Mechanical Designer Jobs in Tennessee
Mechanical designer jobs in Tennessee are active across the state's manufacturing, defense, and automotive sectors, with openings ranging from entry-level drafters to senior design engineers. Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville anchor most of the hiring, where employers like Volkswagen Group of America, Nissan North America, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory maintain lasting design and engineering operations. Sheet metal fabrication, HVAC systems, and precision machined components are among the most in-demand specialties for mechanical designers in Tennessee. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Mechanical Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 29+ Mechanical Designer jobs
- Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, you will be responsible for developing drawings and/or 3D models, while working on multi-disciplined design projects, and guiding junior-level designers
- You will work on challenging assignments that include the design of Mechanical systems, specialty equipment, investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
- Utilize 2D and 3D CAD modeling software tools to generate design packages
- Support coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated design model
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design package
-
Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as:
- Representations of machine components or machine assemblies, including external and internal details of the assembled components
- Auxiliary equipment panel layout and design involving pneumatic and / or fluid interfacing components, interconnecting tubing, fittings and supports, piping, fittings and supports, etc.
- General arrangements (GAs) drawings
- Piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings
- Equipment location drawings
- Perform reviews, conduct walkdowns and gather information of existing facilities, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers
- Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced designers by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice”
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less-experienced designers and drafters
Must be a U.S. Citizen; Dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S. does not qualify.
Essential skills and experience:
- Must be able to obtain US Government security clearance
- An Associate's Degree in a technical area including drafting or a high school diploma and equivalent technical design experience
- Ten or more years of experience
- Proficiency with design software tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar, to produce 2D and 3D drawings and models
- Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
- Ability to interface and communicate with engineering and design teams of other disciplines
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- BIM modeling using Autodesk products (Revit) or equivalent
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) experience
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, you will be responsible for developing drawings and/or 3D models, while working on multi-disciplined design projects, and guiding junior-level designers
- You will work on challenging assignments that include the design of Mechanical systems, specialty equipment, investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
- Utilize 2D and 3D CAD modeling software tools to generate design packages
- Support coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated design model
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design package
-
Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as:
- Representations of machine components or machine assemblies, including external and internal details of the assembled components
- Auxiliary equipment panel layout and design involving pneumatic and / or fluid interfacing components, interconnecting tubing, fittings and supports, piping, fittings and supports, etc.
- General arrangements (GAs) drawings
- Piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings
- Equipment location drawings
- Perform reviews, conduct walkdowns and gather information of existing facilities, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers
- Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced designers by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice”
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less-experienced designers and drafters
Must be a U.S. Citizen; Dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S. does not qualify.
Essential skills and experience:
- Must be able to obtain US Government security clearance
- An Associate's Degree in a technical area including drafting or a high school diploma and equivalent technical design experience
- Ten or more years of experience
- Proficiency with design software tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar, to produce 2D and 3D drawings and models
- Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
- Ability to interface and communicate with engineering and design teams of other disciplines
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- BIM modeling using Autodesk products (Revit) or equivalent
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) experience
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
See All 29 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer JobsMechanical Designer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Designer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy15
- MS Technology2
- Affiliated Engineers2
- Amentum1
- Parsons1
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical designer jobs across Tennessee.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology or a related field
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo
- Experience creating detailed part drawings and GD&T-annotated engineering documentation
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes including sheet metal, machining, or injection molding
- Ability to collaborate with mechanical engineers on design reviews and tolerance analysis
- Experience working within PDM or PLM systems for drawing control and revision management
Mechanical Designer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical designer in Tennessee?
Most mechanical designers in Tennessee enter the field with an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology or a CAD drafting program from a Tennessee College of Applied Technology or a four-year engineering technology program. Tennessee does not require a state license specifically for mechanical designers, but employers commonly expect proficiency in industry-standard CAD tools and a portfolio of documented drawings. Earning a Certified SolidWorks Associate or similar credential strengthens applications considerably in Tennessee's manufacturing-heavy market.
Which companies hire mechanical designers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring mechanical designers in Tennessee right now include Sargent & Lundy, MS Technology, and Affiliated Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's concentration of automotive assembly plants, aerospace suppliers, and federal research facilities like Oak Ridge National Laboratory generates consistent demand for mechanical designers with experience in both production and research environments.
Which Tennessee cities have the most mechanical designer jobs?
Oak Ridge, Chattanooga, and Nashville have the most mechanical designer openings in Tennessee. Nashville's growth in advanced manufacturing and corporate engineering centers drives volume there, Chattanooga's automotive corridor anchored by Volkswagen supports steady demand, and Knoxville benefits from proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and a network of defense and energy contractors that keep design roles active year-round.
Are there remote mechanical designer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. About 71% of mechanical designer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, since the role typically involves hands-on collaboration with manufacturing floors, prototyping labs, and on-site engineering teams. The portions of the work most likely to be remote are documentation review, drawing revisions, and CAD modeling tasks that don't require physical access to parts or machinery.
How can I get hired as a mechanical designer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a mechanical engineering technology or CAD drafting program at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology, which many Tennessee manufacturers treat as direct pipelines for junior design roles. Automotive suppliers and contract manufacturers across Chattanooga and Middle Tennessee regularly bring on entry-level designers who can demonstrate solid SolidWorks or CATIA skills and a clean portfolio of student or personal projects. Lateral moves from CNC machinist, quality inspector, or manufacturing technician roles are also common, since that hands-on background is valued highly by Tennessee production environments.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings from employers hiring now. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 29 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer Jobs