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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

Job Duties: There are four entry-level Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties. Your ... Special Forces Engineer Sergeants: specialists in a wide range of disciplines such as construction ...

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Entry Level Engineer information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$29.8K

$68.8K

$117.1K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Charlottesville, VA is $68,811.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $77,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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 certifications in tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB can improve your chances; demonstrating problem-solving abilities and a willingness to learn are also important for employers.

What is the easiest entry level engineer job to get into?

Entry-level engineering roles such as manufacturing, technician, or quality assurance positions are often considered easier to obtain due to lower experience requirements and high demand. These jobs typically require basic technical skills, familiarity with tools or software relevant to the field, and sometimes a relevant certification or associate degree.

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 technical skills such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or specific tools. Additionally, many positions require a bachelor's degree and sometimes certifications, which can limit the pool of qualified applicants and make entry into the field more challenging.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA are:

What cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs?

Cities near Charlottesville, VA with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Charlottesville, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,811 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Grants & Contracts Finance Specialist, Pre-Award - SEAS

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia seeks candidates to support the operations of SEAS Research Administration within the Dean's Office as a Grants and Contracts Finance Specialist supporting the Pre-Award team.
This position will work closely with various stakeholders across the University and the School to provide high quality customer service for research faculty and staff. The Finance Specialist will be responsible for assisting in the proposal development and submission process for Engineering research faculty, staff, and students, and help the Pre-Award Office in managing research funds throughout the School.
The ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively in a team unit, as well independently with minimal supervision. They should posses effective communication skills (both orally and in writing), and be able to interact professionally with faculty and staff. They will be adaptable and a quick learner, exhibiting strong attention to detail, analytical acumen, intellectual curiosity, and creativity.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare and maintain Current & Pending files and other standard documents,
  • Assist with the development of proposal budgets and budget justifications,
  • Assist with preparation of Cover Letters, Letters of Intent, and other pre-proposal documents for proposal submissions,
  • Assist with preparation and submission of entry-level proposals in various federal, non-federal, and other External Sponsor electronic systems,
  • Assist with preparation and submission of files in response to post-proposal Sponsor requests,
  • Participate in and contribute to process improvements and group projects;
  • Review notice of awards.
  • Prepare monthly reconciliations, budget reports, and financial adjustments,
  • Review expenses, monitor budgets, and assist with financial forecasting and deficit resolution,
  • Support sponsor reporting and inquiries,
  • Provide administrative and financial support to the Grants and Contracts team,

In addition to the above, other duties may be assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree required. An associate's degree and at least two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the required degree.
Experience: None.
Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or other similar administrative and/or data-focused fields of study.
Experience: Previous relevant work experience.with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook), as well as familiarity with Huron, ResearchUVA, and/or Workday Finance.
Licensure: None.
Anticipated salary range is $50k-$55k commensurate with education and experiences.
This is an exempt, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits . This position is located in Charlottesville, VA, and may provide an option to work in a hybrid environment up to 2-3 days per week after completing all required onboarding and training.
For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/ .
This position will not be able to provide consideration for candidates who require sponsorship at this time. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Application review will begin after August 10 and may continue until the position has been filled.
How to Apply
Please apply online , and search for R0086061 Complete an application online with the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field; multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three is required.
For questions about this position and the School of Engineering Pre-Award team, please contact Na Ren at pmq7zw@virginia.edu .
For information regarding HR practices and the application process, please contact Lyndsay Thaxton at enn9zv@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819