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Design Engineer Jobs in Cleveland, TN (NOW HIRING)

As a Design Engineer, you will utilize SolidWorks to produce detailed drawings and instructions for displays and fixtures for a variety of retailers in the Health and Beauty/Point of Purchase market.

As a Design Engineer, you will utilize SolidWorks to produce detailed drawings and instructions for displays and fixtures for a variety of retailers in the Health and Beauty/Point of Purchase market.

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Design Engineer (SolidWorks)

Decatur, TN ยท On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Design Engineer (SolidWorks) Location: Decatur, TN Pay: $35.00-$40.00/hour Job Type: 6-Month Contract Work Environment: Onsite Position Overview M Force Partners is seeking an experienced Design ...

Design Engineer I You will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards. This role ...

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Design Engineer I You will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards. This role ...

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Design Engineer / Drafter

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Description The Design Engineer/Drafter is responsible for new product design, from concept to launch. New product launches include training production employees on new builds and processes. Job ...

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Electrical Design Engineer

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Are you an Electrical Designer or Electrical Engineer with a background in MEP consulting ? We're seeking a talented professional to join our team in Chattanooga, TN and contribute to the design of ...

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Design Engineer information

See Cleveland, TN salary details

$33.9K

$73.8K

$132.6K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Cleveland, TN is $73,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,900.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What does a design engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

How does a design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What is a design engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Cleveland, TN? For Design Engineer jobs in Cleveland, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Cleveland, TN are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Cleveland, TN with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Cleveland, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,752 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Creative Plastics, a designer, and manufacturer of award winning, quality displays for a variety of markets, including retailers in the Health and Beauty sector, is seeking a Design Engineer. As a Design Engineer, you will utilize SolidWorks to produce detailed drawings and instructions for displays and fixtures for a variety of retailers in the Health and Beauty/Point of Purchase market. Our products are manufactured in our state-of-the-art production facilities utilizing the latest technologies.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Utilizes SolidWorks to engineer retail display fixtures for the Health and Beauty sector by translating customer specifications into parametric three-dimensional models; selecting appropriate materials based on load-bearing requirements and manufacturing constraints; performing tolerance analysis and dimensional verification; evaluating structural integrity and assembly feasibility; and incorporating design modifications based on documented feedback from the Customer and Account Management teams to ensure compliance with functional, aesthetic, and manufacturability requirements.
  • Conducts cross-functional design review meetings with account management, industrial design, engineering, project management, and production teams to evaluate product specifications, performance requirements, customer expectations, cost targets, and manufacturing constraints. Upon resolution of all technical and commercial requirements, compiles and finalizes the complete manufacturing print package.
  • Review and validate engineered retail display fixtures to ensure compliance with documented customer specifications, including dimensional requirements, merchandising objectives, material selections, and aesthetic standards. Analyze structural components such as acrylic panels, sheet metal frames, extrusions, and molded plastic parts to evaluate load distribution, joint integrity, fastening methods, and overall stability to ensure mechanical soundness during fabrication, shipping, installation, and in-store use.
  • Develop three-dimensional CAD models and virtual assemblies using SolidWorks to represent individual components and complete retail display systems.
  • Develop comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) engineering drawings for plastic components and assemblies using computer-aided design (CAD) software, incorporating precise dimensional tolerances, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) specifications, material callouts, surface finish requirements, and manufacturing notes.
  • Collaborate with internal production teams and external vendors to communicate engineering specifications, material requirements, dimensional tolerances, and assembly procedures for retail display fixtures. Analyze manufacturing feedback to identify quality issues or assembly inefficiencies and implement engineering design revisions to improve structural performance, manufacturability, and workflow efficiency.
  • Engage with production personnel, sales representatives, and customers to gather technical requirements, clarify functional specifications, and translate merchandising objectives into engineered design solutions.
  • Develop retail planograms (scaled merchandising layout diagrams) to demonstrate product placement, spatial configuration, and fixture integration within store environments. Present layout renderings to customers and sales personnel to illustrate functional design intent and incorporate documented feedback into revised engineering specifications.
  • Apply mechanical engineering principles and systematic problem-solving methodologies to create original and innovative solutions.
  • Utilize Adobe Illustrator to prepare scaled graphic layout files for integration into engineered display components by aligning artwork dimensions with CAD-generated structural drawings. Verify measurement accuracy, bleed specifications, and material tolerances to ensure compatibility between printed graphics and fabricated components prior to production release.
  • Provide technical oversight and mentorship to Junior Design Engineers but does not have direct hire/fire authority
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:
  • Demonstrated professional experience utilizing SolidWorks to develop parametric three-dimensional models, virtual assemblies, and detailed two-dimensional engineering drawings incorporating geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), material specifications, and manufacturing notes. SolidWorks certification is preferred.
  • Experience using Adobe Illustrator to prepare scaled layout files and integrate graphic elements with engineering drawings to ensure dimensional compatibility between printed materials and fabricated components.
  • Advanced knowledge of engineering drawing standards, including interpretation and preparation of detailed technical documentation in accordance with recognized industry and manufacturing standards.
  • Proficiency in three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software to create, modify, and validate complex mechanical components and assemblies for manufacturability and structural performance.
  • Ability to apply mechanical engineering principles, material science concepts, and structured problem-solving methodologies to analyze design constraints and develop engineering solutions.
  • Demonstrated professional experience applying advanced engineering practices, including tolerance analysis, structural evaluation, manufacturing feasibility assessment, and design validation within a production environment.
  • Ability to prepare and organize comprehensive engineering documentation, including detailed drawings, specifications, material callouts, and manufacturing instructions, and to communicate technical information clearly to engineering, production, and project management personnel.
  • Experience managing engineering design projects through defined phases, including concept development, technical review, revision control, and final production release
  • Flexibility to adapt to deadlines, changing schedules, priorities, and unpredictable events within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Experience working collaboratively with engineering, production, and project management personnel to communicate technical requirements and ensure adherence to engineering specifications.
  • Strong written and verbal technical communication skills are sufficient to prepare engineering documentation, present technical concepts to internal teams and customers, and respond to technical inquiries.

Supervision Received:
Issues and concerns need to be communicated to Director of Engineering.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
  • 3-6 years' experience in a design engineering role.
  • High level knowledge of the following manufacturing methods: Acrylic Fabrication, Sheet metal, Plastic & Aluminum Extrusions, Vacuum Forming, CNC machining, Plastic Injection molding a plus
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a closely related engineering field.

Physical Requirements:
  • Lifting: Occasionally raises objects from a lower to a higher position or moves objects horizontally from position-to position. Weight is usually less than 20 lbs.
  • Push/Pull: Occasionally uses upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. Weight is usually less than 20 lbs.
  • Reaching: Extends hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Weight is usually less than 20 lbs.
  • Stooping: Bends body downward and forward at the waist. Weight is usually less than 20 lbs.
  • Standing: Standing for moderate levels of time. Infrequently more than 30 minutes at a time.
  • Sitting: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on computer.
  • Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks. In frequently more than 30 minutes at a time

Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and tolerate exposure to typical noises and smells associated with the plant.