ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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 ...

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 29, 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 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 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 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 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 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 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,356 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Specialty Mechanical Engineer

GEM Technologies, Inc

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a Specialty Mechanical Engineer to join our team supporting the DOE's Y-12 National Security Complex! This position is full-time and will be based out of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Responsibilities
  • Creating design and procurement documents for specialty and first-of-a-kind equipment such as glovebox systems, furnaces, high vacuum systems, metal casting/machining equipment, etc.).
  • Collaborating with designers to develop build-to-print design packages of custom, specialty equipment.
  • Developing procurement documents such as equipment specifications, statements of work, and datasheets.
  • Performing calculations and analysis associated with machine design (to include, but not limited to, finite element analysis, structural and seismic analysis, ergonomic studies, kinematic calculations and heat transfer calculations).

Requirements
  • Education & Years of Experience - Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited school and 10+ years of experience with design/specification of custom mechanical equipment.
  • Citizenship - To be considered, you must be a United States (U.S.) citizen due to the federal nature of the work.
  • Clearance - To be considered, you must be able to obtain and maintain a government issued clearance, if needed.
  • Advanced experience in machine design (preferably with glovebox systems, furnaces, high vacuum systems and metal casting/machining equipment).
  • Thorough knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards.
  • Experience writing detailed, accurate procurement documents including both design/build equipment specifications and equipment fabrication specifications for custom designed equipment.
  • Experience with engineering calculations/analysis associated with machine design including finite element analysis, structural and seismic analysis, ergonomic studies, kinematic calculations, heat transfer calculations, etc.
  • Experience leading multi-discipline teams that include mechanical, electrical, instrumentation/controls, HVAC, piping, process and welding disciplines on machine design efforts.
  • Producing build-to-print equipment fabrication packages including fabrication drawings, fabrication specifications, procurement documents, calculations, etc.
  • Experience in 3D CAD modeling using PTC Creo and/or SolidWorks.

Desired Skills
  • Active or very recently active DOE "Q" Clearance or DoD "Top Secret" Clearance.

About the Site
The NNSA's Y-12 National Security Complex, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is the nation's only source of enriched uranium nuclear weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in materials science, precision manufacturing, and stores enriched uranium. Y-12 supports efforts to reduce nuclear proliferation risk and performs work for other government agencies (energy.gov).
ABOUT GEM
GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is an award-winning federal contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing environmental, construction, facility management, and technical services to federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial organizations. Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM has since expanded into a nationwide, multi-disciplinary provider with over 270 employees and a diverse portfolio of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:
  • Our philosophy - We believe in the power of effective collaboration and recognize that good partnerships are the building blocks to success.
  • Our relationships - Partnering with federal clients, we solve complex problems, exceed expectations, and advance critical missions.
  • Our team - We are committed to managing a cohesive workforce and cultivating a supportive workplace for our employees on contracts and in-office.
  • Our community involvement - Supporting our communities, we invest time and money in local schools and non-profit organizations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
GEM's offered compensation is dependent on candidates' education, qualifications, and relevant years of experience. To recruit and retain our exceptional staff, we offer the opportunity to elect benefit packages that best suit our employee's needs; this includes, but is not limited to, a competitive Salary, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (including HSA & PPO options), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and a matching 401(k) Retirement Plan.
Please Note: With the exception of mandated state requirements, GEM does not publish salary information on external job boards; as such, most ranges listed are estimates made by vendors and not actual salary ranges.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
GEM Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

Apply