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Entry Level Downstream Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AK Steel

Associate Chemical Engineer

Burns Harbor, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Burns Harbor, IN ClevelandCliffs is seeking upcoming college graduates for entrylevel Associate ... downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation ...

Varsity Brands

Data Engineer I

Farmers Branch, TX · On-site

$110K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Data Engineer I (DE I) is an entry-level engineering position responsible for contributing to ... Accuracy and quality of data supporting downstream consumers * Ability to troubleshoot and resolve ...

Varsitybrands

Data Engineer I

Farmers Branch, TX

$110K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Data Engineer I (DE I) is an entry-level engineering position responsible for contributing to ... Accuracy and quality of data supporting downstream consumers * Ability to troubleshoot and resolve ...

Aerotek

Entry Level-Manufacturer

Plymouth, MA · On-site

$18.90/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... company engineers precision components that power the medical, aerospace, and electronics ... downstream finishing operations, this is the role for you. Ability to follow direction and ...

TWC Business Unit

Software Engineer (Austin)

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... downstream business systems. The ideal candidate will bring strong development experience in C# ... The Software Engineer (Programmer IV) performs advanced (senior-level) computer programming and ...

CAI

Entry Level Validation Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

... engineering field preferred but not required - 0- 2 years work experience in any industry ... HVAC) - Upstream/downstream processing - Purification, recovery - Building automation ...

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Entry Level Downstream Engineer information

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$14

$31

$50

How much do entry level downstream engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level downstream engineer in the United States is $31.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Downstream Engineer vs Entry Level Upstream Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Downstream EngineerEntry Level Upstream Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentRefining plants, distribution facilities, sales, and marketingExploration sites, drilling rigs, production facilities
Industry UsageOil refining, petrochemical production, downstream operationsOil and gas exploration, drilling, production

Entry Level Downstream Engineers focus on refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products, working mainly in processing plants and sales environments. In contrast, Entry Level Upstream Engineers are involved in exploration and extraction activities at drilling sites. Both roles require a background in engineering and are essential in the oil and gas industry, but they differ in their focus and work settings.

What is an entry level downstream engineer?

An entry level downstream engineer is an entry-level professional responsible for managing and optimizing the refining, processing, and distribution of petroleum products. They typically work with process control systems, safety protocols, and may require knowledge of industry software and certifications such as OSHA or API standards. This role often involves supporting operations, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Why is it so hard to get an entry-level downstream engineer job?

Entry-level downstream engineer positions are competitive due to high demand for specialized skills such as process optimization, safety protocols, and familiarity with industry tools like HYSYS or Aspen Plus. Employers often prefer candidates with relevant internships, technical certifications, or a strong understanding of refining or petrochemical processes, making entry into the field challenging for those lacking experience or specific qualifications.
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Entry Level Downstream Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Downstream Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,130 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - Product Design & Development (Entry Level)

All Jobs

Lake City, MN • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:

Valley Craft is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and production of material handling, storage, and safety related products. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer early in their career who wants exposure to real production hardware, manufacturing support, and product lifecycle ownership. The position emphasizes practical engineering execution, collaboration with manufacturing, and continuous product improvement.

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities:


Product Design & Engineering Execution

  • Design and engineer new products and custom solutions
  • Support existing product designs through design updates, documentation changes, and production support
  • Assist with engineering change requests (ECRs/ECOs) and implementation into production
  • Help diagnose production, quality, or field issues and support corrective actions.


CAD, BOM, and Documentation

  • Create and update 3D models, drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks
  • Apply company drawing standards, tolerances, weld symbols, and basic GD&T
  • Maintain accurate part data, revisions, and metadata in PDM and MRP systems

Manufacturing & Shop Collaboration

  • Work closely with fabrication, welding, assembly, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and buildable
  • Support fixture design and basic prototyping as needed
  • Identify potential pinch points, cut hazards, or ergonomic concerns early and help implement improvements

Continuous Improvement

  • Participate in root-cause analysis and problem-solving efforts

Qualifications Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
  • Familiarity with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, sheet metal, fabrication)
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications Preferred

  • Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
  • Exposure to lift products, material-handling equipment, or industrial machinery
  • Familiarity with BOMs, revision control, and engineering documentation

Key Attributes for Success

  • Hands-On Mindset: Interested in how products are built, not just designed.
  • Team-Oriented: Works well with manufacturing, quality, and procurement partners.
  • Adaptable: Comfortable handling shifting priorities in a production environment.
  • Detail-Focused: Understands that accurate documentation prevents downstream issues.
  • Growth-Oriented: Eager to build engineering judgment through real-world experience.