Entry Level Engineering Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $61,396.00 - $88,600.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191202/61009214
Agency: SCDES-Air
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: HD60
Position Number:: 61009214 (191202)
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN09
Hiring Range - Min.: $61,396.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $70,300.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply online. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. A resume may be upload but will not be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Careers at SCDES: Where Passion Meets Preservation
Do you love South Carolina and protecting the environment?
Come join our team at SCDES, put your passion to work with us!
We are dedicated to protecting the state of South Carolina and we would love to have you as a member of our team!
Science | Service | Sustainability
Purpose:
Under direct supervision of Air Permitting Section Head, the Engineering Associate I performs entry-level work by developing and planning for analysis and evaluation of industrial sources of air pollution concerning construction and operating permits.
Responsibilities:

• Analyzes and evaluates air pollution sources and control equipment, through plans and specifications, located at industrial facilities, which are proposed for construction or modification. Issues construction permits as needed according to state and federal regulations. Attends public meetings and/or hearings related to these permits and serves as an agency representative.
• Analyzes and evaluates applications and supporting data and issues operating permits for industries, including major source Title V operating permits, as needed according to state and federal regulations. Attends public meetings and/or hearings related to these permits and serve as an agency representative.
• Keeps up to date with procedures, guidance, and permitting regulations.
• Conducts compliance activities and provide compliance assistance. Consults with industrial officials concerning regulations and air pollution control.
• Performs related duties as assigned by section manager.

Why Join Us?
As a state employee, you'll enjoy:

• Job Stability & Purposeful Work: Make an impact on your community as you contribute to protecting SC's environment
• Great Benefits: Including paid holidays, 30 total days of leave per year, insurance options for you and your family and retirement benefit choices.
• Career Growth: Ongoing training, professional development, and opportunities for advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: A career that lets you enjoy South Carolina, inside and outside of your job

Minimum and Additional Requirements
A bachelor's degree in engineering.
The education must qualify the applicant to become registered as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina and must meet one of the education requirements outlined on the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations website. If the applicant is utilizing the 'substantially equivalent education' pathway, the approval letter from LLR must be final at time of application.
Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application are encouraged to upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. If selected for an interview, a copy of the college transcript will be required via email or at the time of the interview. Please note that some departments within the agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.
Additional Requirements:

• Must have a good knowledge of the technical aspects of engineering.
• Ability to plan and organize work assigned by the section manager.
• Ability to communicate (both oral and written) with engineering personnel of Agency, consultants, and industries.
• Must be a productive employee with ability and knowledge to evaluate industrial processes for potential air pollution sources.
• Must possess a valid SC Driver's License (out-of-state license must be transferred).
• Must be available for occasional evening and late-night travel for public meetings and hearings.
• Overnight travel required occasionally.

Preferred Qualifications

• An engineer in training (EIT) is desirable along with the ability and educational background to become a registered professional engineer.
• Environmental and/or air permitting experience (knowledge of the Clean Air Act; knowledge of industrial processes and the associated pollution control equipment).
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills.
• Desire to serve the public.

Additional Comments
SCDES is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan (
  • State Optional Retirement Program (
• Remote Work: The option to work remotely 2 days per week is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with SCDES, based on job functions.

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a bachelor's degree, or higher, in engineering?

• Yes
• No

03
Which of the following describes your engineering degree?

• Engineering degree from an ABET accredited school
• Engineering degree from a school recognized by an Accord
• Engineering degree considered "substantially equivalent education" and approval letter from SC LLR is a supplemental attachment to this application.
• None of the above

04
Do you have your engineer in training (EIT) or professional engineer license (PE)?

• Yes, EIT
• Yes, PE
• No

05
Are you a current or former employee of SCDHEC or SCDES?

• Yes
• No

06
Are you willing to accept a salary within the range of $61,396 - $70,300?

• Yes
• No

07
Will you now or in the future require SCDES sponsorship for employment visa status?

• Yes
• No

Required Question