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Entry Level Process Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer I

Englewood, CO · On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

The Quality Engineer I is an entry-level role responsible for supporting and maintaining quality processes to ensure manufactured products meet company and customer standards. This position provides ...

Denver, CO Position Summary As an Entry Level Structural Engineer at DLR Group you will be responsible for participating in the design process of structural systems for our Renewable Energy division ...

At ANS, we're not just a consulting engineering firm--we're a team of trailblazers shaping the ... If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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At ANS, we're not just a consulting engineering firm-we're a team of trailblazers shaping the ... If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. apply for ...

At ANS, we're not just a consulting engineering firm-we're a team of trailblazers shaping the ... If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Denver, CO Position Summary As an Entry Level Structural Engineer at DLR Group you will be responsible for participating in the design process of structural systems for our Renewable Energy division ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Process Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$52K

$96.8K

$149.8K

How much do entry level process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level process engineer in Colorado is $96,758.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $108,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level process engineers do not earn that level of salary, senior process engineers or those in executive roles in high-paying industries like oil and gas or pharmaceuticals can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Achieving this typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living regions.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, software, aerospace, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized roles. High salaries are typically associated with industries requiring advanced technical expertise, certifications, or managerial responsibilities.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Process Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering and a solid understanding of process design and optimization fundamentals. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB) and knowledge of safety and quality standards are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in project environments. These skills ensure efficient process improvements, adherence to safety protocols, and successful collaboration within engineering teams.

What Does an Entry-Level Process Engineer Do?

An entry-level process engineer studies the processes an organization uses for manufacturing. As an entry-level process engineer, you monitor and report on manufacturing process equipment, production methods, and chemical interactions. Your responsibilities include evaluating the safety of manufacturing processes, determining efficiency, and making recommendations on improvements across all areas of manufacturing. Your duties also include troubleshooting problems in the manufacturing process, developing and implementing changes, and ensuring company-wide safety. You collaborate with teams to devise solutions to production challenges and adhere to regulations and production standards.

Are process engineers in high demand?

Process engineers are in high demand across manufacturing, chemical, and energy industries due to their role in optimizing production and reducing costs. Employers seek candidates with strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of process simulation tools, and relevant certifications, making entry-level positions competitive and promising for career growth.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level process engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level process engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex technical systems, understanding industry-specific regulations, and learning to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. They may also need to quickly grasp company-specific processes and standards while balancing multiple projects under tight deadlines. Seeking mentorship, asking questions, and actively participating in team meetings can help new engineers overcome these hurdles and accelerate their professional growth.

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

AspectEntry Level Process EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and optimize processes; often involved in project planningOperate and monitor manufacturing equipment; troubleshoot issues
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesManufacturing plants, production facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in process optimizationCompared for hands-on operational roles

In summary, Entry Level Process Engineers focus on designing and improving processes with a bachelor's degree, while Process Technicians handle daily operations and troubleshooting with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What does an Entry Level Process Engineer do?

An Entry Level Process Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and optimizing processes within manufacturing or production environments. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze workflows, improve efficiency, ensure safety standards, and troubleshoot production issues. Their responsibilities may also include collecting and interpreting data, preparing technical reports, and supporting quality control measures. This role provides hands-on experience and foundational skills in process engineering, often serving as a starting point for a career in the field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Entry Level Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Engineer job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,758 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
Plant Reliability Electrical Engineer (Entry, Staff, Senior)

Plant Reliability Electrical Engineer (Entry, Staff, Senior)

Xcel Energy

Denver, CO • On-site

$81K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Xcel Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.
The job summary below and responsibilities reflect the entry engineer level role. The successfully chosen candidate will be placed at a level that is commensurate with their skills and experience as different skills and/or experience will be required at the staff and senior engineer levels.
Xcel Energy has an exciting opportunity within its Energy Supply Power Generation team supporting the reliable and efficient operation of power plant assets, with a primary focus on electrical systems. In this role, you will provide technical support for equipment repairs and troubleshooting, contribute to projects including design, procurement, and commissioning, and collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, and Project teams to maintain safe and reliable plant performance. Responsibilities include developing technical documentation, supporting testing and inspections, assisting with project planning and budgeting activities, and communicating with internal stakeholders and external vendors, while applying engineering principles and standards in a dynamic operating environment.
Position Summary
This is an entry level position designed to develop technical expertise in a particular area of specialty. Performs work that involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures or equipment with relatively few complex features for which there are precedents. Activities are of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed in the specific narrow area of assignments. May lead small-medium, non-critical projects and/or provide field oversight of critical projects under direction of higher-level engineer or supervisor. Work is reviewed for soundness of technical judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy. As proficiency is gained, may work on portions of larger projects. Works under supervision and follows established procedures. May supervise or coordinate the work of interns, drafters, craft personnel, technicians and/or others.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities/assignments of limited scope.
  • Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.) Utilizes and may assist with the development of procedures.
  • Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, Regulatory, etc. May provide field engineering oversight for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections etc. under direct supervision.
  • Coordinates/leads projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation and commissioning), under the direction of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.
  • Under the direction of a higher-level engineer/supervisor, supports bid/evaluation processes by performing basic analysis and calculations on existing documentation and materials that support the preparation of bid documents. In completing segments of technical evaluations for proposals may need to effectively communicate with other business areas of the company following appropriate processes.
  • Effectively exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors.
  • May coordinate the work of interns, drafters, technicians, and/or others and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.
  • May perform activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.

Entry Engineer Level (Salary Range: $70,000-$88,667)
Minimum Requirements
  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum, electrical engineering degree preferred.
  • 0+ years relevant engineering experience Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • Preferred EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.

Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $81,000 -106,267)
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited, electrical engineering degree preferred.
  • 2+year's relevant engineering experience. Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills & core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.

Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,267)
Minimum Requirements
  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum, electrical engineering degree preferred.
  • 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $129,267.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 07/09/26
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Xcel Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909