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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Showing 5 of 13+ Mechanical Design Engineer jobs
Job ID: 518718
Location: SODDY DAISY, TN
Regular/Temporary:
External - Posting Description
Mechanical Engineer, Design (NPG) B - 518718
Organization: Nuclear Power Group
Department: SQN Fleet Mech
Work Location: Soddy Daisy, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Spring City, TN
Relocation: Relocation is not offered for this position.
Posting Open: 08/07/2026
Posting Close: 08/16/2026 11:59 PM EST
Salary: Competitive
Job Summary
Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of mechanical engineering work in a part of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope. Performs work which involves conventional mechanical engineering practice but may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, and difficult coordination requirements. Work requires a broad knowledge of precedents in the specialty area and good knowledge of and practices of related specialty.
As a fully competent mechanical engineer in all conventional experience aspects of the subject matter of the functional area of the assignments, plans and conducts work requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems encountered. Required sufficient professional experience to ensure competence as a fully trained worker. Provides procurement, field engineering including walkdowns, modifications/maintenance, and testing support.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May supervise or coordinate the work of multidiscipline engineers, CAD Technicians, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.
Supervision Received
Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisor’s approval on proposed plans for projects.
Skills and Proficiencies (May be job or organization specific)
Hydraulic Analysis Design Change Package Codes and Standards Procurement/Design Specs
Heat Transfer Analysis Physical Installation Heat Balance Analysis Equipment Qualification
Pump Selection Valve and Orifice Sizing Root Cause Analysis Fire Protection-Appendix R/
Heat Exchange HVAC Equipment Set Design Basis Knowledge MOVATS
PSA
Minimum Qualifications (Consistent with Classification Standard)
The minimum requirements below meet or exceed ANSI/ANS 3.1-2014 standards.
Education and Experience/Certificates, Licenses, and Registration Requirements
Education - Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or other related engineering degrees from an accredited curriculum, plus appropriate continuing education.
Experience - Must have demonstrated proficiency in mechanical engineering as evidenced by completion of Engineering Graduate Progression Plan or equivalent post engineering graduate education and experience (at least 2 years of related experience and 1 year of nuclear power plant experience).
Certifications/Licenses - Licensed Professional Engineer desirable. Membership in professional and technical societies is desirable. For Fire Protection Employees: must be member grade SFPE and hold all designated restrictions. Fire Protection Engineering degree is recommended.
Other Requirements - Must be able to obtain and maintain unescorted nuclear plant access and S-3 and S-4 medical qualifications when applicable. Must be able and willing to assume “on-call” rotational assignments which may include 24 hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week availability. Must be willing and medically able to work rotating shifts and maximum overtime permitted by TVAN procedures during peak periods. Must be able and willing to travel to plant locations as required when performing assigned tasks and, as necessary, to be temporarily assigned to a field location.
Equal Employment Opportunity
TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Drug-Free Workplace
All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace. TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
How to Claim Vet Preference
If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office. The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service. Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position.
How to Submit Documentation:
- Upload documents in Step 7 of the application process.
- Email documents to careers@tva.gov
More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at https://www.tva.gov/Careers/Claiming-Veteran-Preference. If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email Careers@tva.gov.
Job ID: 518718
Location: SODDY DAISY, TN
Regular/Temporary:
External - Posting Description
Mechanical Engineer, Design (NPG) B - 518718
Organization: Nuclear Power Group
Department: SQN Fleet Mech
Work Location: Soddy Daisy, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Spring City, TN
Relocation: Relocation is not offered for this position.
Posting Open: 08/07/2026
Posting Close: 08/16/2026 11:59 PM EST
Salary: Competitive
Job Summary
Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of mechanical engineering work in a part of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope. Performs work which involves conventional mechanical engineering practice but may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, and difficult coordination requirements. Work requires a broad knowledge of precedents in the specialty area and good knowledge of and practices of related specialty.
As a fully competent mechanical engineer in all conventional experience aspects of the subject matter of the functional area of the assignments, plans and conducts work requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems encountered. Required sufficient professional experience to ensure competence as a fully trained worker. Provides procurement, field engineering including walkdowns, modifications/maintenance, and testing support.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May supervise or coordinate the work of multidiscipline engineers, CAD Technicians, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.
Supervision Received
Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisor’s approval on proposed plans for projects.
Skills and Proficiencies (May be job or organization specific)
Hydraulic Analysis Design Change Package Codes and Standards Procurement/Design Specs
Heat Transfer Analysis Physical Installation Heat Balance Analysis Equipment Qualification
Pump Selection Valve and Orifice Sizing Root Cause Analysis Fire Protection-Appendix R/
Heat Exchange HVAC Equipment Set Design Basis Knowledge MOVATS
PSA
Minimum Qualifications (Consistent with Classification Standard)
The minimum requirements below meet or exceed ANSI/ANS 3.1-2014 standards.
Education and Experience/Certificates, Licenses, and Registration Requirements
Education - Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or other related engineering degrees from an accredited curriculum, plus appropriate continuing education.
Experience - Must have demonstrated proficiency in mechanical engineering as evidenced by completion of Engineering Graduate Progression Plan or equivalent post engineering graduate education and experience (at least 2 years of related experience and 1 year of nuclear power plant experience).
Certifications/Licenses - Licensed Professional Engineer desirable. Membership in professional and technical societies is desirable. For Fire Protection Employees: must be member grade SFPE and hold all designated restrictions. Fire Protection Engineering degree is recommended.
Other Requirements - Must be able to obtain and maintain unescorted nuclear plant access and S-3 and S-4 medical qualifications when applicable. Must be able and willing to assume “on-call” rotational assignments which may include 24 hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week availability. Must be willing and medically able to work rotating shifts and maximum overtime permitted by TVAN procedures during peak periods. Must be able and willing to travel to plant locations as required when performing assigned tasks and, as necessary, to be temporarily assigned to a field location.
Equal Employment Opportunity
TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Drug-Free Workplace
All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace. TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
How to Claim Vet Preference
If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office. The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service. Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position.
How to Submit Documentation:
- Upload documents in Step 7 of the application process.
- Email documents to careers@tva.gov
More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at https://www.tva.gov/Careers/Claiming-Veteran-Preference. If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email Careers@tva.gov.
See All 13 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
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
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, AAON, and SFEG, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Memphis, Fairview, and Knoxville 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 25% of mechanical design engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 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 13 Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
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