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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Cleveland, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer to detail part drawings using CAD and advance to mechanical ... associates degree. ProE/ CREO and Intralink / Windchill experience is a definite plus. We are a ...

Associate's Degree in CAD, Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering with CAD training, or equivalent experience. * 1-3 years of fiber optics work experience with demonstrated competence.

Associate's Degree in CAD, Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering with CAD training, or equivalent experience * 1-3 years of fiber optics work experience with demonstrated competence

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Associate Design Engineer information

See Cleveland, TN salary details

$34.7K

$69.1K

$110.4K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Cleveland, TN is $69,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $79,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectAssociate Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, supporting senior engineersLead or independent projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industriesUsed across similar industries, often with more complex tasks

The Associate Design Engineer typically holds an entry-level position supporting design tasks, while the Design Engineer has more experience and responsibility in leading projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Design Engineer often has additional certifications and a broader scope of work.

What is an associate design engineer?

Associate Design Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the development, planning, and creation of new products or systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to drafting designs, creating prototypes, and conducting tests to ensure functionality and quality. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documentation, using CAD software, and collaborating with other departments to ensure design specifications are met. This role provides foundational experience for a career in engineering design.

What are some common challenges faced by associate design engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Associate Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new design software, understanding project specifications, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical complexity of projects or the pace of deliverables. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should take advantage of mentorship opportunities, actively seek feedback, and participate in collaborative meetings to build confidence and technical proficiency. Regularly reviewing documentation and engaging with more experienced colleagues can also help accelerate learning and integration into the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Design Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, CAD design, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit) and knowledge of relevant codes or certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for creating accurate, efficient designs and collaborating effectively with teams to deliver successful engineering projects.
What are popular job titles related to Associate Design Engineer jobs in Cleveland, TN? For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Cleveland, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Cleveland, TN are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Cleveland, TN with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Cleveland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,140 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Senior Physical Design Engineer

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

PDS 6 / Power Delivery Substation

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

We have the power to energize YOUR career and spark YOUR Work/Life Balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don’t delay, plug in today for an inclusive meaningful career in power, distribution, transmission, engineering, design, technology, or innovation at Mesa Associates, Inc.

Mesa seeks a Senior Physical Design Engineer to be responsible for supervising the design and checking of deliverables associated with a high voltage substation design projects. Candidate must be familiar with the design of One Line Diagrams, Substation Layouts, Foundation Plans, Conduit/Raceway Plans, Grounding Plans, Bills of Materials, and Cable Schedules. The design will be completed using Autodesk products, mainly Inventor and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

  • Provide mentorship and training for junior level team members
  • Must be able to complete assignments within budget and schedule with a high degree of accuracy
  • Utilize AutoCAD based physical design standards
  • Performs technical preparation of deliverables and other project documents
  • Ensures deliverables comply with IEEE and/or client standards and meet applicable design requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET Accredited)
  • 8-12 years experience in the design of substation physical design deliverables
  • Proficiency in verbal and written communication
  • Proficiency with layout designs in 2D

Preferred Qualifications

  • Expertise utilizing AutoCAD and/or Inventor
  • Knowledge of Power Systems or Substation Design
  • Keen interest in learning and using the latest Autodesk software tools, methods, and technologies to develop Power Substation design
  • Proficiency with layout designs in 3D

This opportunity is a hybrid arrangement located in Mesa's Knoxville, TN office. A fully remote arrangement may be considered for highly qualified candidates located in the Southeast region of the United States.

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.