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Drug Design Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$78K - $130K/yr

Job Summary We're looking for a detail-driven, creativity-powered Design Engineer to join our ... This position will require a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$78K - $130K/yr

Job Summary We're looking for a detail-driven, creativity-powered Design Engineer to join our ... This position will require a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Structural Design Engineer

Tullahoma, TN · On-site

$109K - $170K/yr

Ability to complete a pre-employment background check, breath alcohol test, and drug screening ... Concrete and foundation design * Computer modeling and analysis experience. * Bachelor of Science ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a ... Drug Coverage, Health Savings Account (including Employer contributions), Dental Plan, Vision Plan ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a ... Drug Coverage, Health Savings Account (including Employer contributions), Dental Plan, Vision Plan ...

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Drug Design information

See Tennessee salary details

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$15

$22

How much do drug design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug design in Tennessee is $15.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drug design?

Drug design is the process of discovering and developing new medications based on the knowledge of biological targets. Scientists use techniques like computer modeling and chemical analysis to create molecules that interact specifically with proteins or enzymes involved in diseases. This approach helps to optimize the effectiveness and safety of new drugs before they are synthesized and tested in the laboratory. Drug design plays a crucial role in developing targeted therapies and accelerating the drug discovery process.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in drug design teams?

Professionals in drug design often encounter challenges such as balancing innovation with regulatory requirements and managing the complexity of biological systems. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams—including chemists, biologists, and computational scientists—can require strong communication skills to align on goals and methodologies. Additionally, tight project timelines and the need to iterate on compound structures based on early testing results are frequent hurdles. Staying updated with the latest technologies and methodologies is also essential for success in this rapidly evolving field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drug design, and why are they important?

To excel in Drug Design, a strong background in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and often a graduate degree in a related field are essential. Familiarity with molecular modeling software, cheminformatics tools, and high-throughput screening systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, creativity, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for identifying novel drug candidates and collaborating across disciplines. These skills enable the efficient development of safe, effective pharmaceuticals in a complex and highly regulated industry.

What is the difference between Drug Design vs Medicinal Chemist?

AspectDrug DesignMedicinal Chemist
Required CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Pharmacology, or related fields; often advanced degreesDegree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related fields; often advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms
Industry UsageFocuses on designing new drug candidates using computational and experimental methodsFocuses on synthesizing and optimizing chemical compounds for drugs

Drug Design and Medicinal Chemist roles overlap significantly, with both working in pharmaceutical research and requiring similar educational backgrounds. Drug Design emphasizes the conceptual creation of new drugs, often using computational tools, while Medicinal Chemists focus on synthesizing and refining these compounds. Both careers are vital in drug development and frequently searched together by professionals interested in pharmaceutical innovation.

How much do drug design engineers make?

Drug design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in computational modeling or medicinal chemistry can earn higher salaries, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

How to get a career in drug design?

A career in drug design typically requires a strong educational background in chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmacology, often at least a bachelor's degree with advanced degrees like a master's or Ph.D. for research roles. Skills in molecular modeling, computer-aided drug design, and familiarity with laboratory techniques are important, along with experience using specialized software and understanding of biological systems. Gaining internships or research experience can also improve job prospects in this field.

Is drug development a good career?

Drug design is a specialized field within pharmaceutical research that involves creating new medications through understanding chemical interactions and biological targets. It offers opportunities in research, laboratory work, and interdisciplinary collaboration, often requiring advanced degrees and knowledge of chemistry, biology, and data analysis. The career can be rewarding for those interested in science and innovation, with job prospects in biotech companies, research institutions, and regulatory agencies.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Design jobs in Tennessee?

For Drug Design jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drug Design job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,835 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

$78K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

We're looking for a detail-driven, creativity-powered Design Engineer to join our Centrifuge Program team. In this role, you'll own mechanical designs from concept through released documentation, turning engineering requirements into precise, manufacturable hardware that drives real-world results. You'll work alongside senior mechanical engineers to design and analyze next-generation centrifuge components, assemblies, machines, and facility expansion projects.

If you love solving mechanical challenges, enjoy collaborative engineering, and want your work to directly shape advanced industrial systems, this is an opportunity to grow - and to matter.

What You'll Do:

You'll develop design concepts and mature them into detailed 2D drawings and 3D models in Creo, making sizing, material, and tolerance decisions backed by engineering calculations and analysis. You'll lead and participate in design reviews, incorporate feedback, and ensure every detail meets the highest standards for accuracy, performance, and manufacturability. You'll prepare complete fabrication and assembly documentation, support prototyping and testing, resolve design issues found in build or operation, uphold drawing and safety standards, and partner with manufacturing, quality, procurement, and operations to keep projects moving forward.

We'd Love to Hear from Candidates With:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline
  • Proficiency in Creo
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, fabrication methods, and mechanical assembly practices
  • Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals (stress, tolerance stack-up, material selection) to design decisions
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Q Clearance

A Successful Candidate Also Brings:

  • Experience with structural or dynamic mechanical systems, including rotating equipment
  • Background designing equipment for manufacturing or industrial environments
  • Familiarity with configuration control and revision management
  • Active Q or Top Secret clearance

Pay:

Estimated Starting Base Salary Range: $78,581-130,969. Centrus considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.  While the posted range reflects the anticipated hiring range for this position, compensation above the range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications and directly relevant experience.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

This position will require a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.

Centrus Energy and all subsidiaries shall abide by the applicable legal requirements. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

This position requires the successful candidate to obtain and maintain a Q security clearance.  Candidates for positions requiring a security clearance are required to be tested for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 prior to an offer of employment being made.  In addition, once employed, employees will become part of a random drug testing program and may also be tested in the event of any incident causing injury or causing damage to property, or if it is determined that there is a reasonable suspicion the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  This position will require preemployment background check on the part of the Company and in order to receive a Q security clearance, a background investigation by the Federal government.  Subsequent Federal government reinvestigations may be required.

Centrus Energy Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.