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Associate Production Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Production Associate - Sand & Buff

Smyrna, TN ยท On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Position Summary As a Production Associate - Sand & Buff, you'll grind, sand, and polish used auto ... Our engineering team pioneered solutions to extend EV battery life, pushing the boundaries of ...

Production Planner

Alcoa, TN ยท On-site

$32 - $35/hr

... production, engineering, and maintenance. Additional responsibilities include data entry ... Associates or BS degree in a technical field 3+ years planning experience in a manufacturing ...

Production Planner

Alcoa, TN ยท On-site

$32 - $35/hr

... production, engineering, and maintenance. Additional responsibilities include data entry ... Associates or BS degree in a technical field 3+ years planning experience in a manufacturing ...

Production Associate I

Knoxville, TN

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

We specialize in engineering, manufacturing, and sourcing hydraulic and electronic control ... Keeps daily production records. Maintains a clean and organized work environment. Typically ...

Production Associate I

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

We specialize in engineering, manufacturing, and sourcing hydraulic and electronic control ... Keeps daily production records. Maintains a clean and organized work environment. Typically ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Production Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do associate production engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate production engineer in Tennessee is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate production engineer?

Associate Production Engineers are entry-level professionals who support the design, implementation, and maintenance of production systems in manufacturing or technology environments. They work closely with senior engineers to troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and ensure efficient production operations. Their responsibilities often include monitoring equipment, analyzing data, and assisting with process improvements. This role serves as a foundational step for those seeking to advance to higher engineering positions in production or operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate production engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Production Engineer, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, production management systems, and quality control tools is typically required, along with knowledge of safety standards. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help in coordinating effectively with cross-functional teams and addressing production challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate production engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Production Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, maintaining production schedules, and ensuring product quality under tight deadlines. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong problem-solving skills, collaborating closely with maintenance teams, and leveraging data analysis to identify recurring issues. Effective communication with operators and supervisors is also essential to quickly resolve production bottlenecks and maintain smooth workflow. Continuous learning and staying updated on new manufacturing technologies can further help in overcoming these challenges.

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

AspectAssociate Production EngineerProduction Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-level certificationsBachelor's degree in engineering; some roles may prefer professional certifications
Work EnvironmentAssists in daily production activities, quality checks, and process monitoringOversees production processes, implements improvements, and manages teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, oil & gas, chemical industriesManufacturing, oil & gas, chemical industries

The Associate Production Engineer typically performs support and assistant roles in production environments, focusing on learning and executing tasks under supervision. In contrast, the Production Engineer takes on more responsibility for process optimization and decision-making. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and industrial sectors, with the associate position serving as a stepping stone to a full production engineering role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Production Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Associate Production Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Associate Production Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Production Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,763 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Production Associate - Sand & Buff

TERREPOWER

Smyrna, TN โ€ข On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description


Position Summary
As a Production Associate - Sand & Buff, you'll grind, sand, and polish used auto light lenses back to insurance-quality condition, using real hand and machine finishing skills that ship straight out to collision repair shops across the country.
This is production-line work with a visible result: you can hold up a lens at the end of your shift and see exactly what you fixed. You'll work alongside a team that trades tips on technique, and your ideas on a faster or cleaner finish genuinely make it into how the line runs.
What you'll do
  • Inspect each lens or housing and diagnose exactly what material and process it needs - light buffing, deep sanding, or a full re-finish.
  • Set up with the right grinding wheels, sanding grits, and polishing compounds for the job in front of you.
  • Grind, sand, clean, and polish lenses by hand and machine until the finish hits insurance-quality standard - no shortcuts, no fogging, no scratches left behind.
  • Run every finished piece through quality control before it moves to the next station.
  • Follow safety procedures on every job - PPE, machine guards, and safe handling, every time.
  • Bring your ideas to the team on faster or better ways to get the same clean finish.

What you'll bring
  • High school diploma or equivalent practical experience - required.
  • 1+ year of warehouse, manufacturing, or factory experience - preferred, not required.
  • Grinding, sanding, or buffing/polishing experience - a plus, not required, we'll train the technique.
  • You catch defects and imperfections before a part leaves your station - a sharp eye for finish quality matters here.
  • You can stand, stay focused, and keep steady hands through a full 8-10-hour shift.
  • You can track multiple parts moving through your station at once without losing accuracy.
  • You're coachable - willing to pick up new finishing techniques from teammates and trainers.

Physical Requirements
Physical Demands: Stand or walk up to 8-10 hours; lift and move totes up to 50 pounds; regular bending, lifting, stretching, and reaching both below the waist and above the head; comfortable working in a warehouse environment with variable noise, lighting, and temperature.
About Us
About Us:
For over 35 years, TERREPOWER (formerly BBB Industries) has been a leader in sustainable manufacturing, driving the circular economy by extending the life of essential products in the automotive and industrial markets.
Founded in 1987 in Daphne, Alabama by the Bigler family, TERREPOWER began as a small regional remanufacturer of starters and alternators. Our commitment to quality and innovation quickly earned us a reputation as a trusted name in the automotive industry.
Recognizing new challenges and opportunities, in 2019 we set our sights on EV battery upcycling-addressing one of the industry's most pressing issues. Our engineering team pioneered solutions to extend EV battery life, pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation.
Recognizing that demand for solar panels would exceed availability and 100,000 tons of waste would potentially go into landfills by 2035, our team searched for an innovative way to upcycle solar panels. With an eye on the future, we developed ways to upcycle solar panels.
Rooted in family and community values, we're proud to have second-generation employees contributing to our legacy. Backed by Clearlake Capital, we've expanded our footprint into Europe with facilities in Spain, Italy, Denmark, Germany and Poland. We now sustainably manufacture and supply an assortment of nondiscretionary repair parts across more than 90 countries.
As we move forward under the TERREPOWER name, we remain committed to the same values that have always defined us: entrepreneurship, teamwork, customer-centered, sustainability, safety.
Why Join Us?
When you join our team, you become part of a company that is redefining how essential products are made, reused and repurposed to reduce waste and maximize resources.
Here's what sets us apart:
  • Purpose-Driven Work - Every day, your work will contribute to extending the useful life of essential products, keeping vehicles on the road and critical systems running.
  • Innovative Mindset - We encourage creative problem-solving and bold ideas to push the boundaries of what is possible.
  • Global Reach, Local Impact - With operations in North America and Europe, we have a global presence but remain deeply connected to the communities we serve.
  • Growth & Development - Whether you're on the production floor, in engineering, or part of our corporate team, we invest in your success through training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.
  • A Culture of Collaboration - Rooted in teamwork and shared values, our employees work together to tackle challenges and drive meaningful change.

TERREPOWER is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, age, veteran status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability unrelated to the ability to perform a job, sexual orientation, or transgender status to the extent protected by law. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success.