2

Entry Level Purchasing Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

$16/hr

... purchase discount - all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training ...

$14.25 - $19/hr

We're hiring for entry-level parts roles at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer ... vehicle purchase discount - all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Purchasing information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$19

$27

How much do entry level purchasing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level purchasing in Tennessee is $19.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level purchasing jobs?

Entry level purchasing jobs are roles in which individuals assist with buying goods and services for a company, usually under the supervision of senior purchasing staff. Typical responsibilities include researching suppliers, preparing purchase orders, tracking inventory, and comparing prices to ensure cost-effective purchases. These positions often serve as a starting point for a career in procurement, and they require strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills. Most entry level purchasing jobs require at least a high school diploma, though some employers may prefer candidates with a degree in business or a related field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level purchasing professionals, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level purchasing professionals often face challenges such as learning complex procurement systems, managing multiple vendor relationships, and handling tight deadlines. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to proactively communicate with suppliers, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and stay organized by using task lists or procurement software. Building strong attention to detail and developing negotiation skills will also help new purchasing team members become more effective and confident in their role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Purchasing vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level PurchasingPurchasing Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate degreeHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate or bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborative teams, entry-level tasksOffice environment, more responsibility in procurement processes
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, government, logisticsCorporate procurement, manufacturing, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Purchasing typically involves basic procurement tasks and requires minimal experience, focusing on supporting purchasing activities. Purchasing Coordinator roles often involve more responsibility, including managing purchase orders and supplier communication, and may require some prior experience or certifications. Both roles are common in various industries and serve as stepping stones toward more advanced procurement careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Purchasing professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Purchasing professional, you need a foundational understanding of supply chain management, negotiation, and basic financial acumen, often supported by a relevant degree such as business or supply chain. Familiarity with procurement software (like SAP or Oracle) and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate order processing, cost-effective purchasing decisions, and smooth collaboration with vendors and internal teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Purchasing job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,559 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Machine Design Engineer - Entry Level

Machine Design Engineer - Entry Level

Amentum

Tullahoma, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Amentum Advanced Solutions is a performance unit of our Engineering & Technology (E&T) Line of Business. The Amentum Advanced Solutions specializes in the design, construction, and operation of unique and complex research and development facilities, including, as examples, wind tunnels (aerospace, automotive, and motorsports), rocket test stands, climatic chambers, jet engine test cells, acoustic chambers, altitude test facilities, captive trajectory systems, and nuclear facilities. Our projects span the automotive, motorsports, defense, nuclear, and aerospace markets. Recent clients include Audi, Boeing, BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Honda, General Motors, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Energy, Volkswagen, and many others in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Most of your designs will be unique, and you will usually be working on several projects at one time in a dynamic, challenging, and even fun environment. Many designs are "blank sheet of paper," with few analogs or comparisons. This position will provide you with an exciting opportunity to join Machine Design projects as part of a multi-discipline team of professionals. We are looking for an entry-level or early career Mechanical Engineer with strong technical skills, academic achievement, and sense of ownership.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Projects are often complex and multi-discipline. For each assignment, Junior Engineers will be issued specific objectives, approaches, and possible solutions by a supervising engineer. The Junior Engineer:
  • Independently performs short duration project tasks with clearly defined requirements and goals.
  • Analyzes and/or evaluates the results of an analysis using techniques prescribed by senior engineers or supervisors.
  • Accomplishes, complete tasks of limited scope or solves problems which require investigation of a limited number of variables.
  • Prepares calculations, and assists in the preparation of, presentations and technical reports.
  • Supports interface development with other disciplines, working closely with structural, mechanical process, controls and instrumentation, and aerodynamics/fluid dynamics engineers.
  • Aids in the production of complete, detailed drawing packages, by supplying design input or performing CAD work.

Minimum Experience/Education:
  • B.S.M.E. from an accredited engineering school

Key Skills:
  • Coursework:
    • Statics & Dynamics
    • Mechanics of Materials
    • Mechanisms/Machine Design
    • Kinematics
    • Fluid Dynamics
    • Thermodynamics
    • Heat Transfer
    • System Dynamics
    • 3D CAD
  • Strong sense of ownership and pride in execution of work
  • Mechanical intuition

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Mechanical Engineering Internships and/or Co-ops, particularly in Machine Design or adjacent industries (see below)
  • 3D CAD experience; Inventor and/or Solidworks preferred
  • FEA software experience; Ansys, NASTRAN, and/or Inventor preferred
  • Machining and fabrication experience (milling, turning, welding, laser-cutting, forming, etc.)
  • Basic experience with machine instrumentation (proximity sensors, vision sensors, strain gauges, scales, etc.)
  • Knowledge and experience of common machine elements: gears, bearings, belts, machine screws, chains, cams, linkages, gearmotors, servomotors, etc.

Adjacent Industries
  • Aerospace & Defense Mechanical Design
  • Factory Automation (material handling, web handling, process automation, etc.)
  • Fluid Power (Hydraulics/Pnumatics)

Compensation Details:
$76,500
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
06/30/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.