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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Pae

Aircraft Mechanic Machinist II

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... parts of mechanical equipment. Work involves most of the following: interpreting written ... Experience with Omax water jet programming, set up, operating, and maintenance. * Familiar with ...

GEM Technologies, Inc

System Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

Clearance - To be considered, you must have an active or very recently active DOE "Q" Clearance or ... Systems and equipment experience in mechanical and electrical systems. * MS Degree in Engineering.

Pae

General Blade Aircraft Mechanic I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$24 - $31.50/hr

... engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or ... All experience must be within the Six (6) most recent years. * Must be able to obtain and maintain ...

Laborup

Machinist & Tool Maker Apprentice

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$22.66/hr

... mechanical aptitude, and a hunger to learn. In this role, you will focus on injection mold ... An ideal environment for recent trade school graduates (e.g., TCAT) or junior machinists looking to ...

Laborup

Machinist & Tool Maker Apprentice

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$22.66/hr

... mechanical aptitude, and a hunger to learn. In this role, you will focus on injection mold ... An ideal environment for recent trade school graduates (e.g., TCAT) or junior machinists looking to ...

Laborup

Machinist & Tool Maker Apprentice

Maryville, TN · On-site

$22.66/hr

... mechanical aptitude, and a hunger to learn. In this role, you will focus on injection mold ... An ideal environment for recent trade school graduates (e.g., TCAT) or junior machinists looking to ...

Laborup

Machinist & Tool Maker Apprentice

Maryville, TN · On-site

$22.66/hr

... mechanical aptitude, and a hunger to learn. In this role, you will focus on injection mold ... An ideal environment for recent trade school graduates (e.g., TCAT) or junior machinists looking to ...

Laborup

Machinist & Tool Maker Apprentice

Maryville, TN · On-site

$22.66/hr

... mechanical aptitude, and a hunger to learn. In this role, you will focus on injection mold ... An ideal environment for recent trade school graduates (e.g., TCAT) or junior machinists looking to ...

USPRO

Bilingual Estimator (11976)

Knoxville, TN

$56 - $60/hr

... for mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), controls, and energy-related projects. The ideal ... This individual will collaborate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to ...

Flex-N-Gate

Maintenance Planner

Rockford, TN · On-site

Works to ensure close coordination between EHS, Quality, Operations, Maintenance and Engineering to ... Excellent mechanical skills, broad knowledge of maintenance concepts and techniques. * Minimum of 5 ...

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Machinist

Oak Ridge, TN

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

You will be responsible for applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties and ... Fabricate metallic and nonmetallic parts by utilizing programming tools such as CAD/CAM and MDI ...

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Machinist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

You will be responsible for applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties and ... Fabricate metallic and nonmetallic parts by utilizing programming tools such as CAD/CAM and MDI ...

All JobsMechanical Engineer Recent Grad JobsMechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$43.5K

$98.4K

$159.2K

How much do mechanical engineer recent grad jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer recent grad in Oak Ridge, TN is $98,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,900.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineer Recent GradMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internship experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, some design coursework
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, manufacturing or R&D settingsDesign-focused tasks, CAD software, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy sectorsProduct design firms, engineering consultancies, industrial equipment

The main difference between a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in their experience and focus. Recent grads are just starting their careers with foundational skills, while Mechanical Design Engineers typically have some experience in design processes and software. Both roles often overlap in industry and credentials, but the Design Engineer role emphasizes design-specific tasks and software proficiency.

What does a mechanical engineer recent grad do?

A Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad assists in designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems or products. They typically work on tasks such as creating technical drawings, running simulations, conducting experiments, and supporting senior engineers in project work. Recent grads often work in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or energy, gaining hands-on experience and building their engineering skills. They also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, learn industry standards, and may help troubleshoot mechanical problems. This role serves as a foundation for professional growth and prepares them for more advanced engineering responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and experience with simulation tools like ANSYS, are typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help distinguish you in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are vital to successfully design, analyze, and implement engineering solutions that meet project and industry requirements.

What types of projects can a recent graduate in mechanical engineering expect to work on during their first year?

As a recent graduate, you can expect to be involved in a variety of entry-level projects such as assisting with product design, performing basic calculations and simulations, supporting prototype development, and preparing technical documentation. You'll often collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement—to gain exposure to different aspects of the engineering process. This hands-on experience is designed to build your technical skills, familiarize you with industry standards, and prepare you for more complex responsibilities as you advance.
What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? For Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:
Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,356 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Entry Level Electrical Engineer - Engineering Associate I

Mesa Associates Inc.

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

PDS 8 / Power Delivery Substation

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Mesa seeks an entry-level Substation Physical Engineer that is looking to start their career in the electric power industry. This position is for our Power Delivery Substation group which supports various clients across the United States.

What We’re Looking for

  • Recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering (ABET Accredited).
  • Fast learner – You can pick up new concepts, standards, and software quickly.
  • Self-starter – You’ll get direction from senior engineers, but you’re comfortable hunting down answers on your own when the path isn’t obvious.
  • Solid understanding of fundamentals – Ohm’s law, single-phase systems, three-phase power systems, and digital logic.
  • Clear communicator – You feel comfortable reaching out to others with questions and can communicate professionally face-to-face, on the phone, and over email.
  • Desire to pursue Professional Engineering licensure.

What You’ll Learn

  • Substation Physical concepts – Fundamentals of foundation, grounding, and cable routing design, as well as equipment power ratings, clearances, and conductor sizing
  • Design Software – AutoCAD/MicroStation, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Excel, etc.
  • Project lifecycle – How a project moves from conception, through design, to completion.
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration – Coordinate with senior engineers, designers, project managers, and client personnel from other groups, such as Protection and Controls, Civil, Studies, etc.

What You’ll Do

  • Work on a team of drafters, designers, and engineers
  • Increase your knowledge under the mentorship of senior engineers
  • Create equipment, structural, foundation, grounding, and cable routing plans and details
  • Perform lightning and grounding studies
  • Coordinate with other engineering disciplines
  • Develop Bill of Materials (BOM)
  • Maintain quality assurance standards by completing client and internal checklists
  • Perform peer-review of designs
  • Progress to independent project ownership

What You’ll Earn

  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay – 10 Days Annually
  • Group Medical/Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings plan
  • 401(K) Matching Contribution
  • Section 125/Cafeteria Plan
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Fitness Center Reimbursement
  • Annual Performance Bonus
  • 9/80 Work Schedule Option

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.

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