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Senior Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$78K - $130K/yr

You'll work alongside senior mechanical engineers to design and analyze next-generation centrifuge components, assemblies, machines, and facility expansion projects. If you love solving mechanical ...

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$78K - $130K/yr

You'll work alongside senior mechanical engineers to design and analyze next-generation centrifuge components, assemblies, machines, and facility expansion projects. If you love solving mechanical ...

Arcadis seeks a Senior Roadway Design Engineer to join our Tennessee Mobility team in Nashville, Chattanooga, or Knoxville. You will have the opportunity to work on infrastructure projects for ...

Arcadis seeks a Senior Roadway Design Engineer to join our Tennessee Mobility team in Nashville, Chattanooga, or Knoxville. You will have the opportunity to work on infrastructure projects for ...

Arcadis seeks a Senior Roadway Design Engineer to join our Tennessee Mobility team in Nashville, Chattanooga, or Knoxville. You will have the opportunity to work on infrastructure projects for ...

Arcadis seeks a Senior Roadway Design Engineer to join our Tennessee Mobility team in Nashville, Chattanooga, or Knoxville. You will have the opportunity to work on infrastructure projects for ...

Arcadis seeks a Senior Roadway Design Engineer to join our Tennessee Mobility team in Nashville, Chattanooga, or Knoxville. You will have the opportunity to work on infrastructure projects for ...

Design tooling for all gear processing operations from cutting of blanks to final inspection for ... Work with Senior Engineers on the development and creation of non-standard tooling for specialized ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Design Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$57.2K

$110.2K

$173.8K

How much do senior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design engineer in Tennessee is $110,244.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,200.00 and $125,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior design engineer do?

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components, often within engineering or manufacturing industries. They create detailed technical drawings and specifications, oversee project timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Additionally, they mentor junior engineers, troubleshoot design challenges, and may interact with clients or stakeholders to clarify requirements and present solutions. Their role combines technical expertise, project management, and leadership skills.

How does a senior design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

Senior Design Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from manufacturing, quality assurance, project management, and marketing to ensure the successful development and launch of products. They lead design reviews, gather input from other departments, and address technical challenges collaboratively. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance design intent with practical constraints such as cost, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements. Regular meetings and iterative feedback loops are a standard part of the process, making teamwork and adaptability essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Design Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, reliable designs while leading teams and projects to successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience in design, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, design experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, project management, cross-disciplinary collaborationDesign and development of mechanical components, CAD work, prototype testing
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, product design, machinery development

The main difference is that a Senior Design Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and may oversee projects, while a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on creating and testing mechanical components. Both roles require similar technical skills and work in related environments, but the senior position involves more oversight and strategic input.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Senior Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Senior Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Design Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,244 per year, or $53 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (3621)

Navarro Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Oak Ridge, TN.
Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client's success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense.
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer who specializes in designing and optimizing piping and mechanical systems within process-control environments that handle liquids or gases. This role demands extensive experience in fluid dynamics, equipment specification, and structural analysis. The successful candidate will lead innovation in system design with minimal supervision, ensuring projects meet operational, regulatory, and safety targets from conception through final realization.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, construction, and maintenance of facility piping systems, including rigorous component sizing and equipment selection (pumps, motors, heaters, blowers, valves, etc.).
  • Model pressure, flow, and thermal effects (steady-state and transient) using CFD, FEA, and related tools; validate piping integrity under static and dynamic loads, and perform pipe-stress/structural analyses.
  • Develop, review, and red-line mechanical and piping drawings, plans, and specifications derived from engineering calculations; ensure compliance with codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate detailed phases of engineering work for major projects or for entire projects of moderate scope; prepare ROMs and detailed cost estimates, compile equipment specifications, and generate procurement documentation.
  • Participate in safety reviews, quality-assurance activities, training sessions, and regulatory audits; drive continuous improvement by integrating emerging technologies and best practices.
  • Produce technical reports, literature reviews, and progress updates; present findings and status briefings to stakeholders and senior management.
  • Direct the work of technical support staff and mentor junior engineers in mechanical and fluid-system design; guide troubleshooting and modifications to resolve equipment malfunctions.
  • Perform additional related tasks as assigned.

Requirements
  • Five to twelve (5 - 12) years of mechanical design-engineering experience with a strong focus on piping and fluid systems (industrial liquid or gas processes).
  • Demonstrated expertise in pressure-drop calculations, fluid-flow optimization, and equipment sizing/selection.
  • Proficiency in static and dynamic piping analyses, including pipe-stress and support-structure calculations.
  • Prior experience in highly regulated or process-driven industries (nuclear, chemical processing, oil & gas, HVAC, etc.).
  • Familiarity with relevant codes and standards (ASME or equivalent) and proven ability to integrate them into efficient designs.
  • Strong in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
  • Proven history of analytical, problem-solving, and project-management skills; effective oral and written communication; collaborative mindset when working with cross-functional teams.
  • Education & Certification
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a related field) from an accredited institution - or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • Professional Engineer (PE) licensure and/or certifications in project management or quality are advantageous but not required.
  • Additional Requirements
    • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.
Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled
Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability