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Graduate Development Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Development Program information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$118.5K

$197.4K

How much do graduate development program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate development program in California is $118,486.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate development program?

A Graduate Development Program (GDP) is an entry-level job designed for recent graduates to gain structured training and hands-on experience in a specific industry or company. These programs typically last from one to three years and include rotations across different departments, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The goal is to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for long-term career growth within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the graduate development program?

To thrive in a Graduate Development Program, candidates typically need a relevant bachelor's degree, a strong academic record, and enthusiasm for learning in a professional environment. Familiarity with industry-specific software, data analysis tools, or project management systems can be beneficial depending on the sector. Excellent communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help individuals stand out in this rotational, mentorship-driven setting. These skills and qualifications are vital for successfully integrating into diverse teams, learning quickly, and maximizing the opportunities these programs offer for early-career development.

What kinds of career advancement opportunities can I expect after completing a graduate development program?

Graduate Development Programs are designed to fast-track participants into roles of greater responsibility by providing exposure to multiple business areas and structured mentorship. Upon completion, graduates may transition directly into specialized positions within the organization, often with clearer pathways to leadership or management roles. Many programs also offer ongoing professional development, networking opportunities, and support from senior leaders to help alumni continue growing their careers. The skills and insights gained throughout the program make graduates highly competitive for a wide range of future opportunities within the company or industry.

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Development Program jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Development Program job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Development Program job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,486 per year, or $57 per hour.

Graduate Development Program (Operations Track)

City Of Industry, CA


Messer Americas
Chemical Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Why Messer?   

Messer is the world’s largest privately held industrial gases company and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on.  

The true strength of Messer is our people—at every level and in every role.  

Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive company with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care.  Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter.  

Messer's Graduate Development Program (Operations Track):

Messer Americas' Graduate Development Program (GDP)- Operations Track immerses recent graduates into the dynamic world of industrial gases. This two-year rotational program is designed to develop future operational leaders by providing hands-on experience across key areas of our business. Through three 8-month rotations, participants will build technical expertise, strengthen business acumen, and develop the leadership skills needed to drive operational excellence.

As part of the program, graduates will relocate to different Messer locations across the United States, gaining exposure to diverse operations, teams, and facilities while building a broad understanding of our business.

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Operations Track

Popular rotations may include:

  • Project Execution: This team manages large-scale capital projects from solution development through investment approval, design, construction, commissioning, and handover. Experienced in plant design, plant engineering, piping, pipeline, vessels, and construction management.
  • Production: Messer has an extensive fleet of industrial gas plants producing atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The field operations team is responsible for site safety and security, plant maintenance and contractor management, plant operation, environmental and quality compliance and pipeline customer relationship management.
  • Reliability: Messer designs, builds, operates, and maintains its plants to supply the needs customers in a safe, dependable, compliant, and cost-effective manner.
  • Supply Chain: This team manages Messer’s supply chain and network including demand planning, supply management, customer assignment, power supply, competitor sales / purchases, rail logistics, plant outages, and much more.
  • Remote Operations Center (ROC): The ROC is responsible for the safe, efficient and dependable operation of the majority of Messer‘s ASU plant fleet within both North and South America.
  • Process Engineering: Responsible for the engineering safety and continuous improvement in efficiency of our air separation and CO2 plants.

Learn more about the program here.

Qualifications:

Must be open to relocation anywhere in the US (Assistance Provided). 

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Chemical Engineering or related field.

Bachelors or better in Electrical Engineering or related field.

Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Messer provides medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, life insurance, and paid time off, as well as other voluntary benefits such as long-term disability, in accordance with the terms and conditions of these plans. Employees are eligible to enroll in Messer’s 401(k) Plan and may also be eligible to participate in the company’s bonus program.

About Messer:  
Messer’s safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives. We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another.  

We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization – the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different. 

If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call (877) 243-1030.



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