Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Atlanta: Local Guide to Career Paths, Employers, and Salaries

Mechanical engineering jobs in Atlanta span everything from aerospace and automotive to manufacturing, building systems, and energy. If you live in Atlanta, are planning to move here, or are trying to understand the local job market, this guide walks through how mechanical engineering works specifically in Atlanta, Georgia—who hires, what they look for, and how to position yourself.

Why Atlanta Is a Strong Market for Mechanical Engineers

Atlanta sits at the intersection of transportation, logistics, construction, and tech, which creates steady demand for mechanical engineers.

Common reasons people target mechanical engineering jobs in Atlanta:

• Access to major corporate headquarters and engineering offices
• Large construction and infrastructure projects
• A strong aerospace and defense presence in the metro area
• Multiple universities and research centers feeding innovation
• A relatively lower cost of living compared to some coastal tech hubs

If you specialize in HVAC, product design, manufacturing, automotive, robotics, building systems, or energy, there are likely opportunities nearby.

Major Industries Hiring Mechanical Engineers in Atlanta

1. Aerospace & Defense

Atlanta and the broader metro area host aerospace, defense, and aviation-related employers. Mechanical engineers here often work on:

• Aircraft structures and components
• Propulsion and power systems
• Tooling and manufacturing support
• Testing and reliability

You’ll find work tied to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, nearby aerospace suppliers, and defense contractors with offices in the region.

2. Automotive & Mobility

Georgia has a growing automotive and mobility ecosystem. In and around Atlanta, mechanical engineers may support:

• Vehicle components and systems
• Electric vehicle infrastructure
• Testing labs and R&D
• Fleet and logistics systems (Atlanta is a major logistics hub)

Roles can range from design and analysis to manufacturing engineering and field support.

3. Building Systems, HVAC, and Construction

With rapid growth and constant development, mechanical engineers in Atlanta are heavily involved in:

• HVAC design for commercial and residential buildings
• Plumbing and fire protection systems
• Energy modeling and sustainable building design
• Construction oversight and commissioning

Mechanical engineers often work for:

• MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) consulting firms
• Construction and design–build contractors
• Property management and facility operations teams

You’ll see opportunities tied to Atlanta’s expanding skyline, including projects in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and around the BeltLine.

4. Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities

The Atlanta metro area includes manufacturing and distribution facilities that need mechanical engineers for:

• Production line design and optimization
• Maintenance and reliability engineering
• Automation and robotics integration
• Quality and safety engineering

These jobs may be in industrial parks around Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, and Fulton Counties, as well as nearby cities in the metro area.

5. Energy, Utilities, and Infrastructure

Mechanical engineers help Atlanta keep power, water, and transportation systems working. Common roles involve:

• Power generation and distribution (traditional and renewable)
• Water and wastewater facilities
• Public infrastructure and transportation projects
• Sustainability and efficiency projects for large facilities

You may work with engineering consulting firms that serve the City of Atlanta, MARTA, Georgia DOT, or regional utilities.

6. Product Design, R&D, and Tech-Adjacent Roles

Atlanta’s tech and startup scene also touches mechanical engineering through:

• Product design and prototyping
• Medical devices and equipment
• Consumer products and hardware
• Robotics and automation systems

These roles are often clustered around Midtown (Tech Square), West Midtown, and other innovation corridors.

Typical Mechanical Engineering Job Titles in Atlanta

You’ll see many of the same job titles repeated across industries. Some examples:

• Mechanical Engineer (Entry, Mid, Senior)
• HVAC Design Engineer / Mechanical Building Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer / Process Engineer
• Reliability Engineer / Maintenance Engineer
• Design Engineer / Product Development Engineer
• Project Engineer / Project Manager (Mechanical)
• Applications Engineer / Sales Engineer
• Automation Engineer / Mechatronics Engineer
• Field Service Engineer / Field Engineer

Knowing these titles helps you search job boards and filter opportunities more effectively.

Education, Licensure, and Certifications in Atlanta

Degrees and Local Schools

Most mechanical engineering roles require at least a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or a closely related degree.

Common local options include:

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

  • Atlanta, GA 30332
  • Well-known for mechanical engineering and a major feeder into local employers.

• Kennesaw State University – Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

  • Marietta Campus: 1100 South Marietta Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30060
  • Offers mechanical engineering and engineering technology programs.

• Georgia State University – Perimeter and related programs

  • While not always offering a full mechanical degree, some students take foundational courses here before transferring.

Many employers in Atlanta are familiar with these institutions and actively recruit from them.

Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure in Georgia

For certain roles—especially those involving building systems design, public infrastructure, or signing/sealing drawings—a Georgia Professional Engineer (PE) license is important or required.

The licensing body is:

• Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
  • 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217
  • Phone: (404) 424-9966

Typical steps (in simplified form):

1. Earn an ABET-accredited engineering degree.
2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
3. Gain required work experience under a PE.
4. Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
5. Apply for licensure with the Georgia board.

Many Atlanta engineers work for several years before pursuing licensure, especially in consulting and building systems.

Helpful Certifications

Not mandatory, but often valued in Atlanta:

• LEED Green Associate / LEED AP (for sustainability and green building roles)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) (for energy efficiency-related positions)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) (for project-heavy roles)
• Vendor-specific or industry certifications in HVAC, CAD/CAE tools, or automation systems

Skills Atlanta Employers Commonly Look For

Beyond a degree, Atlanta mechanical engineering jobs often emphasize:

• CAD/CAE tools: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, CATIA, ANSYS, or similar
• Building systems knowledge: HVAC loads, duct design, hydronic systems, codes (for MEP roles)
• Manufacturing familiarity: GD&T, machining, injection molding, assembly processes
• Project coordination: Scheduling, budgeting basics, communication with clients and contractors
• Field experience: Site visits, troubleshooting equipment, working with technicians
• Communication skills: Writing clear reports, presenting to non-engineers, coordinating with architects and construction teams

If you’re targeting Atlanta specifically, experience with local or regional building codes, climate considerations, and construction practices is a plus for MEP and construction-related roles.

