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Sr Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Sr Design Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$64K

$122.1K

$177K

How much do sr design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr design engineer in Tennessee is $122,145.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,600.00 and $142,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sr Design Engineer?

Sr Design Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components within an engineering team. They oversee the design process, ensuring projects meet technical specifications, regulatory standards, and budget constraints. Sr Design Engineers often mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and use advanced software tools for modeling and analysis. Their expertise helps drive innovation and ensures the successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Design Engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and a relevant engineering degree, often with several years of industry experience. Expertise in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are typically required, along with certifications like PE or Six Sigma being advantageous. Leadership, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for guiding teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial to ensure innovative, reliable designs that meet technical requirements and project goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Sr Design Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Sr Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design solutions with cost and manufacturability constraints, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and ensuring effective communication across multidisciplinary teams. To address these challenges, it's important to stay current with industry tools and best practices, regularly collaborate with manufacturing and quality departments, and prioritize clear documentation. Developing strong project management and interpersonal skills can also help streamline workflow and reduce project bottlenecks.

What is the difference between Sr Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectSr Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, 3+ years experience, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsDesign teams, project-based environments, product development
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronicsSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Sr Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. A Sr Design Engineer typically has more years of experience, takes on complex projects, and may mentor junior staff. In contrast, a Design Engineer is often in an earlier career stage, focusing on executing design tasks under supervision. Both roles are essential in product development, but the Sr Design Engineer plays a leadership role in design innovation and project management.

How much does a senior design engineer get paid?

A senior design engineer's average salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have advanced skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence compensation levels.

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

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

Infographic showing various Sr Design Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,145 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Senior Physical Design Engineer

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

PDS 6 / Power Delivery Substation

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

We have the power to energize YOUR career and spark YOUR Work/Life Balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don’t delay, plug in today for an inclusive meaningful career in power, distribution, transmission, engineering, design, technology, or innovation at Mesa Associates, Inc.

Mesa seeks a Senior Physical Design Engineer to be responsible for supervising the design and checking of deliverables associated with a high voltage substation design projects. Candidate must be familiar with the design of One Line Diagrams, Substation Layouts, Foundation Plans, Conduit/Raceway Plans, Grounding Plans, Bills of Materials, and Cable Schedules. The design will be completed using Autodesk products, mainly Inventor and AutoCAD. 

Responsibilities

  • Provide mentorship and training for junior level team members
  • Must be able to complete assignments within budget and schedule with a high degree of accuracy
  • Utilize AutoCAD based physical design standards
  • Performs technical preparation of deliverables and other project documents
  • Ensures deliverables comply with IEEE and/or client standards and meet applicable design requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET Accredited)
  • 8-12 years experience in the design of substation physical design deliverables
  • Proficiency in verbal and written communication
  • Proficiency with layout designs in 2D

Preferred Qualifications

  • Expertise utilizing AutoCAD and/or Inventor
  • Knowledge of Power Systems or Substation Design
  • Keen interest in learning and using the latest Autodesk software tools, methods, and technologies to develop Power Substation design
  • Proficiency with layout designs in 3D

This opportunity is a hybrid arrangement located in Mesa's Knoxville, TN office. A fully remote arrangement may be considered for highly qualified candidates located in the Southeast region of the United States.

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.