Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
Mechanical engineer jobs in Kentucky are consistently active, concentrated in aerospace and defense manufacturing, automotive components, and industrial equipment production, with openings at every level from new-graduate positions to senior principal roles. Louisville, Lexington, and the Greater Cincinnati corridor anchoring Northern Kentucky generate most of the demand, where companies like GE Appliances, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Raytheon Technologies maintain major operations. The most sought-after specialties in Kentucky listings are thermodynamics and HVAC systems, structural and materials engineering, and manufacturing process improvement. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Want to see your engineering ideas come to life at an industry-leading company? Join Hydro-Gear as a Mechanical Engineer and help design, improve, and support innovative precision drive solutions that power equipment around the globe.
- Please note, we are not able to consider candidates who currently or in the future will require VISA sponsorship.
Hydro-Gear is a world leader in the design and production of precision drive solutions, serving multiple industries and delivering to customers worldwide. Our passion is innovation and a commitment to making our customers successful. Learn more about us at Hydro-Gear.com.
Location: Sullivan, IL | Princeton, KY | Huntingdon, TN | Indianapolis, IN
Schedule: Full-time, Onsite
Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience, plus biannual bonus
https://www.hydro-gear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mechanical-Engineer.pdf
What You’ll Do:
- New Product Development – Design, develop, test, and validate new products and components.
- Existing Product Support – Provide technical support and continuous improvement for current production products.
- Project Management – Lead engineering projects from concept through implementation.
What We're Looking For
- Self-motivated individual who takes initiative
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communicator who collaborates well across teams.
- Hands-on approach with a desire to learn, improve, and innovate.
- Strong mechanical engineering and technical aptitude.
Preferred Skills/qualifications:
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
- 3D modeling software experience
- Experience working with engineering and design tools.
- Internship, co-op, or prior industry experience preferred.
Why Join Hydro-Gear?
- Opportunity to work on innovative products with a global industry leader
- Collaborative engineering environment focused on continuous improvement and innovation
Apply today and help drive innovation at Hydro-Gear.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited four-year program; Engineering Technology degrees are not eligible for this position.
See All 28 Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer JobsMechanical Engineer Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Human Resources
- Chemicals & Materials
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical engineer jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline required
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the Kentucky State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA for design and modeling work
- Experience with GD&T, manufacturing tolerances, and production process documentation
- Familiarity with industry standards including ASME, ASTM, or ISO applicable to the role
- Strong written communication skills for technical reports, specifications, and cross-functional collaboration
Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical engineer in Kentucky?
Becoming a mechanical engineer in Kentucky starts with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, which most employers require as a minimum. To practice as a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky, candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, accumulate the required engineering experience, and then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam through the Kentucky State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Licensure is mandatory for roles involving public safety sign-off and is a competitive edge in manufacturing and government-adjacent work.
How much do mechanical engineers make in Kentucky?
Mechanical engineers in Kentucky earn a median of about $101,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,370 for the lowest 10% to over $139,810 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire mechanical engineers in Kentucky?
Kentucky mechanical engineer roles are posted by Lockheed Martin, FORTNA, and Dyno Nobel and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Kentucky's deep manufacturing base in automotive, aerospace, and appliance production means a wide range of employers, from Tier 1 suppliers to large OEMs, post mechanical engineer openings on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Which Kentucky cities have the most mechanical engineer jobs?
Lexington, Louisville, and Prospect account for the largest share of mechanical engineer openings in Kentucky. Louisville drives volume through its concentration of appliance manufacturing, logistics infrastructure, and defense contractors, while Lexington's automotive and advanced manufacturing sector anchors demand in central Kentucky, and Northern Kentucky cities benefit from their proximity to the Cincinnati industrial corridor and its network of aerospace and industrial suppliers.
Are there remote mechanical engineer jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. About 20% of mechanical engineer openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on, lab, and plant-floor nature of most mechanical engineering work in the state. The portions of the role most likely to allow remote flexibility are design review, simulation and modeling, technical writing, and project coordination tasks that don't require physical presence at a manufacturing or test facility.
How can I get hired as a mechanical engineer in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path for candidates without experience is a new-graduate or co-op conversion hire at one of Kentucky's large manufacturing employers. Companies like GE Appliances in Louisville and Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown and Princeton run structured new-engineer onboarding programs that bring in ABET graduates directly. Applying for manufacturing engineer associate roles, process technician positions, or quality engineer titles can also serve as an entry point. An EIT designation from the Kentucky State Board after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam signals commitment and gives candidates a concrete credential to lead with.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings updated regularly. Search the listings, identify the roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit your background.
See All 28 Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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