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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Electrical Engineer

Lafayette, CA ยท Hybrid

$80K - $95K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an entry-level Engineer to learn and grow! Harris Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and a friendly, flexible, collaborative culture that ...

Design Engineer, Entry Level Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) seeks Design Engineers - Entry Level to serve as Structural and Payload Design Engineers for our team ...

Design Engineer, Entry Level Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) seeks Design Engineers - Entry Level to serve as Structural and Payload Design Engineers for our team ...

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As an Entry-Level Electrical Engineer, you would get to work on Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Hand-Soldering Circuits and more. In addition, you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your ...

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About the role We're looking for an entry-level back-end engineer to join our engineering team. He/she would work closely with our existing team to help build our various projects as well as our ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in California is $68,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get into entry level engineering with no experience?

Entry level engineering positions often require a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Gaining practical skills through internships, co-op programs, or personal projects, and learning industry tools like CAD or MATLAB, can improve your chances. Certifications such as Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) can also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge to employers.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level engineers often face challenges such as adapting to new tools and technologies, understanding company-specific processes, and translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. It's also common to navigate working on multidisciplinary teams and learning effective communication with colleagues from different backgrounds. With guidance from mentors and proactive engagement, these challenges become valuable learning experiences that contribute to professional growth.

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

Entry-level engineering jobs are competitive because employers often seek candidates with relevant internships, project experience, or specific technical skills such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or industry-standard tools. Additionally, many positions require a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields, and the limited availability of entry-level roles can make the job search challenging for new graduates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as CAD tools, MATLAB, or project management platforms, as well as relevant internships or certifications, is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in a dynamic environment. These skills ensure you can contribute to projects, adapt to organizational needs, and grow professionally in the engineering field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internships helpfulBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure optional for some roles
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, manufacturing plants, construction sites, labsDesign, testing, manufacturing, research and development
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions across various engineering sectorsMid to senior roles, but entry-level positions are common in manufacturing and design firms

Entry Level Engineers typically have a bachelor's degree and gain hands-on experience through internships. They work in diverse environments like design firms and manufacturing plants. Mechanical Engineers, while often requiring similar credentials, may start in entry-level roles but are more specialized in mechanical systems. Both roles are common in engineering industries, but the term 'Entry Level Engineer' is broader, encompassing various engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering.

What is an entry level engineer?

An entry-level engineer designs, builds, and maintains the functional aspects of a product, structure, or system for their specific engineering industry. All engineers start out in an entry-level position with fewer responsibilities until they gain work experience. Many start gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship before moving into an entry-level position. An entry-level engineer job description relates to all of the education requirements, skills, detailed tasks, responsibilities that a company or organization requires for their specific engineering job. For example, civil engineers design, construct, and maintain large infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and airports. Electrical engineers design, monitor, and test electrical systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Associate Electrical Engineer

Harris Group

Lafayette, CA โ€ข Hybrid

$80K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Harris Group thrives on providing expert engineering for some of today's most complex challenges. We are creative in our approach by delivering multi-discipline services across a wide range of project types. Our successes are directly related to high-quality collaboration, across all offices, expertise, and backgrounds. Harris Group is a 100% Employee-Owned company with our eyes focused on the people in the company, the clients we serve, and the communities in which we live.


Harris Group is seeking an Associate Electrical Engineer to join the California region in our Lafayette, CA office. This is an exciting opportunity for an entry-level Engineer to learn and grow! Harris Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and a friendly, flexible, collaborative culture that values and supports professional development.

The Job Summary

The Associate ElectricalEngineer position provides opportunities to problem-solve and applystandard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria on varied and diverse projects. The ideal candidate will have a background in Electrical Engineering and a passion to develop in the Electrical discipline.Bring your curiosity and problem-solving mindset to this exciting role!

The Responsibilities

  • Assisting power systems analysis
  • Developing drawings and specifications for construction, and assisting field investigations
  • Supporting teams in lighting layouts and lighting control system designs
  • Participating in formal, informal and project team meetings
  • Ability and willingness to travel to an off-site location and/or accept client site assignments when required

The Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 1 - 3 years of electrical design experience in the design of power distribution, lighting, and grounding systems for production, manufacturing and industrial facilities preferred.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-starter with a strong work ethic.
  • Ability to use a computer and computer software programs, such as AutoCAD and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

The Benefits

  • Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000/year depending on location, education, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.
  • Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), PTO & paid holidays.
  • Harris Group is proud to be an employee-owned company; the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) provides an exciting employee wealth building opportunities of our employees.


Equal Opportunity Employer

Harris Group provides a competitive compensation and benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Drug Free Workplace
Harris Group, Inc. is a 100% drug free workplace. For the safety of our employees, customers, and our customer's facilities, we do a pre-employment drug test and may require random testing to meet specific client needs. Please note that Marijuana, even if prescribed by a physician OR allowed under a state law regulating Marijuana, remains illegal under federal law and is against Harris Group's policy.

We look forward to receiving your resume!