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Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer to detail part drawings using CAD and advance to mechanical ... Prefer a recent graduate from an accredited (4) year school of engineering but will consider an ...

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Graduate Mechanical Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$41.3K

$93.4K

$151.1K

How much do graduate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate mechanical engineer in Tennessee is $93,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $114,800.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,374 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Salas O'Brien Engineers Incorporated

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Graduate Mechanical Engineer
At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Description:
  • Assists in the preparation or modification of reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, studies, permits and designs for assigned projects.
  • Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
  • Aids in client contact and communication pertaining to specific projects.
  • Teams with Senior Engineer and participates in all work the Senior Engineer is performing as an observer.
  • Designs equipment, ductwork, and piping layouts using Revit/BIM to meet project needs.
  • Operates engineering software to solve specific problems, and inputs the data required by the program.
  • Familiarize themselves with state-of-the-art design and various state and local regulations.

Qualifications:
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant degree from ABET accredited school.
  • Past experience through co-op or summer internships helpful.
  • E.I.T. a plus.

Benefits:
  • Gain invaluable industry experience and practical engineering skills.
  • Work with a diverse team of professionals, fostering networking opportunities.
  • Access to mentorship and guidance from experienced engineers.
  • Competitive compensation package.

Location: Knoxville, TN
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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