ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Indio, CA (NOW HIRING)

All JobsEngineer JobsEntry Level Engineer JobsEntry Level Engineer Jobs in Indio, CA

Entry Level Engineer information

See Indio, CA salary details

$30.8K

$71.1K

$121K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Indio, CA is $71,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,800.00 and $80,500.00 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.

More about Entry Level Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Indio, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Indio, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Engineer jobs in Indio, CA? For Entry Level Engineer jobs in Indio, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Indio, CA are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs? Cities near Indio, CA with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Indio, CA 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 $71,097 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

JUNIOR/ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER

City of Cathedral City, CA

Cathedral City, CA • On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Cathedral City, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
Job Number: 26-21
Department: ENGINEERING
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Description
Step up to the challenge. Join our Engineering team!
The position may be filled at the Junior, Assistant, or Associate Civil Engineer level depending upon selected candidate's qualifications.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
This recruitment will remain open until sufficient qualified applications are received and may close without prior notice.
It is in the candidate's best interest to apply immediately!
THE POSITIONS
JUNIOR ENGINEER: $78,463 - $102,706 per year
Under initial immediate supervision then general supervision, performs a variety of entry-level civil engineering field or office work that includes planning, supporting, and designing of public works and capital improvement projects, regulatory oversight, and private development review.
Training and Experience: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the qualifying knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain these qualifications would be:
  • Equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or a related engineering field.
  • Must possess a valid California class "C" driver license.

ASSISTANT CIVIL ENGINEER: $82,468 - $107,948 per year
Under general supervision, performs a variety of civil engineering field and office work that includes planning and design of public works and capital improvement projects, regulatory oversight and private development review.
Training and Experience: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the qualifying knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain these qualifications would be:
  • Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license; and
  • Equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or a related engineering field and;
  • Possession of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification recognized by the State of California; and
  • One year of experience performing civil engineering work.
ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER: $100,753 - $131,882 per year (plus, 3% increase in July 2026)
Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional civil engineering work involving the planning, design, review, management and administration of public works and capital improvement projects; ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and permit requirements; reviews private development projects for compliance with City standards and requirements; coordinates engineering programs and grant-funded projects; administers consultant and construction contracts; and provides technical support to the City Engineer and Senior Civil Engineer.
Training and Experience: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the qualifying knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain these qualifications would be:
  • Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license; and
  • Equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or a related engineering field; and
  • Three years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience performing duties comparable to those of an Assistant Engineer in a public works or civil engineering work.
  • Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers is required.

For a complete list of job responsibilities, please visit our Class Specifications page -
CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCESS
1. Application Review: A completed City of Cathedral City employment application is required. Resumes may be attached, but are not accepted in lieu of application. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification. Application review will begin immediately and will be screened on basis of relevant education, training and experience.
2. Examination Phase: Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. Candidates must be successful in each of the test components.
3. Establishment of Eligibility List: Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list pending further review by the department head and other qualifying procedures. This eligibility list may be used for future vacancies in other departments.
Notifications will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the online application process) to the email address listed on your on-line application.
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (live scan finger print check), and post-offer medical evaluation with a drug screen.
Why join Cathedral City?
It's more than a job. It's your calling. At the City of Cathedral City, you're not just clocking in - you're shaping the community.
We offer paid health, dental, and vision plans; CalPERS benefits; deferred compensation match; paid holiday, sick, and vacation time; educational reimbursement; wellness reimbursement; educational incentives; and much more!
What's Next? Apply today and share this posting with anyone else who may be interested!
Americans with Disabilities Act
The City of Cathedral City is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodations needed, in writing, at the time when the employment application is submitted.
Click to review the
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information, and reference to resume or application may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
  • YES
  • NO

02
How many years of experience do you possess performing civil engineering work? Note: experience must also be listed on your application.
  • One (1) to two (2) years
  • Two (2) to three (3) years
  • Three (3) years or more
  • No experience

03
Do you have a valid California Class C driver license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you possess the Engineering-In-Training (EIT) certification?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Please indicate highest level of education completed.
  • Master's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Some college
  • High school diploma
  • Other

07
If you have a degree, please specify your major. If no degree, type N/A.
08
Please specify which position you're applying for.
  • Junior Engineer
  • Assistant Engineer
  • Associate Engineer

Required Question

Apply