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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION VHB is seeking a talented Entry Level Traffic Engineer to join our Transportation Systems/Safety team in Portland, Maine. The selected candidate will work with a team of ...

ABOUT THE POSITION VHB is seeking a talented Entry Level Traffic Engineer to join our Transportation Systems/Safety team in Portland, Maine. The selected candidate will work with a team of traffic ...

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION VHB is seeking a talented Entry Level Traffic Engineer to join our Transportation Systems/Safety team in Portland, Maine. The selected candidate will work with a team of ...

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION VHB is seeking a talented Entry Level Traffic Engineer to join our Transportation Systems/Safety team in Portland, Maine. The selected candidate will work with a team of ...

Transportation Engineer

Portland, ME · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Our environmental consulting firm is seeking an entry-level Transportation Engineer to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on roadway, traffic, and infrastructure projects for public ...

Our environmental consulting firm is seeking an entry-level Transportation Engineer to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on roadway, traffic, and infrastructure projects for public ...

Structural Engineer- EI

Portland, ME · On-site

$67K - $94K/yr

Opportunity Stantec's New England Transportation group is looking for an entry-level Structural Engineer in Maine.We are looking for an individual that is passionate about improving our communities ...

Opportunity Stantec's New England Transportation group is looking for an entry-level Structural Engineer in Maine. We are looking for an individual that is passionate about improving our communities ...

Beyond our connectivity solutions, we also provide local news, programming and regional sports via Spectrum Networks and multiscreen advertising solutions via Spectrum Reach. When you join our team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Engineer information

See Portland, ME salary details

$31.1K

$72K

$122.4K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Portland, ME is $71,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,400.00 and $81,500.00 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 Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Portland, ME are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Engineer jobs in Portland, ME?

For Entry Level Engineer jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Portland, ME 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 $71,971 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Entry-Level Traffic Engineer

Portland, ME • On-site


VHB
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

285th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$68K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview
ABOUT THE POSITION
VHB is seeking a talented Entry Level Traffic Engineer to join our Transportation Systems/Safety team in Portland, Maine. The selected candidate will work with a team of traffic engineers and transportation planners on a variety of public and private sector projects across several markets, including municipal, state agencies, private sector, and higher education.
Our ideal candidate has an interest in the practice of transportation engineering and planning across all modes and is eager to apply practical solutions to real world problems for our clients. Our ideal candidate is prepared to build their skills through on-the-job training on a variety of projects that may include traffic and transportation modeling and analyses; infrastructure projects; traffic signal design and timing; multimodal transportation safety studies; corridor studies; and regional planning studies across all modes. This position includes developing and enhancing a diverse set of skills on transportation design, operations, and/or planning projects throughout the state.
Responsibilities
  • Work within a team of professionals to develop traffic and transportation planning and engineering solutions for a variety of transportation projects
  • Collect and tabulate traffic and safety data.
  • Performing intersection and corridor operational analyses using Synchro, SimTraffic, HCS, Sidra, and other analysis tools.
  • Complete traffic engineering tasks and analyses; traffic impact studies; transportation planning and safety analyses.
  • Preparing written documents (memoranda, reports, plans), summarizing data and analysis, and assembling reports to convey findings and recommendations.
  • Develop intersection designs, including traffic signal timing plans, traffic control devices, roundabouts, and multimodal facilities.

Skills and Attributes
  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Familiarity with some of the following systems: Synchro, GIS, AutoCAD, Excel, Word, or similar
  • Background or interest in traffic modeling and traffic operations
  • Background or interest in traffic data analysis
  • Familiarity with transportation standards and guidance
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Team-oriented with ability to perform multiple tasks independently in a timely manner
  • Self-motivated with excellent attention to detail
  • Enthusiasm to learn and ability to take responsibility

Qualifications
  • 0-1 years of professional experience, preferably related to traffic engineering or planning
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent

The full-time annual base salary range for this position, located in Maine, is $68,000 to $72,000. The base salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted salary range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program.
Annual base salary is one component of VHB's Total Rewards package. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases, providing opportunities to increase earnings beyond base pay. VHB also offers a differentiating work experience, including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs.
Details on VHB's benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist
Building what's next, together.
Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people-driven, future-ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.
When you join VHB, you'll find:
  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We're growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.
VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
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