Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Mechanical design engineer jobs in Tennessee are consistently active, with strong demand from entry-level to senior positions concentrated in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and defense systems. Nashville, Huntsville-adjacent Clarksville, and Chattanooga are the primary hiring hubs, with established employers such as Lockheed Martin, Nissan, and Tennessee Valley Authority sustaining long-term demand for this role. The most sought-after specialties include CAD-driven product development, tooling and fixture design, and systems integration for advanced manufacturing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 16+ Mechanical Design Engineer jobs







ATC is looking to hire a mid-senior level Mechanical Design Engineer in Cookeville, TN to create and support custom automation equipment. ATC Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly and test equipment for various industries including transportation, life science, and consumer goods.
A Mechanical Design Engineer creates 3D designs and detail drawings of automated assembly and test equipment starting from application concepts and customer specifications. This position requires a high mechanical aptitude to design world class automation with a high level of proficiency. Enjoy a dynamic role with constant variety and challenge-no two machine designs are ever the same. With ATC you will work in a unique team environment. Our team members desire to deliver exceptional projects within budget and schedule while ensuring customer satisfaction.
For more information, please visit our website at https://atcautomation.com/.
This is an onsite, full-time position with the opportunity of professional growth across our corporate organization. This position is located at our Cookeville, TN location and reports directly to the Business Unit Manager.
You can enjoy great benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Paid Time Off. If you are passionate about driving automation solutions and eager to make a tangible impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your talents.
Meet ATC Automation
Since 1977, ATC Automation has been redefining what's possible in custom automation. From concept to commissioning, we partner with leading brands across the globe to design and deliver custom machinery that drives efficiency, precision, and long-term performance. Our automation expertise spans critical industries that shape the way we live and move-Life Science, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry.
How You'll Contribute
- Align with applications engineering and customers on the scope of work and specifications.
- Create full machine models using SolidWorks.
- Specifying proper materials and components for the application.
- Presenting of concepts and designs at customer review meetings.
- Create dimensional drawings and assembly drawings including a bill of materials.
- Support debug and machine tryout.
- Staying risk aware and work within a project budget.
- Occasional travel and valid driver's license are required.
Basic Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Engineering Technology or related field is preferred.
- Minimum 4 years of custom automation design experience.
- Possess a high mechanical aptitude. Exposure to automated systems is preferred.
- Desire to learn and need to contribute to team success.
- Possess good written and verbal communication skills.
- Work well independently as well as cohesively within a team.
- Exposure to 3D CAD, Solidworks is preferred.
- Require knowledge of layout, machining and assembly.
Physical Demands:
- Stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to floor.
- Exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
- Exert 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.
- Exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- VISUAL ACUITY: Near acuity with or without accommodation.
- HEARING Ability: Ability to monitor machine sounds to identify and diagnose.
Disclaimer:
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This job description is subject to change but will remain in effect until superseded or canceled in writing by Human Resources.
ATC Automation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
ATC Automation is the Automation segment of TASI Group. The TASI Group of Companies is comprised of four technologically advanced Strategic Business Segments commonly linked by a disciplined focus on Product Integrity, Package Integrity, and Automation. Each TASI company delivers world-class products and services, focusing on our global customer needs in diverse market segments. TASI has served several thousand global customers over the years and enjoys a very high rate of repeat customers, many of which are Blue Chip Global Companies. Major Markets include: Automotive, Medical Devices, Life Science, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Consumer Goods and General Industrial Equipment.
See All 16 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsMechanical Design Engineer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Design Engineer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical design engineer jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline required
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo is expected
- Experience with GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing tolerances for production environments
- Familiarity with FEA tools and simulation software for structural or thermal analysis
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and procurement
- Professional Engineer licensure through the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners preferred for senior roles
Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical design engineer in Tennessee?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program is the standard entry requirement. Tennessee does not mandate licensure for most industry roles, but engineers who sign off on public work must be licensed through the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners, which requires passing the FE and PE exams. Many employers also value internship experience gained through Tennessee's strong co-op programs at universities such as the University of Tennessee or Vanderbilt.
How much do mechanical design engineers make in Tennessee?
Mechanical design engineers in Tennessee earn a median of about $99,550 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $64,150 for the lowest 10% to over $156,150 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire mechanical design engineers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring mechanical design engineers in Tennessee right now include Type One Energy, SFEG, and Schneider Electric, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Tennessee's aerospace, automotive, and defense manufacturing base means many of these employers offer recurring openings across production engineering, R&D, and systems design functions.
Which Tennessee cities have the most mechanical design engineer jobs?
Knoxville, Memphis, and Fairview have the most mechanical design engineer openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads due to its broad advanced manufacturing and corporate engineering presence, while Chattanooga's automotive corridor anchored by Volkswagen and electric vehicle suppliers drives consistent demand, and smaller markets like Clarksville benefit from proximity to the defense and aerospace contractors tied to Fort Campbell and the greater Huntsville defense cluster.
Are there remote mechanical design engineer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. About 14% of mechanical design engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most design roles. The portions of the work most compatible with remote arrangements are CAD modeling, documentation, and design review, while prototyping, lab testing, and production coordination almost always require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a mechanical design engineer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to junior or associate mechanical engineer roles at mid-sized Tennessee manufacturers or Tier 1 automotive suppliers, where new graduates are routinely brought in to support senior engineers on tooling, fixtures, or component design. Employers such as Bridgestone Americas and Denso Manufacturing Tennessee run structured development programs for early-career engineers. A strong SolidWorks or CATIA portfolio and an EIT credential from the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners will give you a concrete edge over candidates without them.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical design engineer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to mechanical design engineer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings from employers actively hiring for this role. Find the roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly through each listing.
See All 16 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs