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Graduate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

New Graduate Engineer, Software

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, SOFTWARE Our SpaceX team is working on the toughest and most audacious projects on our planet: making humanity multiplanetary. As a software engineer on the SpaceX team, you ...

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All JobsGraduate Engineer JobsGraduate Engineer Jobs in California

Graduate Engineer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$71.6K

$123.9K

How much do graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 types of projects and responsibilities can a Graduate Engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As a Graduate Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of entry-level projects that help you build practical skills and industry knowledge. Responsibilities often include assisting senior engineers with design work, preparing documentation, conducting research, and participating in site visits or quality checks. You'll likely rotate through different departments or project teams to gain a broad understanding of the company's operations. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, providing valuable exposure to project management and communication within engineering contexts. These experiences are designed to support your professional development and prepare you for more specialized roles as you progress.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Engineer, you need a relevant engineering degree, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of engineering principles. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and, in some fields, foundational certifications like EIT or FE are typically expected. Standout soft skills include teamwork, effective communication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. These competencies are crucial for contributing to technical projects, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and progressing in a dynamic engineering environment.

What can a graduate engineer do?

A graduate engineer can perform tasks such as designing, analyzing, and testing engineering systems within their field, often under supervision. They may work with tools like CAD software, adhere to safety standards, and pursue professional certifications to advance their careers.

What Does a Graduate Engineer Do?

A graduate engineer may find employment in a variety of industries depending on their background, engineering specialty, and training. As a graduate engineer in the field of civil engineering, for instance, you work on scientific projects as part of a team, design civil grading, and prepare reports. In a graduate mechanical engineering role, you are involved in preparing building models, coordinating technical project components, and participating in team meetings. Regardless of your specialty, as a graduate engineer, you get to build work experience in lower level roles while working with veterans in your chosen field.

What is the difference between Graduate Engineer vs Junior Engineer?

AspectGraduate EngineerJunior Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some internships or co-op experienceBachelor's degree; typically less work experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, often in design, testing, or project supportEntry-level to early career, performing basic engineering tasks under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in engineering firms, construction, manufacturing, and consultingUsed interchangeably with Graduate Engineer in many companies, often indicating similar roles

Both roles are entry-level engineering positions requiring a bachelor's degree. The term 'Graduate Engineer' often emphasizes recent graduation and training, while 'Junior Engineer' may imply a slightly broader range of early career roles. In many organizations, these titles are used interchangeably, focusing on entry-level responsibilities in engineering environments.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A graduate engineer typically requires a degree, but some high-paying roles like sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades such as certain electricians or plumbers can earn $10,000 or more monthly through experience, commissions, or overtime. Success in these roles often depends on skills, certifications, and market demand rather than formal education alone.

What are Graduate Engineers?

Graduate Engineers are individuals who have recently completed an engineering degree and are beginning their professional careers in the engineering field. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers to gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects. Graduate Engineers may work in various domains, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering, depending on their specialization. Their roles often include assisting with project design, analysis, testing, and documentation while learning industry standards and best practices.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most engineering roles do not reach a $500,000 annual salary, some highly specialized or senior-level engineers, such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or those in executive or consulting positions, can earn this level of income. Achieving such compensation typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What jobs do engineering graduates get?

Engineering graduates can pursue roles such as design engineers, project engineers, quality assurance engineers, and systems analysts. These positions often require knowledge of technical tools, problem-solving skills, and sometimes professional certifications like PE or Chartered Engineer status.
More about Graduate Engineer jobs
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Engineer jobs in CA? For Graduate Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Graduate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,640 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
Graduate Engineer - Diagnostics

Graduate Engineer - Diagnostics

Walter P Moore

San Francisco, CA

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities

We seek well-prepared graduates of top civil and architectural engineering schools for entry-level positions in our Diagnostics Group.

In this position the qualified individual will work with a team of engineers to provide engineering services on diagnostics related projects, including forensics, restoration, renovation and rehabilitation of commercial structures and complexes such as arenas, stadiums, convention centers, office and industrial facilities, condominiums, hospital complexes, and parking garages. Sound technical background and excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Qualifications
  • Master's in Architectural Engineering or Civil Engineering with structural emphasis 
  • 0-3 years of experience required
  • Demonstrated experience and interest in forensics engineering, building envelope rehabilitation, or historic preservation
  • E.I.T.
Pay Transparency Disclosure Statement:This position has an annual salary range as stated below and is, in good faith, an estimate. The actual offered salary will be dependent on the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, geographic location, industry experience and internal equity. Walter P Moore reserves the right to offer more or less than the posted range based on the criteria previously stated and will do so in a manner that does not discriminate against a candidate's protected status per local, state and federal law.                                                   $85 - $101K in San Francisco 

Walter P Moore is an equal employment opportunity employer, and provides equal employment opportunities (including offering competitive compensation and benefit packages) to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws and encourage all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Overview

Walter P Moore is an international company of engineers, architects, innovators, and creative people who solve some of the world's most complex structural and infrastructure challenges. Providing structural, diagnostics, civil, traffic, parking, transportation, enclosure, WPM technology and construction engineering services, we design solutions that are cost- and resource-efficient, forward-thinking, and help support and shape communities worldwide. Founded in 1931 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, our 1000+ professionals work across 26 U.S. offices and 8 international locations.

Employment Type: OTHER

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