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Entry Level Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plumbing Engineer I

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $113K/yr

We currently have an entry level opportunity for a Plumbing Engineering Graduate. Our dynamic work environment provides the optimal setting to start your career. From our supportive culture, diverse ...

... is an entry-level engineering position and is expected to learn and develop competency in the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. Part of the responsibility will be to provide technical ...

... is an entry-level engineering position and is expected to learn and develop competency in the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. Part of the responsibility will be to provide technical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Engineering information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

How much do entry level engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineering in California is $68,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEntry Level EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; often requires licensure for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentInternships, entry-level positions in offices, labs, or manufacturing plantsDesign, analysis, testing in offices, labs, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, construction, technology companiesManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Entry Level Engineering typically involves foundational engineering tasks with a bachelor's degree, often in various disciplines, and is used across many industries. Mechanical Engineering is a specialized field focusing on design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems, often requiring specific technical skills and licensure for advanced roles. Both roles share similar work environments but differ in specialization and scope.

How to find an engineering job with no experience?

Entry level engineering positions often accept candidates with limited or no professional experience if they demonstrate relevant skills, such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or technical problem-solving, and hold a relevant degree or certification. Gaining internships, participating in engineering projects, and networking with industry professionals can improve chances of securing such roles. Tailoring your resume to highlight transferable skills and applying to companies with entry-level openings are also effective strategies.

What are entry level engineering jobs?

Entry level engineering jobs are positions designed for recent graduates or individuals with limited professional experience in the engineering field. These roles typically involve assisting senior engineers with projects, performing basic technical tasks, and gaining hands-on experience in a specific engineering discipline such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering. Entry level engineers often receive on-the-job training and mentoring to develop their skills and advance their careers. These roles serve as a foundation for future growth and specialization within the engineering industry.

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 solid educational background in engineering fundamentals, strong problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in mathematics, usually obtained through a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, industry-specific modeling programs, and basic project management systems is typically expected. Effective communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills that help you integrate into engineering teams and adapt to new challenges. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring accurate technical work, smooth collaboration, and ongoing professional development in a dynamic engineering environment.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry-level engineer?

As an entry-level engineer, you’ll typically begin by supporting more senior engineers on a variety of projects, which may include drafting designs, running simulations, conducting data analysis, or assisting with testing and troubleshooting. Your daily tasks will often involve collaborating with team members, participating in meetings, and learning industry-specific tools and software. Over time, you'll gain more responsibility, such as managing small project components or communicating directly with clients. This role is designed to help you build foundational technical skills while gaining exposure to different aspects of engineering within your organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineering job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer I

Mechanical Engineer I

Syska Hennessy Group

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Watch your work come to life in landmark projects around the world when you partner with Syska Hennessy Group! As a global leader in consulting, engineering, and commissioning services, we specialize in MEP, information and communication technology, architectural lighting, vertical transportation, and commissioning. We currently have an entry level opportunity for a Mechanical Engineering Graduate.

Our dynamic work environment provides the optimal setting to start your career. From our supportive culture, diverse workforce, and competitive compensation to our flexible work schedules and fun social events, it is everything you will need for an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career.

Job Responsibilities:

As an entry level engineer, you will support our engineering teams working towards our designs that are inspiring, demanding and highly collaborative. You will learn from others, and they will expect to learn from you. You will share in the responsibility, rewards, and recognition of producing truly innovative solutions and complete client satisfaction.

Some responsibilities include:

  • Create basic designs under the direction of the senior engineer and/or senior designer
  • Learn drawing organization and company standards.
  • Perform CAD/BIM-drafting for a variety of projects and project sizes to begin to understand architectural engineering design and documentation.
  • Coordination with the designs of other trades (architectural, engineering / internal, and external) under the guidance of more senior technical staff
  • Support the design and engineering efforts of systems for new installations, system retrofits, system replacement and system upgrades for a wide variety of projects and project types.
  • Take ownership of completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the work assignments.
  • Assists engineers with field investigations and construction site visits to observe and attend project coordination meetings.
  • Participate and regularly attend the EDT program training sessions and support activities that are part of the EDT program.
  • Attending our Engineering Development Program continuing education seminars on technical and professional enhancing topics.

Job Requirements:

The ideal candidate will enjoy a team environment and be flexible enough to work independently where needed. Candidates for this role will be eager to learn and will expand their knowledge and hands-on experience by challenging themselves and using the highly technical resources around them.

Additional job requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Mechanical engineering with a graduation date of Winter 2025, Spring or Summer of 2026
  • Previous engineering internship, a plus
  • Knowledge of the latest version of MEP Auto CAD; REVIT experience is a plus.
  • Proficient in design and calculation software; MS Office Suite
  • FE or EIT preferred.

Benefits:

As an employee at Syska Hennessy, you will be part of a global firm with an amazing history! We are committed to being the best, to advancing engineering design practice, and to supporting our clients with integrity. To make all of that happen, we rely on the talent, drive, enthusiasm, and the total job satisfaction of the great people who work here.

Our Company is committed to developing engineers into respected technical experts and versatile business leaders through our Engineer Development Program (EDT).

About the EDT Program

Recent graduates interested in our Engineering Development Training (EDT) program can expect to participate in an accelerated, but thorough training curriculum. This curriculum will teach not only the technical aspects of our profession, but industry specific business aspects as well. Our senior engineers will work closely with each participant to foster a strong mentor/apprentice relationship.

This time-honored program is a trademark of Syska's commitment to the development and education of young engineers through mentoring and technical training.

As a member of our highly collaborative team, we provide our full-time employees with a flexible benefits package that reflects our respect for your workplace contributions, professional goals, and personal priorities. The personal benefits program at Syska Hennessy Group includes:

  • Robust, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance and supplemental benefit plans
  • 401(k) plan with a generous employer matching program
  • Training and professional development courses
  • Professional development incentive bonuses
  • Dynamic Employee Resource Groups
  • Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
  • Transit/parking employer stipend
  • ½ day work from home Fridays all year long

At Syska, we have cultivated a community that supports learning and provides guidance for professional development and furthering our culture of excellence. We promote an environment that is committed to embedding diversity and equality into the core of our business and culture. We empower our employees so they can take ownership of their work and development and strive to continually improve themselves and our firm. We rely on the talent, drive, enthusiasm and the total job satisfaction of the great people who work here for our success! Syska is a place where you can build an exceptional career and have a lasting impact on the world.

Syska Hennessy Group

Integrating the best minds and technology to help clients create exceptional environments.

The salary range listed below is for this particular job posting. Actual pay range for candidates will be commensurate with candidate's experience, skillsets and competencies and may differ based on the cost of labor in their particular location.

California Pay range
$55,877—$97,733 USD