues. Additionally, a machine design engineer usually works in a team environment, which requires an open communication line for efficient workflow.
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Machine design engineers and lead engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machine Design Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Average salary | $79,371 | $84,927 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $108,000 | Between $60,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a machine design engineer and a lead engineer in terms of educational background:
| Machine Design Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between machine design engineers' and lead engineers' demographics:
| Machine Design Engineer | Lead Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |