Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Mechanical Project Engineer jobs in Tennessee are actively sought across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors, with openings ranging from entry-level project roles through senior engineering leadership. Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis anchor the largest concentrations of hiring, while the Tri-Cities region and Knoxville also draw steady demand. Major employers with deep Tennessee roots, including Nissan North America, Eastman Chemical, and Tennessee Valley Authority, regularly bring on mechanical project engineers for facilities, product development, and infrastructure work. The most in-demand specialties include HVAC and MEP systems, manufacturing process engineering, and capital project management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This position will offer you the opportunity to manage project(s) consisting of engineers, designers, and controls and scheduling professionals involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing nuclear power plant modifications. The position will involve coordinating with multiple internal and external departments to manage the life cycle of project execution.
- Responsible for project execution, coordination of resources from each discipline as required.
- Take ownership for all aspects of project performance including safety, schedule, budget, reporting and client experience through entire project lifecycle.
- Manage and direct the project team to ensure accountability. Mentor and coach team members.
- Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with client task engineers and stakeholders.
- Lead efforts to ensure projects are completed safely, satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.
- Support the reporting of key performance indicators for schedule, budget and other dashboard items.
- Identify and control construction risk.
- Recognize, identify, track and control change.
- Prepare and review modification packages, mechanical drawings, and engineering analyses or evaluations for operating nuclear plants and systems as required.
- Prepare technical specifications and procurement documents, and conduct vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment as required.
- Communicate and consult with appropriate stakeholders and supervisors.
- Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and Sargent & Lundy formats.
- Analyze issues and provide solutions to improve results.
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Systems Engineering, or General Engineering from an ABET accredited program
- Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams
- 10 or more years of experience in the power industry
- 5 or more years of experience with serving as a firm/client liaison in a support or lead role
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple competing priorities
- Proven experience completing technical deliverables for modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
- Engineering design experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a collaborative team setting
- Schedule and budget development and management
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Construction Management, MBA, or other management/business degree
- PMP Certification
- Experience writing proposals
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
This position will offer you the opportunity to manage project(s) consisting of engineers, designers, and controls and scheduling professionals involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing nuclear power plant modifications. The position will involve coordinating with multiple internal and external departments to manage the life cycle of project execution.
- Responsible for project execution, coordination of resources from each discipline as required.
- Take ownership for all aspects of project performance including safety, schedule, budget, reporting and client experience through entire project lifecycle.
- Manage and direct the project team to ensure accountability. Mentor and coach team members.
- Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with client task engineers and stakeholders.
- Lead efforts to ensure projects are completed safely, satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.
- Support the reporting of key performance indicators for schedule, budget and other dashboard items.
- Identify and control construction risk.
- Recognize, identify, track and control change.
- Prepare and review modification packages, mechanical drawings, and engineering analyses or evaluations for operating nuclear plants and systems as required.
- Prepare technical specifications and procurement documents, and conduct vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment as required.
- Communicate and consult with appropriate stakeholders and supervisors.
- Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and Sargent & Lundy formats.
- Analyze issues and provide solutions to improve results.
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Systems Engineering, or General Engineering from an ABET accredited program
- Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams
- 10 or more years of experience in the power industry
- 5 or more years of experience with serving as a firm/client liaison in a support or lead role
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple competing priorities
- Proven experience completing technical deliverables for modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
- Engineering design experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a collaborative team setting
- Schedule and budget development and management
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Construction Management, MBA, or other management/business degree
- PMP Certification
- Experience writing proposals
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 13 Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsMechanical Project Engineer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Project Engineer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical project engineer jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Professional Engineer licensure or eligibility through the Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners preferred
- Three or more years of project engineering or project management experience in a relevant industry
- Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit for mechanical design and documentation
- Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and cross-functional engineering teams
- Familiarity with ASME, ASHRAE, or industry-specific codes applicable to Tennessee manufacturing or construction projects
Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical project engineer in Tennessee?
The standard path in Tennessee begins with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, followed by gaining project engineering experience in manufacturing, construction, or energy. For roles involving public projects or design authority, you will want to pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners, which requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, accruing qualifying experience, and then sitting for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
How much do mechanical project engineers make in Tennessee?
Mechanical project 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 project engineers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring mechanical project engineers in Tennessee right now include Affiliated Engineers, Amazon, and Sargent & Lundy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Tennessee's concentration of automotive plants, chemical manufacturers, and large utility operations means demand is spread across both industrial and infrastructure-focused organizations throughout the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most mechanical project engineer jobs?
The cities with the most mechanical project engineer openings in Tennessee are Nashville, Chattanooga, and Counce. Nashville drives volume through its commercial construction boom and growing corporate headquarters presence, Chattanooga draws heavily from automotive and advanced manufacturing anchored by large assembly operations, and Memphis contributes through logistics infrastructure and industrial facilities concentrated along the Mississippi corridor.
Are there remote mechanical project engineer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Mechanical project engineering is largely a hands-on, site-dependent role requiring coordination at facilities, construction sites, or manufacturing floors, which limits full remote arrangements. About 67% of mechanical project engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, making up a small share of total listings. The portions most likely to allow remote work include document control, design review, and project planning phases rather than active site execution.
How can I get hired as a mechanical project engineer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a new-graduate or rotational engineering position at a large Tennessee industrial employer. Eastman Chemical in Kingsport, Tennessee Valley Authority, and major automotive suppliers throughout Middle Tennessee run structured new-engineer programs that place candidates in project support roles before full project ownership. Pursuing your Engineer-in-Training designation through the Tennessee State Board immediately after graduation signals seriousness to employers. Adjacent roles such as facilities engineer, process technician, or design drafter also provide credible stepping stones into dedicated project engineering responsibilities.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical project engineer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to mechanical project engineer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your experience and specialization and apply directly to employers through the listings.
See All 13 Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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