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Grad Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

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See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$6

$21

$34

How much do grad jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for grad in Santa Rosa, CA is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Grad vs Intern?

AspectGradIntern
CredentialsTypically recent graduates with a degreeUsually students or those still studying
Work EnvironmentFull-time, entry-level positionPart-time or temporary, often part of training
Employer UsageHired as a permanent employee after programTemporary role for experience and training
Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level career pathsCompared for gaining industry experience

In summary, a Grad is a recent graduate hired for a full-time entry-level role, while an Intern is typically a student or trainee in a temporary position to gain industry experience. Both roles serve as stepping stones into the industry but differ mainly in duration, commitment, and employment status.

What types of training and mentorship can new graduates expect in their first professional role?

As a new graduate entering the workforce, you can generally expect a structured onboarding process that may include formal training sessions, job shadowing, and mentorship programs. Many organizations pair new grads with more experienced team members or assign a dedicated mentor to help guide you through your initial projects and company culture. These resources are designed to help you bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace skills, ensuring a smoother transition and setting you up for long-term growth. Being proactive in seeking feedback and participating in professional development opportunities can further accelerate your learning and advancement.

What are grads?

Grads, short for graduates, are individuals who have recently completed a degree or diploma program, typically at a college or university. They are often seeking entry-level jobs or internships to start their professional careers. Employers may refer to 'grad roles' or 'graduate programs' as structured opportunities designed specifically for recent graduates, often including training and mentorship. These programs help grads transition from academic life to the workforce, allowing them to gain practical experience in their chosen field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate entering the workforce, you need a solid academic background in your field, critical thinking, and the ability to learn quickly. Familiarity with productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, and sometimes industry-specific certifications or internship experience, is often beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, and adaptability help graduates stand out as they transition into professional roles. These skills and qualifications are vital for successfully navigating the challenges of a new career and contributing effectively from the start.
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Grad jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Grad job openings:
Grad jobs near you
Telecommunications Quality Automation Test Engineer - New Grad

Telecommunications Quality Automation Test Engineer - New Grad

Ciena Corporation

Petaluma, CA

$73K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We're a technology company that leads with our humanity-driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
Ciena's systems quality assurance team ensures every release meets rigorous telecommunications and customer requirements. This role contributes directly to the reliability, performance, and scalability of next-generation networking platforms through system-level verification and lab-based testing. The position supports continuous product evolution by validating real-world use cases before deployment.
How you will make an impact:
  • Develop system-level verification strategies aligned with telecommunications and customer requirements.
  • Apply product development lifecycle methodologies to system testing and release validation.
  • Design and execute automated and manual test strategies within laboratory environments.
  • Validate new features introduced in each system release and record results in test databases.
  • Execute regression and backward-compatibility testing to ensure release-to-release quality.
  • Identify, document, and track defects to resolution using issue-tracking databases.
  • Maintain and scale laboratory system environments to support product line evolution.

The must haves:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
  • Background in Linux-based operating systems and test automation using object-oriented languages, including Python, with interaction through JSON files and Mongo databases.
  • Application of technical knowledge related to Passive Optical Network (PON) systems.
  • Utilization of test automation tools and structured test environments.
  • Experience interfacing with test equipment using Serial, GPIB, USB, and Ethernet connections.
  • Demonstrated debugging of system-level and integration issues.
  • Exposure to test and network equipment command-line interfaces, including vendor-specific APIs and SCPI, and to physical-layer fiber-optic concepts.
  • Understanding of customer and industry requirements from telecom carriers and cable providers, including standards from IEEE, ITU-T, DOCSIS, and Telcordia.

Nice to haves:
  • Participation in team-based development, mentoring, or collaborative technical environments.
  • Exposure to structured learning, networking, or leadership development programs.
  • Awareness of employee well-being, work-life integration, or community involvement initiatives.

Pay Range:
The annual salary range for this position is $73,000 - $116,600.
Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.
Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.
At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.
Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.

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