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Sr Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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

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 Mechanical Design Engineer (3621)

Navarro Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 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