1

Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Operating Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

... mechanical electrical and plumbing systems for the assigned facility. The performance of all ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE § 5+ years of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 31, 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.

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:

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.

Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Louisville, KY • On-site

Luckett & Farley
Architectural Services • 51 - 200 employees

Other

Posted 22 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

About Luckett & Farley


At Luckett & Farley, our firm’s vision is simple and enduring: Together, we bring joy to those we serve by design. Everything we do, how we hire, how we lead, how we deliver design to our clients, is measured against that standard. As a 100% employee-owned firm with roots stretching back to 1853, we operate across five market studios, Civic, Distilled Spirits, Higher Education, Hospitality & Corporate Commercial, and Industrial, from our home in Louisville, Kentucky.


Our hybrid, multi-disciplinary team brings architects, engineers, and designers into daily collaboration from across the country, producing award-winning solutions for clients who trust us to deliver design which supports their most ambitious visions.


As an employee-owner at Luckett & Farley, you don’t just work here. You have a stake in what we create together.


Role Summary

The Graduate Mechanical Engineer is part of the mechanical systems design team, building toward expertise in HVAC design under the direction of the Discipline Manager and senior team members. This role designs and documents mechanical building systems, from concept through construction, while developing the technical judgment and client-facing skills that support a growing career at the firm.

The right candidate is curious, organized, and eager to learn, bringing energy and ownership to every assignment while building the habits of quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement that define our practice.


Employee

Key Responsibilities


Technical & Design Excellence (Design + Sustainability)

•    Designs mechanical building systems, including HVAC, piping, energy management, and plumbing, in support of the project’s overall design intent.

•    Develops design concepts and prepares working drawings for new or modified buildings, incorporating them into a final product alongside other engineers, architects, and designers.

•    Prepares construction documents for mechanical systems using REVIT, in accordance with the standards of the discipline.

•    Builds toward technical expertise in mechanical building systems, assisting project teams and other disciplines in project decisions.

•    Applies energy management principles as a standard part of mechanical system design, supporting building performance and efficiency.

•    Remains informed of new developments and systems, through research, study, and professional societies, as they influence sustainable design practice across the team.


Productivity & Continuous Improvement (Productivity)

•    Manages the workload and deadlines of multiple concurrent projects.

•    Reviews project documents for completeness, accuracy, and constructability as part of the firm’s quality control process.

•    Produces design work in accordance with established company and industry standards, methods, and procedures within the division.

•    Takes extreme ownership of tasks and deliverables, exhibiting a strong sense of personal motivation and urgency.

•    Actively supports the strategic goals of the firm, department, and manager, and understands how personal actions contribute to them.


Client & Project Delivery (Client + Productivity)

•    Performs construction administration activities, including site visits, submittal reviews, RFI responses, and punch lists.

•    Represents the company in client meetings, public events, marketing activities, and professional organizations.

•    Travels, as required, to out-of-office project meetings and field work visits; travel will likely include overnight trips.


Company Culture & Employee Ownership (Employee)

•    Brings a sense of purpose and ownership to the workplace every day, consistent with our culture of employee ownership.

•    Pursues continuing education activities, including CEU presentations, manufacturer classes, training seminars, and independent study.

•    Takes an active role in outside trade or professional organizations aligned with the work of our discipline, our studios, or our clients.

•    Collaborates closely with other engineers, architects, and designers, building the working relationships that support growth within the discipline.


Qualifications & Requirements


Education: Bachelor of Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, Required

Experience: 0–3 years of professional experience designing building mechanical systems, preferably with industrial design experience, Required

Software: REVIT and AutoCAD proficiency, Required

Personal Attributes: Strong sense of personal motivation and urgency, taking ownership of tasks and deliverables, Required

Communication: Excels at communication and organization, Required

What We Offer

•    Employee stock ownership through Luckett & Farley’s 100% ESOP, you are an owner from day one.

•    A collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment where great work is recognized and rewarded.

•    Flexibility in how and where you work, with a strong culture of trust and accountability.

•    Opportunities to grow within a firm that invests in career development at every level.

•    Competitive compensation, professional development support, and a commitment to your long-term growth.

•    A firm with a 170+ year legacy of design excellence and a clear vision for its future.


Luckett & Farley is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.