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Entry Level Field Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Field Engineer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$16

$36

$57

How much do entry level field engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level field engineer in Merced, CA is $36.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $43.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Field Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in engineering, solid analytical skills, and a basic understanding of industry-specific principles. Familiarity with CAD software, field data collection tools, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability help you excel when interacting with clients and working in diverse environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring technical accuracy, safe operations, and successful project outcomes on site.

What does an Entry Level Field Engineer do?

An Entry Level Field Engineer assists with installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment or systems at various job sites. They often work under the guidance of senior engineers, performing hands-on technical tasks, collecting data, and ensuring projects are completed according to specifications. This role typically involves travel, problem-solving, and collaboration with teams to address on-site challenges. Over time, Entry Level Field Engineers gain practical experience that prepares them for more advanced engineering positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Entry Level Field Engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry Level Field Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to frequent travel, working in diverse and sometimes remote environments, and quickly learning to troubleshoot equipment in real-time. Balancing hands-on technical tasks with effective communication to both clients and senior engineers is also essential. These experiences provide valuable learning opportunities and, with proper support and mentorship, help new engineers build confidence and technical expertise.

What is the difference between Entry Level Field Engineer vs Field Technician?

AspectEntry Level Field EngineerField Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentOn-site at client locations, construction sites, or industrial facilitiesOn-site at equipment or network locations, maintenance sites
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, energy, telecommunications, constructionTelecom companies, utilities, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level technical roles in engineering projectsCompared for hands-on technical support roles

The Entry Level Field Engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree and involves planning, technical assessments, and project support in engineering environments. In contrast, a Field Technician usually has a high school diploma or associate degree and focuses on equipment installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in industries like telecommunications, energy, and construction, but they differ mainly in educational requirements and scope of responsibilities.

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Entry Level Field Engineer jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Entry Level Field Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Field Engineer job openings in Merced, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,884 per year, or $36 per hour.
EPC Project Engineer (Fresno, CA)

EPC Project Engineer (Fresno, CA)

SOLV Energy

Los Banos, CA

$72K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


SOLV Energy rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.

Job Description Summary:

The EPC Project Engineer will support the jobsite team, coordinate and manage project deliverables to achieve project profitability and schedule goals. This position is team oriented, fast paced and responsible for the coordination and completion of the assigned projects.
This role is located full-time on a jobsite in Fresno, CA and will require travel. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Job Description:

*This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned


Position Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Able to perform all essential Entry Level/Intern Project Engineer responsibilities
  • Attend and document project meetings (write minutes)
  • Set up and maintain electronic filing system
  • Update and maintain all sets of drawings, specifications and logs
  • Assist with preparation of CPM schedules
  • Assist with updating and maintaining master CPM schedule
  • Evaluate and understand basic construction means and methods
  • Maintain a site specific safety plan and pre-task planning process, including audits, meeting, training, etc.
  • Distribute all documents to subcontractors and maintain document logs
  • Evaluate field problems and document PCI's
  • Prepare and maintain PCI logs on CMiC system
  • Review, analyze, and transmit submittals
  • Prepare and maintain submittal logs and procurement log
  • Perform expediting functions
  • Cost code and/or verify correct codes on time sheets
  • Code Accounts Payable Workflows as assigned
  • Verify original estimate quantities for labor cost reports
  • Report quantities in place and maintain labor cost report
  • Prepare and document extra work orders
  • Review and assemble change order submittals and quantity surveys
  • Maintain PCI log in CMiC system
  • Set up and maintain a Quality Management system
  • Maintain progress photo album
  • Compile contract close out documents (O&M manuals, as-builts, etc.)
  • Maintain record set drawings
  • Document punch list work
  • Perform basic functions of Building Information Modeling and model administration
  • Complete other responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements:

  • 1-3 years of construction-related experience, or equivalent
  • Construction related internship experience preferred
  • Field experience a plus - e.g. carpenter
  • Basic understanding of construction cost accounting
  • Basic estimating and scheduling skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to read and understand plans and specifications
  • Effective organizational skills
  • Effective written and verbal English language communication skills
  • Ability to use independent judgment; self-starting
  • Drafting and advanced computer skills a plus
  • Knowledge of virtual construction technology systems preferred

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.


SOLV Energy Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Benefits:

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance. Employees can enroll in our company's 401(k) plan and are provided vacation, sick and holiday pay.


Compensation Range:

$72,000.00 - $90,000.00

Pay Rate Type:

Salary


SOLV Energy does not accept unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. We require all third-party recruiters to communicate exclusively with our internal talent acquisition team. SOLV Energy will not pay a placement fee to any third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of our internal talent acquisition team.


In addition, candidate introductions or resumes can only be submitted to our internal talent acquisition recruiting team if a signed vendor agreement is already on file and the third-party recruiter or agency has received formal instructions from our internal talent acquisition team to submit candidates for a particular job posting.


Any unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes sent by third-party recruiters to SOLV Energy or directly to any of our employees, or received through our website or career portal, will be considered property of SOLV Energy and will not be eligible for a placement fee. In the event a third-party recruiter submits a resume or refers a candidate without a previously signed vendor agreement, SOLV Energy explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire the candidate(s) without financial liability to such third-party recruiter.


Job Number: J13353

If you're interested in a meaningful career with a brighter future, join the SOLV Energy Team.


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