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Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

GRW

Chief Mechanical Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site

Are you a motivated Mechanical Engineering graduate with a passion for innovation, sustainable design and environmental responsibility? GRW has a career opportunity available for Chief Mechanical ...

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.

$135 - $203/hr

Oversee the production of design documents by graduate engineers. * Balance workload and varying requirements of multiple complex projects. * Attend client meetings and represent the mechanical ...

New

Mott MacDonald

$79 - $88/hr

As a participant in our brand‑new graduate program, Blueprint , launching in October 2026, you'll ... Soil Mechanics & Geotechnical Engineering * Engineering Geology / Rock Mechanics * Foundation ...

Inuplands

$57.31/hr

Enrolled in an accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program required.* There is ... Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow.

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$70 - $100/hr

New Graduate Engineer, Manufacturing (Starship) SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future ... This includes mechanical testing, weld process development, inspection techniques, personnel access ...

Caterpillar Brazil

$121 - $181/hr

Graduate or Post-graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field* Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Fortran programming* Strong understanding of finite element analysis methods*

Jobless

$65 - $100/hr

... mechanical, piping, and heavy industrial construction. This is a hands-on, site-based position ... Field Engineer I (recent graduate to 2 years): $65,000-$75,000 * Field Engineer II (2-3 Years ...

Jgmusa

$65 - $100/hr

... mechanical, piping, and heavy industrial construction. This is a hands‑on, site‑based position ... Field Engineer I (recent graduate to 2 years): $65,000-$75,000 * Field Engineer II (2-3 Years ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$125 - $200/hr

NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, GNC - '26/'27 (STARLINK) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, optimization, and ...

Copeland

$110 - $170/hr

... graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate, be ... Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline. 8+ years of ...

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All JobsGraduate Mechanical Engineer JobsGraduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky

Graduate Mechanical Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$39.5K

$89.4K

$144.6K

How much do graduate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate mechanical engineer in Kentucky is $89,352.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $109,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a graduate mechanical engineer do?

A Graduate Mechanical Engineer is an entry-level professional who applies principles of mechanical engineering to design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, assisting with tasks such as drafting technical drawings, modeling prototypes, conducting tests, and solving engineering problems. Their responsibilities may also include collaborating with other departments, preparing reports, and learning industry standards. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and training for recent graduates starting their engineering careers.

What are some typical projects or tasks a graduate mechanical engineer can expect in their first year?

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you will likely be involved in a variety of projects ranging from assisting in the design and analysis of mechanical components to preparing technical documentation and performing simulations. You may work closely with senior engineers on tasks such as creating 3D models, running tests on prototypes, and supporting product development meetings. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as manufacturing and quality assurance, is common, helping you gain a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle. This hands-on exposure is designed to build your technical skills and prepare you for increased responsibilities as you progress in your career.

What are jobs for a recent mechanical engineer graduate?

As a recent mechanical engineer graduate, you can find entry-level jobs in your field in a variety of positions that focus on helping design and develop the technical specifications for various products. In one of these roles, you get more hands-on experience than you do as a student. You help senior engineers on a project and utilize math and measuring skills to help design new machines. Some details of this job vary by employer. For example, some employers may have you focus on repairing existing devices to learn more about the ins and outs of the product they create, while others may have you focus on assisting senior-level engineers.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), finite element analysis tools, and industry standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in dynamic environments. These skills ensure you can contribute to innovative design solutions, meet project requirements, and advance in your engineering career.

What is the difference between Graduate Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectGraduate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; entry-levelBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternships, training programs, entry-level projectsDesign offices, engineering teams, project-based work
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in projects, learning design processes, basic analysisCreating and analyzing mechanical designs, CAD modeling, prototyping

While both roles require a background in mechanical engineering, a Graduate Mechanical Engineer is typically an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting projects. A Mechanical Design Engineer, on the other hand, is more specialized in designing and analyzing mechanical components and systems, often requiring some prior experience or advanced skills. Both roles are essential in the engineering industry, with the design engineer position generally involving more technical responsibility.

More about Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Kentucky?

For Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,352 per year, or $43 per hour.

Chief Mechanical Engineer

Lexington, KY • On-site

GRW Engineers, Inc.
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about GRW Engineers, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Are you a motivated Mechanical Engineering graduate with a passion for innovation, sustainable design and environmental responsibility? GRW has a career opportunity available for Chief Mechanical Engineer at our Lexington, KY headquarters.GRW is a full-service engineering, architectural, and geospatial consulting firm. The company was founded in 1964 by Mr. G. Reynolds Watkins to provide engineering services to federal, state, municipal, and private industry clients. Since that time, GRW has grown to become a national design firm with offices in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and West Virginia.As a mechanical design engineer, you will work closely with architectural, electrical and structural department colleagues on various projects. GRW offers a wide variety of engineering services for our clients' infrastructure and building design needs. Our multidiscipline personnel function as a cohesive design team to create local and regional utility systems, energy-efficient buildings, environmentally sensitive site developments, and safe, modern transportation facilities. GRW provides comprehensive technical resources for all types of infrastructure designs. GRW's assignments range in scope from planning studies to projects with construction costs more than $985 million. GRW's teams have designed projects ranging from a few thousand square feet to campuses with gross building area over 600,000 SF. Experienced and accomplished in their own fields, GRW's mechanical, electrical and structural engineers are an integral part of our projects. These multidisciplinary design team members apply their expertise to deliver a project that is structurally sound, mechanically complete from heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), to plumbing and fire protection, and electrically designed to handle the project's needs. Because of our in-house team, GRW has capability to successfully plan, design and deliver large, complex projects, as easily as smaller projects. In addition, these professionals support our water resources engineers by providing expertise with the code specific mechanical, electrical, and structural systems design of wastewater and water facilities.GRW offers a challenging work environment combining the latest in engineering concepts with career development to keep personnel up to date with the latest technologies and advancements. The right candidate will become the Chief Mechanical Engineer with potential to become a company stockholder. Your personal capabilities, interest, aptitude, and motivation will determine your professional growth.GRW is seeking the following qualifications:Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institutionProfessional Engineer (PE) certification, in at least one State in the US and must be able to get registered in KY within 6 months and in other States by comity10 to 20 years' experience designing mechanical building systems in a consulting environmentAdvanced knowledge of mechanical system design including plumbing, fire protection, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and temperature controlsProficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and RevitExcellent oral and written English communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with team members and other disciplinesHigh level of organizational skills and attention to detailExcellent time management skillsMarketing, sales and business development experienceClient and Project Management experienceAbility to manage a staff of up to 10 other engineers and designersAbility to plan project resources, maintain schedules and stay within budgetAbility to work well independently and as part of a teamKnowledge of life cycle costing, computer HVAC modelling and simulation programsLEED accreditationDesire, motivation and ability to exceed the firm's and clients' expectationsDedication and willingness to continue professional growthDesire in becoming an owner of the company and protecting financial interests of the firmWe are looking for individuals eager to develop their soft and technical skills and work on teams with other dedicated employees to complete the projects our clients need. Hiring the most qualified employees is important to us and the success of our company.When you join GRW you'll be working for an award-winning, full-service design consulting firm with a history of more than 60 years serving our regional, national, and occasionally international clients. Our objective is simple. We value our employees and take pride in providing them with the proper resources and tools to help them achieve professional excellence.This type of opportunity does not become available often! We invite you to apply to join our team!EEO Employer F/M/Vet/Disabled 
Job Posted by ApplicantPro