1

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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 ...

Showing results 21-23

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 Sep 6, 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 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:

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.

Maintenance Planner

Flex-N-Gate

Rockford, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Flex-N-Gate rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

424th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry, recently ranked 10th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in "Automotive News." A growing and vital company, Flex-N-Gate provides a great opportunity for hard-working and skilled individuals.
Summary
The Maintenance planner is responsible for scheduling, planning, preventative / predictive maintenance and work orders to help ensure all equipment, machinery and processes are in working order and operating as designed.
Core Competencies
  • Customer Focus
  • Communication
  • Energy and Stress
  • Team Work
  • Problem Solving
  • Accountability and Dependability
  • Ethics and Integrity
  • Analytical

Flex-N-Gate Training Requirements
  • CHRF.00003 New Employee Orientation
  • Maintenance Management System
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Equipment Procurement
  • Internal Audit- Layered Process Audits
  • Master Procedure Flow
  • Quality Management Systems - CQAM.00001 Quality Management Systems Manual
  • Workplace Inspection Training
  • IATF/ISO Related Training

Job Duties
  • Work with all departments to ensure maintenance processes will assist with meeting Company's goals.
  • Works to ensure close coordination between EHS, Quality, Operations, Maintenance and Engineering to ensure the right work is planned and scheduled to minimize future breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
  • Plan daily maintenance work and collaborate with Maintenance team to ensure all equipment is in functioning properly, and minimize negative impacts on production.
  • Track and assign work requests, work orders and PM completions ensuring compliance.
  • Provides technical assistance and/or resources to address maintenance issues as required.
  • Pull reports for KPI's as required.
  • Generate purchase order requests.
  • Create PM's for line equipment.
  • Liaison with outside contractors for quotes when required.
  • Create work orders as needed.
  • Organize and maintain spare parts lists, manuals and drawings.
  • Create graphs and charts as needed.
  • Assist in the training of Maintenance monitoring software.
  • The incumbent is responsible for the awareness, understanding, specific responsibilities of the Environmental Management System (EMS) as stated in EMS policy CEVPL.00005.
  • The incumbent is responsible for the awareness, understanding, specific responsibilities and management of the Quality Management System (QMS) as stated in

CQAM.00001 - Corporate Quality Manual.
Requirements
  • Excellent mechanical skills, broad knowledge of maintenance concepts and techniques.
  • Minimum of 5 years of industrial maintenance experience is preferred.
  • Planning and scheduling experience is preferred.
  • Proficiency with database applications and administration systems.
  • Maximo experience a plus.
  • Ability to work effectively alone and prioritize tasks.
  • Must be a highly motivated, service and team-oriented individual.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Detail oriented.

Working Conditions
  • Physical ability to lift 75lbs.
  • Travel as necessary.
  • Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
  • Safety equipment will be required, e.g. steel-toed safety boots, safety glasses/goggles.
  • Hazards associated with the trade.
  • Work both indoors and outdoors.
  • Overtime as required.

This job description is not comprehensive. The duties, experience, functions, and any other descriptions herein may be changed at any time and other duties may be assigned as necessary. The company reserves the right to add, delete, or otherwise alter these responsibilities as it sees fit.
What We Offer
• Medical, dental, prescription, vision, life and disability insurance; and a flexible spending account
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Extensive safety training, new hire orientation, continuous learning and development programs and tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation time
What do our employees have to say?
"It engages you professionally, and provides learning opportunities."
"Lots of growth opportunity."
"The company's young enough to be exciting, but old enough to be stable."
Not just a job-a great place to work!
Flex-N-Gate is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.

What Flex-N-Gate employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom