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Entry Level Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CWS Construction Group

CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

This is a great entry level position for the right candidate. The project engineer will work closely with our project management & estimating team and will be responsible for the following:

CWS Construction Group

CA

$70K - $100K/yr

This is a great entry level position for the right candidate. The project engineer will work closely with our project management & estimating team and will be responsible for the following:

PACE - Advanced Water Engineering

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Design Engineer / Project Engineer

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

Will be involved with internal training, internal and external project communication and will ... This is an entry level position leading to an advanced role. The candidate will be expected to gain ...

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All JobsEntry Level Project Engineer JobsEntry Level Project Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Project Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$81K

$148.5K

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

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level project engineer in California is $80,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $87,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Project Engineer vs Project Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Project EngineerProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's degree; often in business or management
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering offices, industrial settingsOffice settings, project management teams
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, manufacturingConstruction, IT, corporate projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Entry Level Project Engineer typically focuses on technical aspects of projects, including design, planning, and engineering tasks, often working directly with engineers and technical teams. In contrast, a Project Coordinator handles administrative tasks, schedules, and communication between teams. Both roles are essential in project execution but differ in technical involvement and responsibilities.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level project engineers do not earn that level of salary, senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced certifications can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. High compensation typically involves leadership roles, significant project responsibilities, or working in high-demand industries.

What does an Entry Level Project Engineer do?

An Entry Level Project Engineer assists in planning, coordinating, and overseeing engineering projects under the supervision of senior engineers or project managers. Typical responsibilities include preparing technical documents, assisting with project scheduling, monitoring progress, and communicating with team members and stakeholders to ensure project goals are met. They may also help troubleshoot issues, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and support quality assurance efforts. This role provides valuable hands-on experience for recent graduates or those new to the engineering field, often serving as a stepping stone to more advanced engineering positions.

Can you become a project engineer with no experience?

Entry level project engineer positions typically require some related education or internship experience, but they often do not require prior full-time work in the role. Candidates with strong technical skills, relevant certifications, and a willingness to learn can sometimes qualify for these roles without extensive experience.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Project Engineer, a solid background in engineering principles, a relevant degree, and basic project management knowledge are essential. Familiarity with tools such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, and industry-specific software, along with any relevant certifications like EIT (Engineer-in-Training), is often required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies enable effective project coordination, technical accuracy, and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Entry Level Project Engineers during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry Level Project Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced project timelines, learning to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but proactively seeking guidance from senior engineers, staying organized with project management tools, and regularly checking in with your supervisor can help you succeed. Embracing a willingness to learn and asking questions will also build your technical confidence and foster strong working relationships.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Entry level project engineers typically earn salaries below $100,000 annually, with higher earnings possible through experience, specialization, or management roles. Reaching a $500,000 annual salary generally requires many years of experience, advanced skills, and often leadership positions in large projects or firms.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in California? For Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Project Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Project Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in CA? For Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Entry Level Project Engineer jobs near you

Project Engineer - Public Works Construction - Sonoma County

CWS Construction Group

Sonoma, CA

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

CWS Construction Group Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer in Sonoma County, CA - with construction and public works projects a plus. This is a great entry level position for the right candidate. The project engineer will work closely with our project management & estimating team and will be responsible for the following:

Participation and site management of CWS Safety plan to maintain injury free environments including safety audits

Understand and enforce contracts, both with owner and subcontractors

Organize the duties of field personnel and assigned project staff

Assist Project Management and Estimating team in project bidding and composition of contracts with subcontractors

Prepare, monitor, and update project schedules to ensure project completion within the designated time frame

Coordinate distribution of new drawings, changes, approved submittals, RFI responses, back charges, and other project information to owners, subcontractors, & vendors

Identify, preparing documentation, negotiations and distributing change orders

Prepare agendas, record meeting notes, & distribute action items to team

Prepare owner billing by coordinating with subcontractors, reviewing month costs, & organizing contractual documents required by each project

Requirements

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Ability to communicate & resolve complex construction related issues

Organized work approach with high level of adaptability and inventive problem-solving skills

Detailed knowledge of assigned project scopes

Goal Oriented approach to identify and resolve construction problems/conflicts that arise

Excellent Listening and communication skills

Team player

Solid Computer skills - Excel Word, e-mail

This is a salaried position

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

  • Weekly pay

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

  • Sonoma County, CA (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Sonoma County, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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