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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Junior Civil Engineer (Analyst) ARA is seeking entry-level civil engineers with an interest in pavement engineering to work full-time for our Transportation Division Aviation Directorate.

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A Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university * Entry level to 3 years of experience in the Civil Engineering industry * Engineer In Training (EIT) Certification ...

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Entry Level Engineer information

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$30.2K

$69.9K

$118.9K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Madison, WI is $69,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,900.00 and $79,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job Description for 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 an entry level engineer?

An entry level engineer is a recent graduate or someone with minimal professional experience who works in engineering roles under supervision. They assist with basic engineering tasks, learn company procedures, and gain practical experience in their field. Entry level engineers often participate in training, collaborate with experienced professionals, and gradually take on more responsibility as they develop their skills.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? For Entry Level Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:
Product Functional Test Technology Engineer

Product Functional Test Technology Engineer

Cummins

Stoughton, WI

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Cummins rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary:

This entry level/early career professional, laboratory test focused position designs or specifies test systems that allow operation of Cummins' products in a laboratory environment for engineering evaluation to optimize our product designs.  This position also involves the specification, design, implementation, validation and support of test systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, instrumentation, data acquisition and control systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Investigates product test system and process problems, understands causal mechanisms, recommends appropriate action, owns problem resolution and documents results with guidance from more experienced team members. Applies and supports the improvement of processes such as test system specification, design and validation and tools such as FMEA, 7-step problem solving, and process hazard analysis, required to support the processes and enable high quality decision making. Obtains input and negotiates with lab customers, lab technicians, and component suppliers and delivers test system requirements, processes, and instructions to lab technicians, product functional test engineers and equipment suppliers. Makes decisions in the areas of component selection, calibration processes, and operating processes that impact test equipment accuracy, reliability and operating cost. Owns problem resolution for moderately complex components, products, systems, subsystems or services with technical complexity and ambiguity increasing as experience is gained in the role. Provides independent execution of established work processes and systems, while still developing technology or product knowledge; engages with the improvement of systems and processes. Involves minimal direct management of people, but could involve the coordination and direction of work amongst technicians and/or temporary student employees. Contributes effectively toward team goals, exhibits influence within a work group and continues to develop proficiency in the competency areas critical to success in the role.

Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

College Job Type: Exempt-Entry Level

Engineering Sub-Function:Product Functional Test

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Degree Major Mechanical Engineering

Start Date: August

Job Skills Required (please list top 3-4 skills needed):

  • Experience with diesel engines and after-treatment systems.
  • Familiarity with dynamometer test cells is not required but will support the right candidate.
  • Some proficiency in MATLAB
  • Proficiency in Minitab, DAQ software and Linux systems is not required, but will support the right candidate.
  • Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies and 7-step problem-solving skills
  • Additional skills that will support the right candidate are, time management, ability to focus on details of testing, willingness and passion to learn new skills, some aftertreatment product background is not required but can help, some engine controls related background is not required but can help.

Location: On-site with Flexibility

Competencies:
Function Based Product Testing of "X" - Selects appropriate equipment and techniques to operate the product and record operational data in a hardware or software based testing environment most often required as part of a product verification or validation plan; evaluates quality and validity of measurement data; analyzes test results using accepted standards to characterize product capabilities in alignment with the requirements of the engineer responsible for making product decisions.
Laboratory Equipment Safety - Evaluates hazards specific to laboratory test equipment that may result from fuels, kinetic energy, toxins, electrical or other risks in the test environment; analyzes risk factors and potential impacts to personnel and property; applies appropriate techniques or safeguards to mitigate risks; collaborates with various laboratory areas to understand risks within a facility or site.
Product Function Test System Design - Interprets test equipment specifications from test standards or lab customer requirements; selects and integrates appropriate equipment, instrumentation and software to control boundary conditions and collect measurement data; assesses capability of the lab equipment against the requirements and support infrastructure.
Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Decision quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Drives results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
Self-development - Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
Data Quality - Identifies, understands and corrects flaws in data that supports effective information governance across operational business processes and decision making.
Measurement Science - Analyzes measurement processes throughout the relevant traceability chain to identify and quantify sources of measurement uncertainty relevant to the appropriate applied measurement science, "Metrology" e.g. Chemical, Dimensional, Electrical, Mechanical, Optical and Radiation and Physical.
Project Management - Establishes and maintains the balance of scope, schedule and resources for a temporary effort (a "project"). Ensures results/impact from temporary effort are fully realized as possible.
Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Problem Solving - Solves problems and may mentor others on effective problem solving by using a systematic analysis process by leveraging industry standard methodologies to create problem traceability and protect the customer; determines the assignable cause; implements robust, data-based solutions; identifies the systemic root causes and ensures actions to prevent problem reoccurrence are implemented.
Education, Licenses, Certifications:
Demonstrated aptitude is required. College, university, or equivalent Associate's degree or certification in an appropriate STEM field is preferred.
Equivalent Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline area may be required for select roles.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Entry level/Early career professional. Preferred candidates would have relevant experience working in a laboratory/test cell environment as a non-exempt employee, temporary student employee (intern, co-op) or an early career professional in a relevant operations or technical discipline area. Knowledge of MS Office tools is also preferred

U.S. Early Careers Exempt - Entry Level Eligibility Requirements:

  • Designed for external recent college graduates not to exceed 2 years after completion of their highest level of degree (Bachelor, Master, PhD, MBA, or JD) from an accredited U.S. college/university.
  • External candidates must currently reside within the continental U.S.
  • Must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA.

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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919