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Entry Level Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Process Engineer LAPORTE is looking for an entry level Process Engineer. Candidate will ... Preferred 0-3 years of progressive experience or internships, in process design or plant ...

Junior Process Engineer LAPORTE is looking for an entry level Process Engineer. Candidate will ... Preferred 0-3 years of progressive experience or internships, in process design or plant ...

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Entry Level Plant Engineer information

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

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level plant engineer in the United States is $31.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and a relevant degree such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, plant management systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking help you adapt to fast-paced environments and collaborate with diverse teams. These skills ensure efficient plant operations, safety compliance, and effective troubleshooting of technical issues.

What are some typical projects or tasks an Entry Level Plant Engineer might work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Plant Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as assisting with equipment installation, troubleshooting production issues, and supporting process improvement initiatives. You'll likely work closely with senior engineers and maintenance teams to learn about plant operations, safety protocols, and quality standards. In your first year, you'll also contribute to routine inspections, data analysis, and documentation to support efficiency and compliance. This collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to different engineering disciplines within the plant and helps you build a solid foundation for career growth.

What does an Entry Level Plant Engineer do?

An Entry Level Plant Engineer assists in the design, operation, and maintenance of manufacturing or processing plants. They typically help troubleshoot equipment issues, support process improvements, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Their role often involves working closely with senior engineers, plant managers, and maintenance teams to optimize plant efficiency and productivity. This position provides hands-on experience and training, serving as a starting point for a career in plant or industrial engineering.

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, often with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and may involve working in high-demand industries or leadership positions.

Which engineers make 100,000?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, software, aerospace, and electrical engineering often earn $100,000 or more annually. Entry-level plant engineers typically earn less, but salaries can increase with experience, certifications, and specialized skills in areas like process optimization or automation.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plant Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Plant EngineerProcess Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, internshipsBachelor's in Engineering, internships
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial facilitiesManufacturing, chemical, or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, plantsProcess industries, chemical, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Plant Engineers and Process Engineers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments in manufacturing settings. While Entry Level Plant Engineers focus on overall plant operations, maintenance, and safety, Process Engineers concentrate on optimizing manufacturing processes. Both roles are essential in industrial industries and are frequently compared by job seekers seeking entry-level opportunities in manufacturing and process industries.

More about Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Plant Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Plant Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Plant Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,130 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Electrical Field Engineer (Entry Level)

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY • On-site

$63K - $96K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

Are you seeking a position with autonomy, significant responsibility, and a career broadening hands-on experience with naval nuclear reactors and the naval ships in which they reside? NNL maintains field offices in shipyards that conduct Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program work. This includes shipyards in Hampton Roads VA, Portsmouth ME, Groton CT, Honolulu HI, Bremerton WA and several others. RPCO engineers are the on-site representatives of NNL and component supply organizations in these shipyards. The selected candidate will provide engineering support and independent oversight of work associated with installation, reactor servicing, testing, and modification of reactor plant systems, components, and safety systems. RPCO engineers are engaged during nuclear work and operations and are expected to apply sound engineering principles and judgement to influence and provide feedback to on-site management and partner organizations. RPCO engineers routinely work on the deckplates of nuclear powered assets and are relied upon to make key observations and decisions on the safe operations of these assets.


This position offers candidates an approximate 1-2 year assignment at the Knolls (NY) or Bettis (PA) Laboratory prior to transferring into NNL's Field Engineering Program for a 3-5 year assignment in a Shipyard. The Laboratory assignment is intended to give the candidate experience in NNL's fleet support engineering community; this includes providing reactor plant engineering support (problem resolution and improvement initiatives) for aircraft carrier and submarine platforms throughout the life cycle of the ships (e.g., new construction, reactor servicing, maintenance availabilities, and emergent problem resolution). Candidates would be expected to relocate to the Knolls or Bettis Laboratory for 1-2 years before commencing training and subsequent relocation to a shipyard.


Successful completion of a job-specific qualification is required for this position. Training associated with this qualification is expected to take approximately one year depending on previous experience and will be conducted at the Knolls or Bettis Laboratory. At the conclusion of qualification, the prospective RPCO engineer will be expected to demonstrate both an adequate understanding of requirements and the ability to function in a field location in a technical support and oversight capacity.

Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field.

Preferred Skills
  • Min GPA of 3.5
  • Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
  • Eagerness to learn and adapt to varying tasks and responsibilities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while also supporting team goals
  • Ability to work in an industrial environment
  • Ability to learn and apply multiple engineering disciplines to complex problems
Compensation and Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
  • Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
  • Personal & Medical Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
  • Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
  • Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!
Pay Range
$63,300.00 - $96,900.00 annually
Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

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