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Entry Level Engineering Technology Jobs in California

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Entry Level Engineering Technology information

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$13

$32

$52

How much do entry level engineering technology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level engineering technology in California is $32.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Engineering Technology vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Engineering TechnologyEntry Level Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical diplomaBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, labs, technical supportDesign offices, research labs, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, technical services, product supportDesign firms, automotive, aerospace, energy
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical roles with less emphasis on design theoryCompared for roles requiring design and analysis skills

Entry Level Engineering Technology focuses on practical technical skills with an associate degree, working mainly in manufacturing and technical support. Entry Level Mechanical Engineering requires a bachelor's degree, emphasizing design, analysis, and problem-solving in various industries. Both roles serve different career paths but share some overlap in technical environments.

What are entry level engineering technology jobs?

Entry level engineering technology jobs are positions designed for recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience in the engineering technology field. These roles typically involve assisting with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of technical systems or equipment under the supervision of more experienced engineers or technologists. Common job titles include engineering technician, field service technician, CAD technician, and quality control inspector. These positions provide hands-on experience and foundational skills necessary for career advancement in engineering and technology industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, typically involving leadership responsibilities or working in high-demand sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Engineering Technologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Engineering Technologist, you need a solid grounding in engineering principles, mathematics, and problem-solving, typically supported by an associate or bachelor's degree in engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, basic programming, and industry-specific tools or certifications (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks) is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills that help you excel in collaborative technical environments. These skills ensure accurate project execution, efficient use of technology, and productive collaboration with engineers and other stakeholders.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Entry level engineering technology roles typically do not pay $250,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with senior engineering positions, specialized fields, or managerial roles that require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often additional certifications. Most entry level positions start with salaries significantly lower, but earnings can increase with experience, advanced education, and specialization in high-demand areas like aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering.

What can you do with an engineering technology degree?

An engineering technology degree prepares individuals for technical roles such as engineering technician, manufacturing technologist, or quality control specialist. Graduates often work with tools like CAD software, perform testing, and support engineering teams in design, production, and maintenance tasks. Certification and hands-on experience can enhance job prospects in various industries including manufacturing, construction, and energy.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Most engineers earning $500,000 annually are senior or specialized professionals such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineers working in high-demand industries or executive roles. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or ownership of projects. Entry-level engineering technology roles typically do not reach this salary level.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an Entry Level Engineering Technology professional?

As an Entry Level Engineering Technology professional, you’ll typically assist with hands-on technical work such as assembling, testing, and troubleshooting equipment, as well as documenting processes and collecting data. You’ll likely collaborate closely with engineers and senior technologists to support ongoing projects, help prepare technical reports, and ensure quality standards are met. This role often involves exposure to various engineering disciplines and technologies, providing a solid foundation for career advancement within the field.
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineering Technology job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,505 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

2027 Entry Level Engineering Opportunities - California

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Are you interested in boosting your knowledge through experience and exposure, while supporting a mission that seeks to protect our nation and its allies? If so, then Northrop Grumman is the place you! Entry-level engineering careers at Northrop Grumman are designed for individuals who are early in their professional journey and eager to grow.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Our professionals live and breathe different perspectives; we are curious about the world, accepting each other, and aware that the more ideas, backgrounds, opinions and experiences we bring to our work, the stronger that work will be. Just as you would invest your time and hard work into our company, we focus on investing back into you through enriching professional experiences and high-quality learning and development opportunities. We want you to bring your whole self to work, and for you to have meaningful connections with your coworkers, customers and communities, while providing the best products, systems and technologies to protect our world.
We are utilizing this posting to develop a prospect pool of entry-level engineers whose resumes will be visible to recruiters and hiring managers in our Aeronautics Sector for various areas of California. Candidates may be considered for future 2027 start-date opportunities at various Northrop Grumman locations in California, including but not limited to: Palmdale, CA; Redondo Beach, CA; and San Diego, CA.
This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify entry-level candidates with the skills, education, and ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance for roles that frequently become available at Northrop Grumman. Candidates who express interest may be considered for future 2027 opportunities with start dates January -March 2027 (start dates will be set once final security clearance and program approval is obtained).
Success in any of our positions includes embodying the following qualities:
  • Leadership and teamwork capabilities
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to effectively articulate challenges and solutions
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills

Prospect Qualifications: A prospect, regardless of age and hiring source must meet all of the below criteria:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline completed in or by December 2026
  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access will be required to start.
  • Strong academic foundation in core engineering principles and problem-solving
  • Ability to work in a team environment and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Willingness to relocate to one of the major Northrop Grumman locations as required by the role
  • Be available for a start date between January-March 2027

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active U.S. Government security clearance (e.g., Secret or higher) at time of application
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 GPA system
  • Prior internship or research experience in a relevant technical area
  • Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering teams (coursework or projects)
  • Interest in supporting defense, space, or national security missions
  • Extracurricular activities (campus organizations, clubs, student organizations, community service)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft office suite

If you meet the basic qualifications and are seeking an entry-level engineering opportunity starting in Spring 2027, we encourage you to submit your resume to this prospect pool for consideration.
Primary Level Salary Range: $70,000.00 - $104,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939