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Entry Level Process Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Helion Group

Reliability Engineer

Columbia, SC

$30 - $45/hr

ENTRY-LEVEL RELIABILITY ENGINEER Location: Columbia, South Carolina Industry: Steel Manufacturing ... maintenance processes while supporting experienced team members. As you develop, you will begin ...

Helion Group

Reliability Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

ENTRY-LEVEL RELIABILITY ENGINEER Location: Columbia, South Carolina Industry: Steel Manufacturing ... maintenance processes while supporting experienced team members. As you develop, you will begin ...

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All JobsProcess Engineer JobsEntry Level Process Engineer JobsEntry Level Process Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Entry Level Process Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$45.8K

$85.1K

$131.8K

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level process engineer in Columbia, SC is $85,129.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $95,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Entry Level Process Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Process Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,129 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Entry-Level Civil Engineer - Roadway Designer

AECOM

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

AECOM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction

Job description

Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
We are seeking an Entry-Level Civil Engineer to join our roadway design team supporting transportation infrastructure projects across South Carolina. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn roadway and highway design principles, gain familiarity with SCDOT design standards, and work alongside senior engineers to produce roadway plans and deliverables for state and local projects.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience with roadway design, plan production, and exposure to all phases of transportation projects - from concept through construction.
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist with the design and preparation of roadway construction plans including alignments, profiles, cross-sections, and quantity summaries.
  • Support senior engineers in developing right-of-way (ROW) plans, maintenance of traffic (MOT) layouts, and cost estimates.
  • Learn and apply SCDOT roadway design standards, manuals, and plan preparation procedures.
  • Draft and revise plan sheets using MicroStation and OpenRoads Designer (or Civil 3D, as applicable).
  • Perform basic engineering calculations for horizontal and vertical geometry, drainage, and pavement design.
  • Support the coordination of utilities, SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), and other design disciplines.
  • Participate in field reviews, data collection, and coordination meetings with senior engineers and project stakeholders.
  • Maintain organized project files and documentation following company and SCDOT QA/QC procedures.

Working Conditions & Environment
  • Office-based position with occasional field visits or site observations.
  • Standard 40-hour work week.
  • Collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams including drainage, traffic, and structures.

Career Development
This role provides mentoring and growth opportunities under experienced roadway engineers. Entry-level engineers will gain exposure to SCDOT project development processes and be encouraged to pursue professional licensure (PE).
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
  • Basic understanding of civil design principles, roadway geometry, and CAD drafting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • EIT certification (or ability to obtain within 6-12 months of hire)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Internship or prior experience on SCDOT or other DOT roadway design projects
  • Familiarity with SCDOT Design Manual, Plan Preparation Guide, and Standard Drawings
  • Experience with MicroStation or AutoCAD Civil 3D in an academic or professional setting
  • Coursework or exposure to transportation engineering, highway design, and/or traffic engineering
  • Interest in learning MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, and SCDOT plan preparation standards
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
  • Degree from an ABET-accredited university

Additional Information
  • Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
  • Relocation support is available

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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