Where to Find Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Atlanta

Job Boards and Online Platforms

Search using combinations like:

• “Mechanical engineer Atlanta GA”
• “HVAC design engineer Atlanta”
• “Manufacturing engineer Atlanta area”

Filter for hybrid and on-site roles if you want to be physically in the metro area, since many mechanical jobs require field visits or shop floor work.

Company Career Pages

Many larger Atlanta employers post jobs directly on their own websites. Look at:

• Engineering consulting firms (MEP, civil, transportation) based in Atlanta
• Construction and design–build firms
• Manufacturing and industrial companies around the metro area
• Aerospace and defense firms with Atlanta offices
• Energy and utility contractors serving Georgia

Local Networking & Professional Groups

In Atlanta, networking can be just as important as online applications.

Consider:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – Atlanta Section
  Often holds local meetings, technical talks, and networking events.

• ASHRAE – Atlanta Chapter
  Very relevant for HVAC and building systems roles.

• Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE)
  Connects PEs and EITs across disciplines.

Meetings are commonly held in or near Midtown, Downtown, or central metro locations, and many are open to students and early-career professionals.

Career Centers and Local Support

If you’re a student or recent graduate:

• Georgia Tech Career Center

  • 219 Uncle Heinie Way NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Provides career fairs, co-op programs, and employer info sessions.

• Kennesaw State University Career Services

  • Offices on both Kennesaw and Marietta campuses
  • Works closely with local engineering employers.

For broader job-search assistance:

• Georgia Department of Labor – Atlanta Career Center
  • 2284 Bernard Rd, East Point, GA 30344
  • Phone: (404) 699-6900
    Can provide general job search resources and workshops.

Mechanical Engineering Internships and Co-Ops in Atlanta

If you’re still in school or changing careers, internships and co-ops are a key entry point into Atlanta’s mechanical engineering market.

Common internship settings:

• MEP design firms working on local office towers, hospitals, and mixed-use developments
• Manufacturing plants in the metro area needing process or maintenance support
• Research labs at Georgia Tech or similar institutions
• Aerospace/defense and industrial companies with Atlanta offices

Tips for landing one locally:

• Attend campus career fairs and talk directly to Atlanta employers.
• Check student chapters of ASME, ASHRAE, and other societies for local company visits.
• Be ready with a resume that highlights CAD coursework, hands-on projects, labs, and team design work.

Typical Salary Ranges and Cost of Living Context

Salary levels can vary by experience, industry, and specific employer, but in general:

• Entry-level mechanical engineer (0–2 years): Often in the lower range of typical U.S. mechanical salaries, but adjusted to Atlanta’s cost of living.
• Mid-level (3–7 years): Noticeable increase, especially with project responsibility or PE licensure.
• Senior/Lead Engineers (8+ years): Higher range, often involving project management, people leadership, or specialized expertise.

While exact numbers change over time, many people find that Atlanta’s housing and daily expenses are more manageable than in some major coastal cities, making salaries relatively competitive in terms of purchasing power.

When evaluating an offer, consider:

• Commute time: Living in Midtown, Decatur, Sandy Springs, or Marietta vs. working in another part of the metro can affect quality of life.
• Parking and transit: Some downtown and Midtown offices rely on MARTA access or paid parking.
• Remote flexibility: Certain design or analysis roles may offer hybrid schedules, while manufacturing or field-heavy jobs are usually more on-site.

How to Stand Out for Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Atlanta

A few practical steps tailored to the local market:

1. Highlight local or regional experience

   • Projects involving hot, humid climates, high cooling loads, or Southern construction practices.
   • Experience on large commercial buildings, hospitals, universities, or industrial sites.

2. Build a targeted portfolio

   • Include CAD drawings, FEA screenshots, HVAC layouts, or manufacturing process improvements you can share (without proprietary details).
   • Emphasize any work that relates to Atlanta-relevant sectors: building systems, industrial facilities, logistics, transportation, or aerospace.

3. Engage with Atlanta’s professional community

   • Attend ASME or ASHRAE chapter meetings and introduce yourself to engineers already working here.
   • Join local engineering meetups or technical talks often held in Midtown and West Midtown.

4. Customize your resume for each role

   • For MEP roles: Emphasize HVAC coursework, Revit/AutoCAD, load calculations, and any building-related projects.
   • For manufacturing: Focus on GD&T, process improvement, Six Sigma exposure, or hands-on shop experience.
   • For R&D/product roles: Highlight prototyping, testing, and design iterations.

5. Be ready to discuss field and site work

   • Many Atlanta employers value engineers who are comfortable on job sites, in plants, or in test facilities, not just behind a computer.

Quick Reference: Mechanical Engineering Career Resources in Atlanta

Mechanical engineering jobs in Atlanta are diverse and steadily in demand, especially if you’re open to building systems, manufacturing, infrastructure, or aerospace/industrial work. By understanding how the local market operates, connecting with Atlanta’s engineering community, and tailoring your skills to the region’s main industries, you can position yourself competitively for mechanical engineering roles across the metro area.