Senior Designer Jobs in Tennessee
Senior Designer jobs in Tennessee are concentrated in Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga, where the state's strongest design markets sit across healthcare, entertainment, and manufacturing sectors. Large employers such as HCA Healthcare, FedEx, and Nissan North America maintain in-house creative and product design teams that regularly bring on senior designers. The most in-demand specialties in Tennessee are UX and product design, brand and marketing design, and industrial or packaging design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At IEM, we're not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we're shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, you'll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world's most dynamic markets.
Location: Franklin, TN or Tualatin, OR
Reports To: Sr R&D Manager-MV
Position Summary:
The Senior Mechanical Designer provides essential support to the engineering team by contributing to 3D modeling, 2D drawing creation, and BOM management for IEM's medium voltage power distribution products. This entry-level position focuses on developing technical skills, maintaining attention to detail, and collaborating with group engineers to deliver accurate and high-quality NPI solutions. The role requires an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience and emphasizes learning and supporting engineering design workflows and manufacturability principles.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop advanced 3D models and detailed 2D fabrication drawings for custom and standard mechanical designs.
- Create and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for various assemblies and projects.
- Collaborate with engineers to refine designs, ensure manufacturability, and adhere to project timelines.
- Support group engineers by providing design expertise, addressing design challenges, and contributing to workflow improvements.
- Conduct design reviews to ensure compliance with industry standards, internal benchmarks, and customer specifications.
- Serve as a key resource in design documentation, drafting standards, and design process optimization.
NPI
- Create high-quality 3D models and client-facing drawings to support DTO and engineering workflows.
- Validate designs for manufacturability, compliance with specifications, and adherence to industry standards.
- Update and manage BOMs for accuracy throughout project lifecycles.
- Conduct self-reviews and participate in peer reviews to maintain high-quality deliverables.
- Support efforts to enhance drawing and documentation processes, ensuring consistency across projects.
Collaboration and Support
- Work closely with senior engineers, manufacturing teams, and plant personnel to optimize designs for manufacturing.
- Assist in the development and implementation of standards for drawing creation and BOM management.
- Provide technical support during the manufacturing and installation phases, addressing challenges proactively.
- Support senior group engineers, manufacturing engineers and plant personnel to refine designs for manufacturability.
Competencies:
- Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Exposure to sheet metal design is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Pro E.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate across teams.
Qualifications
- Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent job experience.
- 1-3+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in DTO or custom engineering.
Why Join IEM
At IEM, you'll join a team that powers some of the world's most ambitious projects. We're engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.
We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success.
Recruiting Scams
Beware of recruiting scams. IEM never charges candidates fees, and all recruiter emails come from an @iemfg.com address. If you suspect fraudulent activity, do not share personal information and report it to us at iemfg.com/contact.
Non-Discrimination Statement
IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.
Privacy
Information collected and processed as part of your IEM Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to IEM's Workforce Member Privacy Policy.
Use of AI
At IEM, we are committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. Use the link below to view how we use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in reviewing job applications and your rights as an applicant.
See All 44 Senior Designer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Designer JobsSenior Designer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Designer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy17

- Mesa Associates3

- Genesco2

- Affiliated Engineers2

- FedEx1

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Retail
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior designer jobs across Tennessee.
- Portfolio demonstrating five or more years of end-to-end design ownership across multiple projects
- Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, or industry-standard design and prototyping tools
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, industrial design, UX design, or a closely related field
- Experience leading design reviews and mentoring junior designers within a team environment
- Demonstrated ability to translate business goals and user research into polished design solutions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting concepts to cross-functional stakeholders
Senior Designer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior designer in Tennessee?
Reaching a senior designer role in Tennessee typically requires a bachelor's degree in design and several years of progressively responsible work building a strong portfolio. Unlike licensed professions, design has no state-issued Tennessee license or mandatory registration, so employers screen primarily on portfolio quality, tool proficiency, and leadership experience. Nashville's large healthcare and entertainment companies and Chattanooga's growing creative sector are practical places to build that experience before stepping into a senior role.
Which companies hire senior designers in Tennessee?
Companies currently hiring senior designers in Tennessee include Sargent & Lundy, Mesa Associates, and Genesco, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's mix of major healthcare systems, logistics headquarters, and automotive manufacturers creates steady in-house design demand beyond the typical agency market.
Which Tennessee cities have the most senior designer jobs?
Chattanooga, Nashville, and Knoxville account for the most senior designer openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its dense concentration of healthcare, music and entertainment, and technology companies, while Memphis draws demand from logistics and corporate headquarters, and Chattanooga's expanding innovation and manufacturing base supports a growing in-house design community.
Are there remote senior designer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 72% of senior designer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the screen-based nature of most design disciplines. UX, product, and brand design roles are the most likely to be offered remotely, while industrial and environmental design positions almost always require on-site work.
How can I get hired as a senior designer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is starting in a junior or associate designer role at a Tennessee employer and building a portfolio of shipped work over two to three years. Nashville's healthcare and technology companies, including large systems and health-tech firms, regularly hire design associates and offer internal growth tracks. Transitioning from adjacent roles such as marketing coordinator, visual content producer, or front-end developer is also common. A strong portfolio, even built from freelance or personal projects, carries more weight in Tennessee hiring than a graduate credential alone.
Where can I find and apply to senior designer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to senior designer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to each one without creating a profile or signing up.
See All 44 Senior Designer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Designer Jobs