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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Kentucky

Mechanical Engineering Intern

La Grange, KY · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

This NAR Associate will participate as a TEAM member within the Simulations department and help ... Ability to design mechanical parts and small subsystems with guidance from senior engineering staff.

Construction Inspector- Mechanical

Louisville, KY · On-site

$24.25 - $32.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred. * Minimum of 5 years of construction inspection experience, focused on HVAC and mechanical systems

The Mechanical Designer will be responsible for creating mechanical engineering drawings and ... role • Associate degree or certification in computer-aided design and drafting • AutoCAD ...

Student Co-op - Engineering

Florence, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Duties and Responsibilities Assist teams and foster involvement of all associates in lean practices ... Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other ...

Reports To: Team Leader of Mechanical Engineering Department I. Summary Mechanical Designers ... An associate's degree or equivalent experience is required. • Experience: 5+ years of experience ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See Kentucky salary details

$39.5K

$89.4K

$144.6K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate 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 is a mechanical engineering associate?

Mechanical Engineering Associates are early-career professionals who support engineering teams in designing, testing, and improving mechanical systems and products. They typically assist with creating technical drawings, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and solving engineering problems under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is often a starting point for recent graduates in mechanical engineering, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to learn industry practices. Mechanical Engineering Associates may work in various sectors, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering associate?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Associate, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as exposure to industry standards like ASME, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and convey technical concepts clearly. These capabilities ensure high-quality project outcomes and efficient integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are the most common challenges faced by mechanical engineering associates when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering tasks?

One of the most common challenges Mechanical Engineering Associates encounter is adapting to the pace and complexity of real-world engineering projects compared to academic assignments. In industry, projects often involve tight deadlines, multidisciplinary teams, and the need to balance technical accuracy with practical constraints like budget and manufacturability. Associates must also become proficient in using industry-standard software and tools, and learn to interpret and apply company-specific standards. Effective communication with senior engineers and other departments is essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Associate vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering AssociateMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or equivalentBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting roles in design, testing, and manufacturingDesign, analysis, and project management responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, product development, and technical supportDesign firms, industrial companies, and R&D departments

The Mechanical Engineering Associate typically holds an associate's degree and performs support tasks in engineering projects, while the Mechanical Engineer has a bachelor's degree and takes on more complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles are essential in engineering teams, but the associate role is more entry-level and supportive in nature.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,352 per year, or $43 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Intern

NAR Training

La Grange, KY • On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Internship

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY
Our mission is to develop and produce realistic training tools that provide the realism demanded by our military and emergency medical clients. In addition to the realism, true training tools need to be a complement to training exercises, not a piece that demand time and attention. Training sessions are effective, both in cost and in educational value, when they can be repeated with minimal interruption – they must serve the greatest number for the greatest amount of time.
This NAR Associate will participate as a TEAM member within the Simulations department and help facilitate smooth processes among other team members.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. Projects/duties may be change as dictated by the needs of the business.
  • 3-D Modeling skills. Ability to design mechanical parts and small subsystems with guidance from senior engineering staff. Familiarity with AutoCAD 360 is a plus, but applicable experience with other packages such as Solidworks, NX, Pro-E, Creo, or CATIA is acceptable.
  • 2-D Drafting skills. Ability to create detailed 2-D drawings of parts and sub-assemblies is essential. Familiarity with GD amp;T is a plus, but not required (will train as needed).
  • Hands-on prototyping skills. Familiarity with safe use of basic hand tools for building/modifying prototypes is essential (screwdrivers, hammers, files, saws, hand drills, Dremel, soldering iron, etc.). The ability to observe and follow shop safety protocols when in the workshop area is a must.
  • Familiarity with additive manufacturing methods is a definite advantage. We maintain an on-site 3D printer farm for prototyping and short-run manufacturing. If you don’t have prior experience with 3D printing, please bring a desire to learn (will train as needed).
  • Punctual and dependable. As a student position, work scheduling is flexible relative to your class schedule, but once hours are set for the semester adherence to the agreed upon schedule is expected.
  • Job responsibilities require use of on-site materials and equipment, therefore this position is not considered eligible for remote work. Reliable transportation to and from our LaGrange, KY facility is required.

AUTHORITY
  • Works on a small multi-disciplinary engineering team
  • Reports to lead Mechanical Engineer.
ACCOUNTABILITY
  • Provides design support to the engineering team
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
  • Junior level status towards a BS in a ABET accredited Mechanical Engineering program. Proof of enrollment is required.
Competency and Skills
  • Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, e-mail).
  • Knowledge of at least one aforementioned CAD package.
  • Knowledge of fundamental Mechanical Engineering principles.
  • Understanding of common manufacturing methods.
Experience
  • Prior work experience a plus, but not required.
Specific Characteristics
  • Self-starter – ability to carry a task from start to finish with minimal direction.
  • Task oriented – ability to define tasks from vague concepts, handles multiple tasks, prioritizes, periodically provides updates to supervisor.
  • Builds effective working relationships.
  • Consistently applies good communication skills: both oral and written.
  • Possesses strong quality orientation, attention to detail, and personal desire to meet/exceed requirements.
  • Works effectively and efficiently with limited direction and supervision.
  • Demonstrates ability to change direction and focus as directed.
DEMANDS
Time and Availability
  • Must be able to work a minimum of 15 hours, but not exceeding 40 hours, each week. Schedule to be determined dependent on class schedule within our normal operating hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
Travel
  • Travel is optional as schedule permits. Travel will generally be limited to the greater Louisville, KY area and not to exceed 10% of the time.
Physical
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a typical office employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and lifting of up to 25 lbs.
Environment
  • Must be able to work in a moderate industrial noise level environment up to 80 dB (not needed on a consistent basis but will need occasionally)
  • Must be able to work in a non-smoking facility.
  • Due to the nature of our business, you will encounter simulated sounds and images of a medically graphic nature. Discretion is advised.
  • You may be inadvertently exposed to smoke, dust, engine exhaust, coolant mists, organic vapors, sudden loud noises and/or bright flashing lights while working in our facility. Any disabilities relating to the aforementioned will be reasonably accommodated and PPE will be provided as needed.

DISCLAIMERS
  • AAP/EEO Statement
    NAR Training, LLC provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.