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Graduate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As a software engineer on the SpaceX team, you will demonstrate extreme ownership through detailed and thorough design, testing, and deployment, ultimately seeing your software through all aspects of ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Engineer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$71.6K

$123.9K

How much do graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 is a graduate engineer?

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 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 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 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 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 do graduate engineers get paid?

Graduate engineers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $55,000 to $70,000, depending on the industry, location, and level of education. Entry-level positions often include benefits such as training, mentorship, and opportunities to develop technical skills with tools like CAD or MATLAB.

What jobs do graduate engineers get?

Graduate engineers typically find entry-level positions such as design engineer, project engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality engineer. These roles often involve applying technical skills, using engineering software, and working under supervision to gain practical experience in their field.

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $71,640 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

$70K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Westwood Professional Services rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Description

Westwood Professional Services, Inc has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our clients. A Graduate Engineer is expected to work on a team providing support to a licensed Civil Engineer while learning the company's standard practices and local agency codes. A large amount of time will be dedicated to becoming proficient in AutoCAD Civil3D. In pursuit of a Professional Engineering license, the applicant needs to be organized, self-motivated, and possess the ability to collaboratively solve complex issues on time and within budget.

Requirements

  • Prepare various exhibits and design drawings using AutoCAD Civil3D
  • Coordination with agency staff and internal support teams on designs, analysis, and issues
  • Preparation of entitlement documents in support of Tentative Maps, Vacations, Zone Changes, Entitlements, etc.
  • Calculation of quantities using Microsoft Excel and justification letters using Microsoft Word
  • Assist with construction drawings using AutoCAD Civil3D including grading plans; plan and profiles; construction details; storm drain, water and sewer facilities; signage and striping plans


Required Skills:

  • Outgoing, friendly, approachable (team player)
  • Strong communication skills with team members and clients, demonstrates active listening techniques
  • Proficient in computer software (Word, Excel, AutoCAD, Civil3D, Outlook, Microsoft Project)
  • Competent technical skills required to complete engineering tasks
  • Able to proactively pursue design solutions
  • Ability to be open to other's ideas and willing to compromise
  • Detail-oriented but also flexible enough to be big picture/conceptual
  • Able to compromise and accept other's ideas
  • Good reputation amongst peers, clients, and agencies
  • Able to follow general directions and guidelines for the firm's policies, practices, and procedures
  • A supportive team member with the ability to work both independently and within a collaborative environment


Required Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or the ability to obtain within 6-12 months
  • Engineer-in-Training Certificate, or the ability to obtain within 6-12 months
  • Basic knowledge of AutoCAD Civil3D software


About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.


Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.


We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.


We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.


Join us in creating a better world.

In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.


Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


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