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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Williamstown, KY (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Engineer information

See Williamstown, KY salary details

$28K

$64.8K

$110.3K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Williamstown, KY is $64,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $73,400.00 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 cities near Williamstown, KY are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs?

Cities near Williamstown, KY with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Williamstown, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,835 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Engineer I - Intern/Co-op Conversion (2026/2027)

Duke Energy Corporation

Union, KY

$15.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Monday, August 24, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

The Engineer I position is the entry level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees in the Engineer I position solve problems in engineering areas of specialization with close supervision. An Engineer I is expected to develop skills, and the ability to work with greater independence. An Engineer I has knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures.

Locations for 2026/2027:Opportunities at locations across our footprint: North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida. You will be able to provide location preferences in the application questions.

See below for more information on the types of programs that could be offered. Take notes of what you are interested in, we'll ask you about this later in the application questions!

Transmission - Transmission Engineering manages the design, assessment and analysis of substations and transmission facilities throughout the Duke Energy service area. This department is also responsible for any upgrades to these facilities to ensure safe and reliable operation of the assets. As a co-op, you will work with staff engineers to manage equipment reliability and perform analysis and design of transmission lines and structures, protection and controls systems, and physical/electrical components within Duke Energy's transmission system. Preferred Majors: Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Engineering Technology

Distribution - Distribution Engineering manages the design, operation, and planning of the grid. Distribution is committed to delivering energy to our customers reliably and efficiently; while maintaining our focus on safety, sustainability, and a smarter, more flexible grid. As an intern or co-op, you will undertake short-term responsibilities in variety of groups including electric distribution design, distribution system planning, distribution system operations, distribution asset management or distribution project management. During your rotation(s), you will work with staff engineers to manage/maintain equipment, assist with grid planning and sectionalization, complete designs for equipment install/replacement, and provide oversight of the distribution system. Preferred Majors: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial & Systems Engineering, or Construction Management

Project Management & Construction (PMC) - PMC is responsible for building our new power generation assets and is in early stages of the largest buildout in the history of the company. As part of Duke Energy's broader strategy to meet rising customer demand and decarbonize the grid, PMC is actively planning and building renewable solar and bulk energy storage, new simple and combined cycle turbines, as well as developing projects for advanced nuclear, pumped storage hydro, and other emerging technologies. Co-ops would work with PMC engineers and projects managers to develop, design, construct and startup of all these technologies, with both office and field construction assignments available in the Carolinas, Midwest, and Florida. Come be part of the energy transformation! Preferred Majors: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial & Systems Engineering

Regulated and Renewable Energy (RRE) - Duke Energy Regulated and Renewable Energy generates electricity with an ever-expanding diverse energy mix to meet current and future energy needs for our customers! Come and experience a collaborative working environment for the future of generation! As a student employee, this is an exciting time to work in the utility industry! You will have the opportunity to mentor with top ranked engineers in our regulated power plants - including hydro, solar, natural gas, and coal generation throughout the Midwest, Carolinas, and Florida. Students will gain experience working on projects for generation facility safety, efficiencies, system performance, reliability, cost and environmental compliance. Knowledge will be gained for plant systems engineering and maintenance and energy production to include pumps, motors, control systems, heat performance, motors, switch gears, turbines, generators, system inspections, calibrations and equipment performance. Preferred Major: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical

Grid Planning Studies - The Grid Planning Studies team focuses on transmission-level analysis and analysis of generator additions and modifications in our territory. This internship provides handson exposure to realworld power system planning, modeling, and analysis. Students will work directly with experienced engineers to evaluate load additions-ranging from a few megawatts to more than 1 GW. You will build foundational knowledge in transmission planning, contingency analysis, and model development while contributing directly to projects that support system reliability and future grid needs. Preferred Majors: Electrical

Engineering opportunities in other business areas may also be available.

Additional Preferred Qualifications
  • Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles.

  • Understanding of basic practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.

  • Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

  • Good written and oral communication skills.

  • Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam.

  • Understanding of basic principles of project management.

  • Experience in the utility industry.

Working Conditions
  • Some business units may require visits to field sites and/or plants

Specific Requirements
  • Must have previous internship or co-op experience with Duke Energy.

  • Must have obtained Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program

  • A Master's degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Engineering degree.

Travel Requirements

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)NoRepresented/Union PositionNoVisa Sponsored PositionNo. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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About Duke Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904