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Fresh Graduate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BRM.ai

Entry Level Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... and contribute fresh perspectives * Take ownership of well-scoped features and tasks, with ... Recent graduate (within 3 years) with a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field ...

Radiate

Graphic Design Intern

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome. LA perk: If you're based in Los Angeles, we'll ... Design general digital advertisements that showcase the app in fresh ways * Create assets for ...

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Fresh Graduate Engineer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$71.6K

$123.9K

How much do fresh graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fresh graduate engineer in California is $71,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fresh graduate engineer?

A Fresh Graduate Engineer job is an entry-level engineering role designed for recent graduates with little to no professional experience. It provides hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to various engineering tasks within a company. Responsibilities typically include assisting in design, analysis, and project development while learning industry standards and practices. This role helps new engineers gain practical skills, build confidence, and transition from academia to the professional workforce.

What typical responsibilities can a fresh graduate engineer expect in their first year on the job?

As a Fresh Graduate Engineer, you can expect to work closely with more experienced engineers and be involved in various tasks, such as assisting in project design, conducting tests and analyses, and helping to solve technical problems. You'll likely participate in meetings, contribute to documentation, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support ongoing projects. While you may have some routine duties, there is often room to tackle meaningful challenges and gradually take on greater responsibility. This hands-on experience is designed to strengthen your technical skills, build your confidence, and prepare you for future advancement in your engineering career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fresh graduate engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fresh Graduate Engineer, you need a solid educational background in engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and fundamental knowledge in your discipline. Familiarity with engineering software like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, as well as any relevant industry certifications, is highly valuable. Excellent communication, willingness to learn, and teamwork skills help new graduates excel as they adapt to workplace settings. These competencies enable you to contribute effectively, tackle technical challenges, and grow professionally as you begin your engineering career.

What are popular job titles related to Fresh Graduate Engineer jobs in California?

For Fresh Graduate Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fresh Graduate Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fresh Graduate Engineer jobs in California are:

Fresh Graduate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fresh Graduate Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,640 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Junior Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer

Purple Hires Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Job Summary

  • Design and develop automotive exterior lighting components and systems.
  • Support lighting design from feasibility through detailed design and release.
  • Work closely with Styling, Engineering, and Tier-I suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work with key automotive exterior lighting systems, including:
    • Head Lamps
    • Tail Lamps
    • Center Light Panels
    • Corner Lamps
  • Perform design feasibility studies with the Styling team.
  • Review A-class surfaces and define craftsmanship targets.
  • Develop lighting components and evaluate manufacturing feasibility.
  • Design automotive lighting components using CATIA V6.
  • Collaborate with Tier-I suppliers on:
    • Cost
    • Mass
    • Joining methods
    • Molding
    • Testing and performance
  • Complete and release lighting components, subsystems, and detailed designs.
  • Review simulation results and incorporate recommendations into product designs.
  • Apply knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes.
Required Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering discipline.
  • 0–3 years of experience, including fresh graduates.
  • Strong knowledge of automotive exterior lighting systems.
  • Experience with CATIA V6.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturing.
  • Understanding of A-class surfaces and feasibility studies.
  • Good communication and supplier coordination skills.

Target Candidate: Junior/Fresh Graduate Mechanical Engineer with automotive lighting + CATIA V6 exposure.