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Development Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Trimble

SDET - Supplier Exchange

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

Your Title: SDET Supplier Exchange Job Location: TN, CO, US REMOTE Trimble has an opening for a Software Developer Engineer in Test (SDET) Level II position in Knoxville, TN. This is an exciting time ...

SMITH & NEPHEW SNATS INC

Senior R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

As a Senior R&D Engineer , you will play a key role in bringing innovative medical technologies from concept through launch. Based in Memphis, Tennessee , this is an opportunity to lead complex ...

Smith & Nephew

Senior R&D Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

As a Senior R&D Engineer , you will play a key role in bringing innovative medical technologies from concept through launch. Based in Memphis, Tennessee , this is an opportunity to lead complex ...

LG Electronics

R&D Engineer Associate

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$63K/yr

The R&D Engineer should be able to share technical advice and advise the project team members to assist in identifying, reviewing and resolving problems from a customer perspective and to understand ...

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All JobsDevelopment Engineer JobsDevelopment Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Development Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$44.5K

$87.3K

$139.3K

How much do development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for development engineer in Tennessee is $87,272.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Development Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Development Engineers frequently work alongside designers, product managers, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing specialists to bring projects from concept to completion. They participate in regular meetings to align on project requirements, address technical challenges, and integrate feedback from different departments. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are crucial, as Development Engineers often serve as the technical bridge between teams, ensuring that the final product meets both functional and business goals.

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

To excel as a Development Engineer, you need strong analytical abilities, a background in engineering (typically a bachelor's degree or higher), and proficiency in product design and development principles. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and relevant industry certifications such as Six Sigma or PMP is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These capabilities are important because they enable the creation of innovative, high-quality products that meet technical standards and client needs.

What Is a Development Engineer?

A development engineer is responsible for creating a design for a manufacturing product. Your job duties include conducting research on the potential product, developing design specifications for the product, creating prototypes that can be evaluated, and being involved in market research. The qualifications for a career as a development engineer include a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. A successful development engineer needs strong creative skills and a excellent attention to detail, especially with design.

What is the difference between Development Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDevelopment EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often in software, electrical, or systems fieldsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentProduct development, R&D, design teams, often in tech or manufacturing companiesDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing in industrial, automotive, or aerospace sectors
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, manufacturing, electronics, software companiesAutomotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, manufacturing
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in product development, software or hardware designDesigning mechanical systems, machinery, or components

Development Engineers focus on creating and improving products, often in software or integrated systems, while Mechanical Engineers specialize in designing and analyzing mechanical systems and components. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in their focus areas and industries.

What are Development Engineers?

Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test new products, processes, or systems in various industries such as technology, manufacturing, or automotive. They work closely with cross-functional teams to turn ideas and concepts into practical, market-ready solutions. Their responsibilities often include research, prototyping, troubleshooting, and optimizing existing products or processes. Development Engineers play a key role in innovation and ensuring the technical feasibility and quality of new developments.
More about Development Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Development Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Engineer jobs in TN? For Development Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 44% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,272 per year, or $42 per hour.

Carbon Fiber Composites Design & Process Development Engineer

Napakiak Ventures

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:
Napakiak Environmental and Construction (NEC) is a leading provider of information technology, technology development, and environmental and construction services, specializing in Federal and Commercial projects. Our company is committed to delivering high-quality solutions that meet stringent regulatory standards and client requirements.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highy motivated and experienced Carbon Fiber Composites Design & Process Development Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and manufacturing process improvements of carbon fiber composite and parts and vessels. In this role, you will drive both research and high-volume production initiatives, bridging the gap between innovative concept development and efficient manufacturing for advanced composite systems.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop carbon fiber composite parts and vessels, ensuring optimal strength-to-weight rations and durability.
  • Perform mechanics of materials and structural analysis of composite systems using ANSYS or other advanced simulation tools.
  • Experience in translating layup design into bulk anisotropic composite property estimates.
  • Develop, validate, and optimize composite manufacturing processes - from tooling and fixture design to layup, curing, and machining - to meet rigorous quality and throughput goals.
  • Lead R&D initiatives as well as high-volume production efforts, seamlessly transitioning concepts to production-scale applications.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, materials science, quality, and production to select composite systems and validate performance.
  • Create detailed work instructions, process documentation, and quality protocols that ensure consistency and adherence to industry standards.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, applying lean manufacturing and statistical process control methodologies.
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians, and provide technical leadership during process troubleshooting and corrective action implementation.
Required Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree (BS) in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years' experience, or a Master's degree (MS) or higher with at least 5 years' relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in carbon fiber composite design and the mechanics of composite materials.
  • Proven experience in structural analysis, particularly with simulation tools such as ANSYS or equivalent.
  • Extensive background in developing and improving composite manufacturing processes in both R&D and high throughput production environments.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced understanding of composite processing techniques (e.g., autoclave curing, resin infusion, precision layup) and quality assurance methodologies.
  • Experience with CAD/CAM software for tooling and fixture development.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma practices.
  • A proactive, hands-on approach with strong analytical and technical aptitude.

Napakiak Environmental and Construction (NEC) is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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