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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Cullowhee, NC (NOW HIRING)

Suzano

Extrusion Operation Technician

Waynesville, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

This entry-level role is designed to build foundational manufacturing and process knowledge while ... This role partners with maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to support extrusion ...

Suzano

Extrusion Operation Technician

Waynesville, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

This entry-level role is designed to build foundational manufacturing and process knowledge while ... This role partners with maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to support extrusion ...

All JobsEngineer JobsEntry Level Engineer JobsEntry Level Engineer Jobs in Cullowhee, NC

Entry Level Engineer information

See Cullowhee, NC salary details

$24.5K

$56.7K

$96.4K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Cullowhee, NC is $56,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $64,100.00 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 Cullowhee, NC? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Cullowhee, NC are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Cullowhee, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Cullowhee, NC are:
What cities near Cullowhee, NC are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs? Cities near Cullowhee, NC with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Cullowhee, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,666 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Entry Level Highway Design Engineer

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Candler, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 447 rated engineering

Job description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position summary: Our highway design entry level program gives recent engineering graduates the opportunity to learn about the major disciplines that work together to design our state’s highway network. Graduates participating in this program will gain exposure to the roadway, drainage, hydraulic modeling, erosion control, traffic control, pavement marking, and signing disciplines. This exposure provides the opportunity to develop a career with a broad background and practical application of highway engineering without constraining or limiting our team members to just one discipline as they begin their career. Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform alternative studies
  • Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography and other topographical or geologic data to plan projects
  • Perform design computations
  • Design projects in accordance with client specifications and guidelines, using design software and drawing tools
  • Develop construction cost estimates
  • Assist in the preparation of engineering documents for advertisement and construction
  • Coordinate with internal team members to ensure project completion by the defined deadline and established quality

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills
Required Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, civil technology or a related field from ABET accredited engineering program
  • 0-2 years of experience
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Written and oral communication skills

Qualifications Preferred

  • Engineer-in-training (EIT) certification
  • Related experience/internships
  • Experience in discipline specific design software, i.e., Bentley OpenRoads Designer (ORD), HEC-RAS, HY-8, GuideSigns, etc.

Working Conditions

Work is performed within a general office environment 95% of the time. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment. 

Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Some lifting (up to 25lbs) may be required as needed.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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