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Entry Level Project Engineer Jobs in Modesto, CA

Entry Level Project Engineer information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$34.8K

$86.6K

$158.8K

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level project engineer in Modesto, CA is $86,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,700.00 and $93,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Entry Level Project Engineer jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Entry Level Project Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Project Engineer job openings in Modesto, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,579 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
EPC Project Engineer (Los Banos, CA)

EPC Project Engineer (Los Banos, CA)

SOLV Energy

Los Banos, CA • On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


SOLV Energy rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.

Job Description Summary:

The EPC Project Engineer will support the jobsite team, coordinate and manage project deliverables to achieve project profitability and schedule goals. This position is team oriented, fast paced and responsible for the coordination and completion of the assigned projects.
This role is located full-time on a jobsite in Los Banos, CA and will require travel. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Job Description:

*This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Able to perform all essential Entry Level/Intern Project Engineer responsibilities

  • Attend and document project meetings (write minutes)

  • Set up and maintain electronic filing system

  • Update and maintain all sets of drawings, specifications and logs

  • Assist with preparation of CPM schedules

  • Assist with updating and maintaining master CPM schedule

  • Evaluate and understand basic construction means and methods

  • Maintain a site specific safety plan and pre-task planning process, including audits, meeting, training, etc.

  • Distribute all documents to subcontractors and maintain document logs

  • Evaluate field problems and document PCI's

  • Prepare and maintain PCI logs on CMiC system

  • Review, analyze, and transmit submittals

  • Prepare and maintain submittal logs and procurement log

  • Perform expediting functions

  • Cost code and/or verify correct codes on time sheets

  • Code Accounts Payable Workflows as assigned

  • Verify original estimate quantities for labor cost reports

  • Report quantities in place and maintain labor cost report

  • Prepare and document extra work orders

  • Review and assemble change order submittals and quantity surveys

  • Maintain PCI log in CMiC system

  • Set up and maintain a Quality Management system

  • Maintain progress photo album

  • Compile contract close out documents (O&M manuals, as-builts, etc.)

  • Maintain record set drawings

  • Document punch list work

  • Perform basic functions of Building Information Modeling and model administration

  • Complete other responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements:

  • 1-3 years of construction-related experience, or equivalent

  • Construction related internship experience preferred

  • Field experience a plus - e.g. carpenter

  • Basic understanding of construction cost accounting

  • Basic estimating and scheduling skills

  • Basic computer skills

  • Ability to read and understand plans and specifications

  • Effective organizational skills

  • Effective written and verbal English language communication skills

  • Ability to use independent judgment; self-starting

  • Drafting and advanced computer skills a plus

  • Knowledge of virtual construction technology systems preferred

SOLV Energy Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance. Employees can enroll in our company's 401(k) plan and are provided vacation, sick and holiday pay.

Compensation Range:

$72,000.00 - $90,000.00

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

SOLV Energy does not accept unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. We require all third-party recruiters to communicate exclusively with our internal talent acquisition team. SOLV Energy will not pay a placement fee to any third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of our internal talent acquisition team.

In addition, candidate introductions or resumes can only be submitted to our internal talent acquisition recruiting team if a signed vendor agreement is already on file and the third-party recruiter or agency has received formal instructions from our internal talent acquisition team to submit candidates for a particular job posting.

Any unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes sent by third-party recruiters to SOLV Energy or directly to any of our employees, or received through our website or career portal, will be considered property of SOLV Energy and will not be eligible for a placement fee. In the event a third-party recruiter submits a resume or refers a candidate without a previously signed vendor agreement, SOLV Energy explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire the candidate(s) without financial liability to such third-party recruiter.

Job Number: J12420

If you're interested in a meaningful career with a brighter future, join the SOLV Energy Team.