Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Mechanical engineer jobs in Tennessee are consistently active, with demand concentrated in aerospace and defense, automotive manufacturing, and industrial equipment across experience levels from entry-level to senior principal. Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the state's largest hiring metros, home to established employers like Nissan, Eastman Chemical, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The most in-demand specialties are thermofluids, manufacturing process engineering, and structural analysis for defense systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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What You'll Be Doing
Job Scope: Generally responsible for performing all aspects for a complete design of complex mechanical engineering assignments. Work at this level requires extensive progressive experience in mechanical engineering and involves applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis. This work will be performed under general supervision.
Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
Familiarity with and utilizing department design and drafting standards.
Familiarity with project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.
On-site assistance during startup.
Accomplishing engineering activities such as stress analysis, construction specifications, material procurement specifications, calculations and piping estimates.
Developing conceptual layouts and cost studies as necessary to determine the simplest, most efficient approach to solving engineering tasks at hand.
Producing estimate level preliminary designs and material take-offs suitable for the level of the estimate being performed on a project.
Producing detail design calculations and sketches for materials of construction associated with the project. Calculations produced will be neatly prepared and organized for efficient checking by others and efficient use by drafters/designers for preparing drawings and as a deliverable when required.
Assisting the drafting group in resolving routine layout and detailing problems. It is your responsibility to furnish sufficient sketches and details necessary for completion of engineering drawings.
Consulting with design leaders from other disciplines to ensure the smooth flow of vital information necessary for the scheduled completion of the project.
Reviewing and checking vendor drawings and other discipline drawings for mechanical input.
Producing designs with efficient use of construction materials with an overall emphasis on ease of construction and completed product meeting the expectations of the client.
Checking calculations made by other engineers to ensure accuracy, conformance to codes, specifications, design criteria and conformance to good engineering practice.
Advising the senior engineer concerning design or scope changes, which have been identified.
Assisting other engineers in developing and assembling scopes, drawings and specifications into a “package” for mechanical purchase inquiries issued for procurement of equipment, materials or subcontract pricing.
Developing construction specifications.
Reviewing fabrication drawings and other construction submittals for conformance to engineering drawings and specifications.
Performing fieldwork necessary to gather field data, check tie-ins and provide construction support.
Provide technical guidance to less experienced drafting and engineering personnel in the department.
Knowledgeable of the discipline specific methods, practices and techniques required to engineer, design and construct process and manufacturing projects.
Recognize and communicate scope and design changes promptly.
Coordinate work activities with other teammates and the discipline lead.
Applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis to complex designs.
Estimating and scheduling professional service hours and assessing the progress and quality of mechanical work.
Complete understanding of the skills and experience required to perform engineering and design functions.
Ability to identify and develop work sharing packages for interoffice execution support. Provide leadership to ensure communication and execution of work within scope, schedule and budget.
Ideal Background
Education: Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university is required.
Registration: Professional Engineering registration is highly preferred.
Experience: This position requires 6+ years of relevant industrial experience in mechanical engineering.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of design standards and codes.
Knowledge, application and specification of materials.
Development of piping material and material procurement specifications.
Knowledge of good design practices for sizing all piping systems.
Sizing of compressible fluid piping systems.
Flexibility and stress analysis of all piping systems.
Specify criteria for and select piping specialty items.
Design of complex process and utility systems.
Knowledge of manual valve sizing, use and application.
Knowledge of HVAC (airside and waterside) system application and design codes.
Knowledge of application of piping supports and restraints.
Identification of need, application and specification of safety valves and devices to maintain the mechanical integrity of process/utility systems.
Identification of need, application and specification of steam traps and liquid drainers.
Estimating mechanical/piping construction quantities from conceptual documents.
Knowledge of other disciplines deliverable development to ensure coordination of design efforts.
Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all mechanical deliverables.
Ability to accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.
Ability to develop a construction cost estimate, a detailed engineering schedule and a man-hour budget for a small project or an area for a larger project.
Ability to determine construction material quantities.
Knowledge and ability to apply company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.
Ability to lead a small team to deliver on commitments.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Excellent presentation skills.
Virtual team skills and cross divisional relationships are developed, and able to provide interoffice execution leadership and support.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
See All 136+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer JobsMechanical Engineer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy21

- Salas O'Brien8

- BNH6B
- Amentum6

- Sherman and Reilly4S
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services10
- Construction & Real Estate5
- Manufacturing4
- Technology & Software2
- Electronics & Hardware1
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical engineer jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Engineer-in-Training or Professional Engineer licensure through the Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA
- Experience with FEA or CFD simulation tools for product design and validation
- Familiarity with GD&T, ASME standards, and manufacturing process documentation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional team collaboration
Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical engineer in Tennessee?
You become a licensed mechanical engineer in Tennessee by completing an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to earn Engineer-in-Training status, gaining qualifying work experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. The Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners issues both the EIT registration and the Professional Engineer license required for many senior and responsible-charge roles in the state.
How much do mechanical engineers make in Tennessee?
Mechanical 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 engineers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring mechanical engineers in Tennessee right now include Sargent & Lundy, Salas O'Brien, and BNH, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's mix of aerospace primes, automotive plants, and large chemical manufacturers means openings appear across a wider range of industries than most states.
Which Tennessee cities have the most mechanical engineer jobs?
Nashville, Oak Ridge, and Knoxville have the most mechanical engineer openings in Tennessee. Nashville anchors the market through its aerospace, defense, and healthcare device sectors, while Knoxville draws heavily from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and University of Tennessee research activities, and Chattanooga supports manufacturing and automotive engineering roles tied to large industrial employers in the region.
Are there remote mechanical engineer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. About 65% of mechanical engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how hands-on the discipline is. The roles most likely to allow remote work are those focused on simulation, analysis, or systems documentation rather than lab testing, prototyping, or production floor support.
How can I get hired as a mechanical engineer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a new-graduate or co-op-to-hire program at one of Tennessee's large manufacturers or research institutions. Employers like Eastman Chemical and the Tennessee Valley Authority run structured rotational or early-career programs that place candidates without full-time experience into supervised engineering roles. Pursuing your Engineer-in-Training registration through the Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners before you graduate gives you a clear credential advantage, and adjacent entry roles in quality engineering or manufacturing process support at Tennessee automotive plants are a common lateral door into the field.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings across industries and experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 136+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs