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Entry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

CRB

Mechanical Engineer I

Raleigh, NC

The Mechanical Engineer is an entry-level position and performs their job functions under the direct supervision of a project's Engineer-of-Record and/or Lead Mechanical Engineer. Mechanical ...

CRB

Mechanical Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The Mechanical Engineer is an entry-level position and performs their job functions under the direct supervision of a project's Engineer-of-Record and/or Lead Mechanical Engineer. Mechanical ...

CRB

Mechanical Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The Mechanical Engineer is an entry-level position and performs their job functions under the direct supervision of a project's Engineer-of-Record and/or Lead Mechanical Engineer. Mechanical ...

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All JobsMechanical Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$15

$29

$48

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

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical engineer in Raleigh, NC is $29.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.75 and $33.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Designer?

AspectEntry Level Mechanical EngineerMechanical Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly internship experienceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field, technical certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, testing, and project collaboration in engineering teamsCreating detailed drawings and models, often using CAD software, in design departments
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveDesign firms, manufacturing companies, product development
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mechanical Engineers focus on applying engineering principles to design, analyze, and test mechanical systems, often working on projects from concept to prototype. Mechanical Designers primarily create detailed CAD drawings and models for manufacturing and assembly. While both roles require a mechanical engineering background, engineers typically engage in broader engineering tasks, whereas designers concentrate on detailed design work.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level mechanical engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an entry level mechanical engineer, you will typically be involved in a variety of projects that support more senior engineers. Your tasks may include creating and revising CAD drawings, assisting with prototype development, conducting basic calculations and simulations, and performing hands-on testing in the lab or on the production floor. You'll also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and design. This exposure helps you build foundational technical skills while learning effective teamwork and communication in a professional engineering environment.

What are entry-level mechanical engineering jobs?

Entry-level mechanical engineering jobs typically include roles such as design engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality engineer, often requiring a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. These positions involve tasks like CAD modeling, testing, and assisting in product development, with common tools including AutoCAD and SolidWorks. They usually offer on-the-job training and may require some familiarity with industry standards and safety protocols.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Entry level mechanical engineering positions typically do not pay $500,000 annually. High-paying engineering roles such as senior engineering managers, director-level positions, or specialized consulting roles in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or technology can reach or exceed this salary level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes additional certifications or leadership responsibilities.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project needs. These abilities are crucial for delivering accurate designs, meeting project deadlines, and integrating smoothly into engineering teams.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, leadership roles, or working in high-paying industries. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and certifications, and may involve managing large projects or teams.

What Does an Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Do?

An entry-level mechanical engineer works on product design for a given industry, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, manufacturing, or entertainment. Your job duties as an entry-level mechanical engineer depend on the size of your employer and the scope of the projects your team handles. At a large corporation, your job focuses on a specialized element of the product design. At a small company or startup, your responsibilities encompass all of the engineering elements of a project. Regardless of company size, you need communication and interpersonal skills as a mechanical engineer, because teamwork is essential to the job.

What does an entry level mechanical engineer do?

An entry level mechanical engineer assists in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical devices, such as engines, tools, and machines. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to learn industry practices and gain hands-on experience. Their tasks often include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, creating prototypes, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. Entry level engineers also help prepare technical reports and documentation while collaborating with other engineering teams.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Entry level mechanical engineering positions are open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 40 is possible. Success depends on relevant education, skills, and experience, such as proficiency with CAD software and understanding of engineering principles. Many engineers transition careers later in life and find opportunities in the field.
More about Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,970 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer - Product Reliability

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Fuquay Varina, NC • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 hours ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Product Reliability Engineer

Product Reliability Engineer will support product safety, compliance, and validation activities for off-highway equipment and related systems. In this role, you will help verify that products meet design requirements, safety standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations after they are released to production.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute validation plans to verify product performance, safety, durability, and reliability.
  • Conduct laboratory, field, and vehicle-level testing to ensure products meet engineering and regulatory requirements.
  • Evaluate products and systems for compliance with applicable industry standards and safety requirements.
  • Analyze test results and document findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Investigate product issues, test failures, and non-conformance concerns to identify root causes and corrective actions.
  • Participate in product risk assessments and design reviews to help ensure safe and reliable product operation.
  • Support product certification, compliance, and regulatory documentation activities.
  • Work with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to resolve product concerns and improve performance.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining validation procedures, test methods, and engineering specifications.
  • Maintain accurate records of testing, inspections, and compliance activities.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Experience in product validation, testing, safety, compliance, quality, or product development.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience analyzing data and preparing technical reports.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test requirements.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with off-highway, agricultural, construction, or heavy equipment.
  • Familiarity with product safety standards, compliance requirements, and engineering validation processes.
  • Experience supporting product verification, validation, or certification activities.
  • Knowledge of root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
  • Experience using data acquisition, instrumentation, or engineering analysis tools.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $65,000-$80,000 – Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly