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Entry Level Process Engineer Jobs in Traverse City, MI

Entry Level Process Engineer information

See Traverse City, MI salary details

$49.7K

$92.5K

$143.2K

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

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level process engineer in Traverse City, MI is $92,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,900.00 and $103,500.00 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 Traverse City, MI? The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in Traverse City, MI are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Traverse City, MI? For Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Traverse City, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Traverse City, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Traverse City, MI are:
What cities near Traverse City, MI are hiring for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs? Cities near Traverse City, MI with the most Entry Level Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Engineer job openings in Traverse City, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,453 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

CNC Machinist (Entry Level and Skilled)

Century, LLC

Traverse City, MI

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

ELIGIBLE FOR PROFIT SHARING IN FIRST YEAR (PRORATED BASED ON HIRE DATE)
Job Title: CNC Machinist
Hourly or Salary: Hourly
Position Type/ Hours: Full-Time / 4 10-Hour days
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
Sets up and operate CNC mill, grinder or lathe to perform machining operations.
CENTURY SPECIALTIES For over 45 years, Century has excelled at manufacturing products that consist of highly complex machined precision components with exacting microstructure requirements. Our team of talented engineers, highly skilled machinists, and product line specialists take a methodical and comprehensive approach to each project. We apply advanced manufacturing disciplines and various continuous improvement initiatives to enable us to plan and execute each project to our customers total satisfaction.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Reads process sheets, blueprints, and sketches of part to determine machining to be done, dimensional specifications, set up, and operating requirements.
2. Mounts workpiece between centers, in chuck, or to faceplate.
3. Selects and installs preset tooling in tool posts, turrets or indexing heads, and automatic tool change magazine, in sequence specified on process sheet.
4. Depresses buttons, toggles, and starts machining operation.
5. Observes control panel and compares with data on process sheet to verify dimensional adjustments, feed rates, and speeds of machining cuts.
6. Inspects first run piece and spot checks succeeding pieces for conformance to specifications.
7. Studies job packets and organizes materials for next run during automatic controlled cycles to shorten changeover time.
8. Sets tools before positioning them in mill or lathe.
9. Follow weekly schedule to turn jobs to meet shipping deadlines.
10. Maintain machine maintenance and cleanliness, fill out proper checklists.
11. Verify that proper tooling required to do daily tasks is on-hand.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
1. Problem solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully and develops alternative solutions.
2. Technical skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses, pursues training and development opportunities, strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, and shares expertise with others.
3. Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities and gives and welcomes feedback.
4. Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures, reports potentially unsafe conditions, and uses equipment and materials properly. 5. Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction, completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
6. Education and Experience - Associates degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
7. Language Skills – Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintaining instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondences. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
8. Mathematical Skills – Ability to apply basic algebra and geometry.
9. Computer Skills – Basic computer skills and Epicor Manufacturing software
* This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* It is the Century’s policy that all employment related decisions are based solely on individual merit without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other factor protected under applicable federal, state or local law.