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Recent Graduate Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Field Application Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

$54.30K - $81.04K/yr

Whether you're a recent graduate or early in your career, this is your opportunity to grow with a global leader in automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll ...

Field Application Engineer

Brentwood, TN · On-site +1

$54.30K - $81.04K/yr

Whether you're a recent graduate or early in your career, this is your opportunity to grow with a global leader in automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll ...

Civil Engineer Intern

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

This position is ideal for a student or recent graduate with little to no professional experience who is eager to gain hands-on exposure to civil engineering projects. The intern will support ...

This position is ideal for a student or recent graduate with little to no professional experience who is eager to gain hands-on exposure to civil engineering projects. The intern will support ...

Job Summary As a Project Engineer at RAWSO, you will work side by side with an experienced Project ... This position is an excellent fit for a recent graduate or someone early in their career who is ...

Job Summary As a Project Engineer at RAWSO, you will work side by side with an experienced Project ... This position is an excellent fit for a recent graduate or someone early in their career who is ...

Job Summary As a Project Engineer at RAWSO, you will work side by side with an experienced Project ... This position is an excellent fit for a recent graduate or someone early in their career who is ...

Excellent opportunity for a recent engineering graduate interested in manufacturing, refrigeration systems, and process safety.Job RequirementsBachelor?s degree in Engineering required0 3 years of ...

Office Project Engineer

Nashville, TN

$66.70K - $85.50K/yr

Recent graduate, or have grown through DD's career path leading to this role. * Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field. * Strong personal integrity and has ...

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Recent Graduate Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$27.7K

$62.3K

$104.8K

How much do recent graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent graduate engineer in Tennessee is $62,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,200.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recent Graduate Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recent Graduate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, as well as experience with project management tools, is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability will help you excel in collaborative, fast-paced environments. These skills are crucial for effectively contributing to projects, learning quickly on the job, and successfully transitioning from academia to professional engineering practice.

What are some common challenges recent graduate engineers face during their first year on the job?

Recent graduate engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to real-world project timelines, transitioning from academic theory to practical application, and understanding workplace communication protocols. Navigating team dynamics and learning to balance multiple tasks or projects simultaneously can also be new experiences. Seeking mentorship and actively asking questions can help ease the transition and accelerate professional growth in the early stages of an engineering career.

What are recent graduate engineers?

Recent graduate engineers are individuals who have recently completed an engineering degree and are beginning their professional careers. They typically have foundational knowledge in their specific engineering discipline, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering. These engineers often start in entry-level positions where they gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and learn workplace protocols. Many employers offer training and mentorship programs to help recent graduates transition smoothly into the workforce.

What is the difference between Recent Graduate Engineer vs Entry-Level Engineer?

AspectRecent Graduate EngineerEntry-Level Engineer
QualificationsRecent degree, limited work experienceSame as recent graduate, possibly some internships
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised rolesOperational roles with increasing responsibilities
Industry UsageCommonly used for new graduates entering engineering rolesBroader term for early-career engineers

Recent Graduate Engineer typically refers to individuals who have recently completed their engineering degree and are starting their professional careers, often in training or supervised roles. Entry-Level Engineer is a broader term that includes recent graduates and those with minimal work experience beginning their engineering jobs. Both roles are aimed at early-career professionals, but 'Recent Graduate Engineer' emphasizes the candidate's recent academic completion, while 'Entry-Level Engineer' highlights the job level regardless of graduation timing.

Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,278 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Entry Level Electrical Engineer - Engineering Associate I

Entry Level Electrical Engineer - Engineering Associate I

Mesa Associates Inc.

Chattanooga, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 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 Protection & Control (P&C) 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 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 Protection & Controls concepts – How power system protection equipment (CTs, VTs, Relays, etc.) is connected and used within substations.
  • Design Software – AutoCAD/MicroStation, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Excel, etc.
  • Project lifecycle – How a project moves from conception, through design, to completion.
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration – Working alongside senior engineers, designers, project managers, and client personnel.

What You’ll Do

  • Work on a team of drafters, designers, and engineers
  • Increase your knowledge under the mentorship of senior engineers
  • Create single-line & three-line diagrams
  • Develop panel layouts and control house layouts
  • Produce AC & DC schematics
  • Design wiring diagrams
  • Compile Bill-of-Materials and cable schedules
  • Coordinate with other engineering disciplines
  • Attend site visits to see implementation of designs
  • 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.