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Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Paducah, KY

General Application

Paducah, KY · On-site

$70K - $250K/yr

Even if your background doesn't align with one of our current openings, we'd love to hear from you. Examples of the types of disciplines we frequently hire for include: * Mechanical Engineering

General Application

Paducah, KY · On-site

$70K - $250K/yr

Even if your background doesn't align with one of our current openings, we'd love to hear from you. Examples of the types of disciplines we frequently hire for include: * Mechanical Engineering

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Paducah, KY salary details

$17

$32

$53

How much do entry level r&d mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level r&d mechanical engineer in Paducah, KY is $32.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.39 and $36.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level R&D Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development teams, innovation-focused settingsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, R&D departmentsManufacturers, engineering firms, product companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level R&D roles in mechanical engineeringDifferences in design-focused mechanical engineering roles

Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineers focus on developing new technologies and prototypes in research environments, while Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on designing and improving existing products for manufacturing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What cities near Paducah, KY are hiring for Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Paducah, KY with the most Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings in Paducah, KY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,725 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Entry Level NDT Assistant

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

Kuttawa, KY • On-site

$37K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Acuren rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Position Summary Acuren is seeking Entry Level NDT Assistant to support operations in Kuttawa, KY. THIS WILL BE A CALLOUT/TRAVEL POSITION. NDT Assistants will assist in performing calibrations, Nondestructive Tests, and evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and record results. Responsibilities
  • Set up and utilize Nondestructive Test equipment
  • Assist Radiographers in the calibration of NDT equipment
  • Assist Radiographers to conduct tests to ensure quality or detect discontinuities (defects) using NDT methods of inspection
  • Record results of inspections
  • Assist performing NDT procedures, carrying equipment and other operations
  • Perform other job related tasks as assigned by management
Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college preferred
  • Technical background desired
  • Must be able to have experience, credentials and history to be certified as Trustworthy & Reliable to comply with federal and state regulations, as determined by a thorough background check
  • Motor Vehicle Driving record must meet company standards to drive company vehicles
  • MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE DRUG/ALCOHOL AND BACKGROUND SCREENS PER CLIENT REQUIREMENTS.
Benefits
  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
Company Overview Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services. Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world's largest industrial segments. Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1

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