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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$27.8K

$64.2K

$109.2K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Columbia, SC is $64,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $72,600.00 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.

More about Entry Level Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC? For Entry Level Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,169 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer

Schnabel Engineering, Inc.

West Columbia, SC • On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.  

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.  

Benefit options include:  

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
  • Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
  • Long-term disability
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
  • Bonus program
  • Paid time off
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Wellness program
  • Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description: 

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Columbia, SC office of Schnabel Engineering is seeking an Entry Level Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing practice. We are looking for a motivated candidate with an interest in developing both field and analytical skills, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong team. 

Job Responsibilities: 

    • Observe geotechnical-related construction and perform materials testing  
    • Prepare field reports  
    • Review construction observation and materials testing reports
    • Plan and coordinate geotechnical and materials testing field work  
    • Use GIS and GPS to aid in planning and executing geotechnical field work  
    • Log test borings  
    • Oversight of subcontractors including drillers, and traffic control  
    • Assign and review soil laboratory tests   
    • Create basic plans and figures using AutoCAD and GIS  
    • Perform calculations to support geotechnical analysis  
    • Provide support on preparation of geotechnical reports and proposals  

    Required Skills/Experience: 

    • 0-2 years of professional experience  
    • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field  
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills  
    • Positive attitude  
    • Ability to multi-task 
    • Strong work ethic and a desire for continual self-improvement  
    • Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel, including assignments that may last several weeks away from the office 
    • Ability to lift 50 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders and work outside 

    Preferred Skills/Experience: 

    • Prior internship or professional work in a related field (i.e. geotechnical engineering, construction, civil engineering, etc.) 
    • EIT certification 

    Other Requirements: 

    • Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license as driving is an essential function of the job 
    • Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check 
    • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening 

    The compensation range for this position is between $62,400 to $86,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location. 

    Apply