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Chief Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Nc

$43K - $75K/yr

Multiple Ferry Chief Engineer positions will be filled from this posting. We will be filling positions for the following locations: Cedar Island, Cherry Branch, Currituck, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Pamlico ...

Svitzer

As Chief Engineer, you are hands-on, accountable, and ultimately responsible for keeping powerful tug vessels operational in a demanding, safety-critical environment where downtime is not an option.

Oshkosh Corporation

Chief Engineer

Jefferson City, TN

$103K - $177K/yr

We are looking for a Chief Engineer to lead the technical direction and engineering performance of our Jefferson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility. As a key member of the plant leadership team ...

Oshkosh Corporation

Chief Engineer

Jefferson City, TN · On-site

$103K - $177K/yr

We are looking for a Chief Engineer to lead the technical direction and engineering performance of our Jefferson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility. As a key member of the plant leadership team ...

Core Linen Services

Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN

Working as a Laundry Chief Engineer, you are responsible for organizing and directing programs to maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment through appropriate utilization of resources and ...

Avion Hospitality

Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Job Summary The Chief Engineer is responsible for ensuring proper operations, maintenance, service and repair of all equipment, while supporting the Avion Hospitality ...

Avion Hospitality

Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60K/yr

Job Summary The Chief Engineer is responsible for ensuring proper operations, maintenance, service and repair of all equipment, while supporting the Avion Hospitality goals of guest satisfaction ...

JLL

Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN

As Chief Engineer, you'll provide operational leadership for the engineering team, ensuring machinery and systems operate safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while achieving 100% uptime through ...

JLL

Assistant Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN

$36 - $40/hr

The Assistant Chief Engineer plays a key role in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of all facility equipment and building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical ...

Bozzuto

Roving Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN

As the Chief Engineer, you will function as the hands on supervisor while ensuring that the onsite maintenance team/technicians deliver quality services that continue to keep Bozzuto managed ...

Bozzuto

Roving Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

As the Chief Engineer, you will function as the hands on supervisor while ensuring that the onsite maintenance team/technicians deliver quality services that continue to keep Bozzuto managed ...

Southern Devall Towing Co

Chief Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

Each engineer will develop a self-directed work schedule which will allow them to be in the machinery spaces on a timely basis and often enough to monitor closely all operating equipment for unusual ...

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All JobsChief Engineer JobsChief Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Chief Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$29.5K

$84.4K

$164.3K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Tennessee is $84,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Chief Engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What Is a Chief Engineer?

Chief engineer is a job title that has a range of meanings across different industries. A chief engineer is the head of the engineering department in an organization. The duties and responsibilities of this role vary in different industries. In general, a chief engineer must have engineering experience in the industry, strong leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Depending on the industry, the education requirements for a chief engineer job range from an associate degree to advanced degrees in engineering.

What does the Chief Engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the technical operations and maintenance of a facility, ship, or industrial plant. They manage engineering staff, ensure safety and compliance standards are met, and often handle budgeting and project planning. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and relevant certifications are essential for this role.

How much does a Chief Engineer earn?

A Chief Engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) and oversee technical operations, maintenance, and safety protocols in engineering projects or facilities.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What does a Chief Engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.
More about Chief Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Chief Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Chief Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in TN? For Chief Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,359 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Ferry Chief Engineer

Nc

$43K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Job Classification Title

Ferry Chief Engineer (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC10

About Us

It's the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date.
This is an extended posting for Ferry Chief Engineer positions within the Ferry Division. Multiple Ferry Chief Engineer positions will be filled from this posting. We will be filling positions for the following locations: Cedar Island, Cherry Branch, Currituck, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Pamlico River, Southport, Swan Quarter. If there currently is not a vacancy at one of these locations, your application will be considered if a vacancy becomes available.
Work in this class involves full responsibility for supervising and coordinating activities of vessel personnel engaged in operating and maintaining propulsion and other engines, generators, deck, machinery, electrical, refrigeration and sanitation equipment and other related systems on board ferry vessels. Employees operate the engineering systems in accordance with rules and regulations established by the U.S. Coast Guard, North Carolina Department of Transportation and policies and procedures of the Ferry Division. Employees are responsible for following all safety and Homeland Security rules and regulations. Work is reviewed by superiors through written reports and by inspections performed by United States Coast Guard personnel. Employees may perform other duties as required.
Shift work - 7 days on and 7 days off (Tuesday - Monday)
NOTE: A COPY OF BOTH TWIC AND MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL ENDORSED AS CHIEF ENGINEER; OR LIMITED ASSISTANT ENGINEER OR POSSESS ENDORSEMENT STATING, "CHIEF ENGINEER OF MOTORPROPELLED VESSEL OF LESS THAN 4,000 HP RESTRICTED TO NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OFTRANPORTATION PASSENGER FERRIES" MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF THE INTERVIEW PROCESS.
Duties include, but not limited to:
Checks, operates, and maintains marine equipment such as engines, generators, steering gears, pumps, and other auxiliary equipment; performs minor emergency repairs while underway.
Executes orders received from the Ferry Master pertaining to starting, stopping, speed of vessel, and other operations while vessel is underway.
Maintains and operates all below-deck firefighting equipment.
Prepares and maintains records of all tools and parts; keeps daily logs of all machinery operations such as engine RPMs, time, temperature, pressures, oil changes, quantity of fuel and water aboard, and all repairs made to engines auxiliary equipment.
Participates in minor repairs on motors, auxiliary equipment, and the hull.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC10 - $43,267 - $75,718

Management prefers applicants with the following:

  • Knowledge of the operations, maintenance and repairs of marine diesel and gas engines, pumps, generators and other auxiliary equipment.

  • Knowledge of State, Federal, and U.S. Coast Guard laws and regulations regarding occupational hazards and safety precautions for engine room work aboard vessels.

  • Demonstrated ability supervising personnel in all areas of engine room operations.

  • Demonstrated ability to overhaul and maintain complex engineering equipment up to including large internal combustion diesel engines.

  • Skill in repairing and performing required periodic maintenance of the vessel's equipment in accordance with manufactures instructions, Coast Guard regulations and Ferry Division Policy.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Possession of a valid U.S. Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated.

Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Sylvia Rene Basnight

Email:

DOT-WorkdayJobRecruitment@ncdot.gov

Apply