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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$43.5K

$98.4K

$159.2K

How much do defense contractor mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor mechanical engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $98,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,900.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a defense contractor mechanical engineer do?

A Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems for military and defense applications. Their work may involve creating components for vehicles, weapons, or support equipment used by armed forces. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure these systems meet strict safety, reliability, and performance standards. Additionally, they must adhere to government regulations and security protocols while handling sensitive information. Their role is critical in advancing defense technologies and maintaining national security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contractor mechanical engineer?

To excel as a Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of defense-specific standards and certifications like ITAR compliance are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills are critical for collaborating on complex defense projects. These competencies ensure the engineer can design reliable, compliant systems that meet stringent defense requirements and function under high-stakes conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by mechanical engineers working as defense contractors?

Mechanical engineers in defense contracting often face the challenge of adhering to strict regulatory standards and security protocols, which can add complexity to the design and manufacturing process. Additionally, projects typically require close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and may involve rapidly adapting to evolving project requirements driven by client needs or new technological developments. Managing tight deadlines while ensuring compliance with military specifications is also a frequent aspect of the role. These challenges are balanced by the opportunity to work on innovative, mission-critical systems and to gain experience with cutting-edge technologies.

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer vs Defense Industry Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDefense Contractor Mechanical EngineerDefense Industry Mechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearanceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearance
Work EnvironmentContractor offices, military facilities, project sitesDefense manufacturing plants, military facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily employed by defense contractors serving military clientsEmployed directly by defense agencies or manufacturers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require similar credentials and often involve working in secure environments. The main difference is that Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineers are employed by private firms providing services to defense clients, while Defense Industry Mechanical Engineers work directly within defense agencies or manufacturing companies. The roles overlap in skills and work settings, but their employment context distinguishes them.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,356 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Knoxville, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

GIG - General / Generation, Industrial & Govt 

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’ve got 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 and meaningful career. Mesa Associates, Inc. is a woman/minority-owned full-service engineering, procurement, and project management firm covering power, defense, aerospace, industrial, commercial, and municipal entities. We specialize in power generation and delivery services. We have been in the top 10 of EC&M's Top 40 Electrical Design Firms since 2012. With over 1,000 associates, we are big enough to perform, but small enough to care!

Mesa Associates is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as the senior advisor for our Piping & Pressure Systems practice, delivering projects for our Generation, Industrial, and Government clients. This role is centered on review and guidance rather than day-to-day design production: you will bring deep piping and pressure vessel expertise and strong power industry experience to catch issues, verify code compliance, and steer engineers across the department toward sound technical decisions, rather than producing the bulk of the designs yourself. We're looking for someone who leads by example, communicates clearly, and genuinely enjoys helping others get it right. 

Core Competency: Piping & Pressure Systems Design 

What We're Looking For 

  • Expert knowledge of mechanical design codes including ASME, ANSI, API, and NFPA, with deep specialization in ASME B31.1/B31.3 piping codes and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, API 650, and API 620
  • Extensive, well-rounded experience across piping and pressure vessel design for the power industry specifically, including coal, gas, and hydro generation, gained over a long career in the field
  • Sharp eye for identifying design errors, code gaps, and constructability issues in piping and pressure vessel calculations, drawings, and specifications produced by others
  • Strong background in stress analysis of piping systems, custom piping components, and fabrication assemblies, with knowledge to check work performed using AutoPIPE and/or Caesar II
  • Working knowledge of pressure vessel and tank design fundamentals, including nozzle loading, wall thickness, and code stamping requirements, sufficient to independently verify others' calculations
  • Comfortable reading and checking Plant3D, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and SolidWorks piping isometrics, layouts, and 3D models produced by the team
  • Recognized depth of experience across a wide range of piping and pressure vessel project types, serving as a natural go-to resource for the department 

What You'll Do 

  • Serve as the technical checker for piping and pressure vessel designs, calculations, and drawings produced by the team, verifying code compliance and engineering accuracy after issue
  • Review and check detailed stress analysis and pressure vessel calculations for major projects
  • Advise engineers on piping and pressure vessel code questions, design approach, and problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle
  • Perform independent spot checks and occasional walkdowns to verify field conditions match design assumptions
  • Weigh in on complex or unusual piping and pressure vessel challenges where deep power industry experience is needed
  • Stamp piping and pressure vessel deliverables as the reviewing engineer of record where appropriate 
Secondary Experience: HVAC Systems 

What We're Looking For 

  • Working knowledge of industrial HVAC design fundamentals, including load calculations, ductwork sizing, and equipment selection
  • Comfortable reading and reviewing HVAC drawings and specifications, particularly where they intersect with piping and pressure system scopes, such as chilled water or steam and condensate piping 

What You'll Do 

  • Review and advise on HVAC-related scopes when they intersect with piping and pressure system design, such as chilled water and steam/condensate piping
  • Coordinate with the department's HVAC and utility systems engineers on shared scopes as needed 
Leadership & Team Role 
  • Serve as the most experienced technical resource in the Piping & Pressure Systems practice, checking work and providing guidance to engineers at every level of the department
  • Review and advise on the team's deliverables as the primary focus of the role, rather than producing the bulk of the designs directly
  • Mentor piping-focused engineers, offering coaching on code compliance, stress analysis, and design practices
  • Check deliverables across the department and offer constructive, practical feedback
  • Support proposal development and client-facing technical discussions for piping and pressure vessel scopes
  • Set a strong example of collaboration, accountability, and a positive attitude that the rest of the team can learn from 
Qualifications 
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and PE License (required)
  • 15+ years of experience in piping design and pressure vessel engineering, with strong, direct experience in the power industry
  • A track record of checking, reviewing, and improving the work of other engineers, in addition to strong personal technical ability
  • A track record of coaching and developing engineers at multiple experience levels
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with internal and external clients
  • Well organized, detail-oriented, and quick to spot issues and offer practical solutions
  • A collaborative, team-first mindset and a genuine willingness to help wherever needed 
What You’ll Earn
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay – 10 Days Annually
  • Group Medical/Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings plan
  • 401(K) Matching Contribution
  • Section 125/Cafeteria Plan
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Fitness Center Reimbursement
  • Annual Performance Bonus
  • 9/80 Work Schedule Option
  • FSA and HSA Options 

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.