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

Construction Technician (Entry-Level)

Greenville, NC · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Document findings with precision in accordance with accepted engineering practices. Career Development As your experience grows, ECS will: * Support you in enhancing your professional skills.

Entry Level Engineer information

See Washington, NC salary details

$26.1K

$60.3K

$102.6K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Washington, NC is $60,285.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,800.00 and $68,200.00 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Engineer jobs in Washington, NC?

For Entry Level Engineer jobs in Washington, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Washington, NC are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs?

Cities near Washington, NC with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Washington, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,285 per year, or $29 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 429 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

175th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Office

Job Description

Discover Impactful Work:

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll do meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join colleagues who bring our Mission to life every day—enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.

Join our growing validation team supporting Automatic Visual Inspection (AVI) operations, a critical and expanding function within sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing. With new lines being added—including auto-injector technology—this role offers hands-on experience in one of the most in-demand areas of the industry.

This is an entry-level opportunity designed for growth, where you’ll gain valuable, highly marketable experience in sterile manufacturing validation.

A Day in the Life:

This role offers a balance of technical documentation and hands-on execution:

  • ~60% desk-based: writing validation protocols, data analysis, reporting, and documentation
  • ~40% on the production floor: executing validation activities alongside team members
  • Partner with experienced engineers for hands-on training and execution
  • Participate in data calculations, evaluations, and summary reports
  • Gradually interface with clients and become a point of contact
  • Work directly with commercial manufacturing equipment in sterile/inspection environments
What to Expect:
  • Structured onboarding with SOP training and hands-on mentorship
  • Direct exposure to AVI and sterile pharmaceutical processes
  • Career growth within a rapidly expanding function (AVI + auto-injector lines)
  • Collaborative team environment (team of ~4 engineers)
Keys to Success:Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related field
  • 0–2+ years of experience in validation or regulated/GMP environment preferred
Required Skills & Experience:
  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills
  • High attention to detail and quality-focused mindset
  • Comfort working around large-scale manufacturing equipment
  • Ability to learn quickly in a hands-on environment
  • Exposure to pharmaceutical manufacturing—especially sterile/aseptic environments—is strongly preferred and highly valued
Additional Requirements:
  • Knowledge of cGMP and regulated environments preferred
  • Familiarity with IQ/OQ/PQ concepts a plus
  • Ability to work onsite in Greenville, NC (Monday–Friday, standard hours)
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
Why Join Us:
  • Entry point into high-demand sterile validation engineering
  • Hands-on learning with experienced mentors
  • Exposure to cutting-edge pharmaceutical technologies (AVI & auto-injectors)
  • Clear career progression into advanced validation roles

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