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.
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Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Mechanical Design Engineer to join our cutting-edge engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and optimizing mechanical systems and components that drive our technological advancements. Your expertise will contribute to the design, analysis, and manufacturing processes, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on complex projects that blend mechanical engineering principles with advanced simulation and CAD tools, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity and technical excellence thrive.
Duties
- Design and develop mechanical components and systems using CAD software such as SolidWorks ensuring compliance with industry standards like ASME codes & standards.
- Create detailed schematics, technical drawings, and drafting documentation to support manufacturing and assembly processes.
- Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) and other simulations to validate mechanical designs under various operational conditions.
- Perform root cause analysis on mechanical failures or performance issues to identify corrective actions and improve product reliability.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate system design elements involving programmable logic controllers (PLCs), LabVIEW, MATLAB, Simulink, Arduino, and other control systems.
- Develop project schedules, track milestones, and coordinate activities to ensure timely completion of design phases.
- Support manufacturing by providing technical guidance on CNC machining, prototyping, and assembly processes while adhering to safety standards.
- Apply knowledge of mechanical engineering principles in quantum engineering applications where applicable.
- Utilize system design methodologies to optimize mechanical performance within complex product architectures.
Skills
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks for 3D modeling and drafting.
- Strong understanding of mechanical knowledge including materials, thermodynamics, kinematics, and dynamics.
- Experience with FEA tools for stress analysis, thermal analysis, and vibration assessments.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes including CNC machining, prototyping, and assembly techniques.
- Ability to perform root cause analysis to troubleshoot mechanical failures effectively.
- Knowledge of system design principles involving programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Arduino platforms, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Simulink, and C programming language.
- Understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) standards for precise engineering drawings.
- Awareness of ASME codes & standards relevant to pressure vessels, piping, or structural components.
- Mechanical engineering expertise applied in schematics creation and system integration tasks.
- Experience in conducting simulations using a
- for dynamic system modeling.
- Familiarity with quantum engineering concepts if applicable to specialized projects. Join us in shaping innovative solutions through advanced mechanical design! We are committed to fostering a vibrant environment where your skills can make a real impact on groundbreaking projects across diverse industries.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $72,800.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
See All 16 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
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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
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 BNH, SFEG, and GEM Technologies, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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?
Oak Ridge, 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 29% of mechanical design engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 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
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