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Entry Level Project Engineer Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Firefly Aerospace

Fluids Launch Engineer I

Lompoc, CA · On-site

This is an entry level position that will assist the senior fluids engineers in the operation ... Ability to adapt to shifting project and/or scope change requirements * Ability to convey complex ...

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for a detail-oriented individual with strong technical skills ... Generate material lists and pricing estimates once truss systems are engineered, ensuring timely ...

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for a detail-oriented individual with strong technical skills ... Generate material lists and pricing estimates once truss systems are engineered, ensuring timely ...

Hayward Lumber

Associate Truss Designer

Santa Maria, CA

$23 - $25/hr

This entry-level position is ideal for a detail-oriented individual with strong technical skills ... Generate material lists and pricing estimates once truss systems are engineered, ensuring timely ...

All JobsProject Engineer JobsEntry Level Project Engineer JobsEntry Level Project Engineer Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Entry Level Project Engineer information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$33.8K

$84.1K

$154.3K

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level project engineer in Santa Maria, CA is $84,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,700.00 and $90,700.00 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Santa Maria, CA? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in Santa Maria, CA? For Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in Santa Maria, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Project Engineer jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Entry Level Project Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Entry Level Project Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Project Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Project Engineer job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,119 per year, or $40.4 per hour.
Civil Engineering | Engineer

Civil Engineering | Engineer

RRM Design Group

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$36.75 - $45.75/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

Description

Join the vibrant team at RRM Design Group - a powerhouse of innovation and creativity! As a 100% employee-owned company, we're not just a firm; we're a community of architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, and surveyors. Throughout California, we undertake projects from conception to realization, resulting in authentic, innovative, and timeless designs that strive to make a lasting and positive impact on those who encounter them.
In our Civil Engineering department, adventure awaits as we tackle an exhilarating array of projects in land development. From building essential infrastructure to crafting breathtaking parks and trails, our team pushes boundaries and sparks change. Plus, you'll have the chance to work alongside brilliant minds across different disciplines, fostering innovation and unleashing your full potential.
Ready to embark on an exciting journey? Join us now as we seek entry to upper-level civil engineers to be part of our dynamic team. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Requirements

What you'll bring to the table:

Entry Level: Engineer I - Engineer II

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Work experience in Civil 3D.
  • 1 -3 years

Mid to Upper Level: Project Engineers - Project Managers

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Work experience in Civil 3D.
  • 5 -10 years
  • A valid California PE license is strongly preferred. Alternatively, candidates who have passed the national portion of the exam and are actively pursuing the CA portion are also encouraged to apply.


Above & Beyond:

Some work experience in architecture, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, or planning firm.

We're eager to learn more about your qualifications and interest in joining our team!


*Psst...at RRM, we recognize that factors such as imposter syndrome or the confidence gap may deter some applicants from applying. However, we encourage you to apply anyways, as we recognize these restraints do not reflect an applicant's abilities, and we don't want them to get in the way of us meeting potential RRMers!


ABOUT US:


Ensuring the health and happiness of our RRMers is paramount to how we run our business. RRM Design Group is a 100% employee-owned multidiscipline design firm with a full spectrum of services including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, civil and structural engineering, and surveying. Our offices are located along the California coast from Orange County to the Bay Area. Over one-third of our workforce has been with us for a decade or more and we work on engaging projects in several diverse markets throughout the state.


We value the diversity of intersecting identities and strive to maintain an environment that is equitable, respectful, and inclusive. We expect our work environments to be places of diverse engagement and informed discourse. Ultimately, we acknowledge that our standards of excellence as a multidiscipline design firm are not separate from the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.


COMPENSATION: The hiring ranges below depend on skills and experience.

Engineer I - $36.75 -$40.88 per hour.

Engineer II: $41.00 - $45.75 per hour.

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