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Graduate Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Graduate Advisor

Blacksburg, VA

Mechanical Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Academic Advising / Support The Graduate Advisor is a member of a student support team that works closely with faculty, staff, and ...

Clark Nexsen

Civil Engineer Graduate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

A Civil Engineer Graduate will be responsible for assisting in various aspects of the Civil engineering portion of a project while working under the close supervision and guidance of a licensed Civil ...

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Graduate Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$10.9K

$72K

$124.4K

How much do graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate engineer in Virginia is $71,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $82,300.00 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 are popular job titles related to Graduate Engineer jobs in VA? For Graduate Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Graduate Engineer jobs near you

Structural Graduate Engineer

WESTWOOD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INC

Midlothian, VA

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Westwood Professional Services rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Description

Structural Graduate Engineer


Westwood Professional Services, Inc has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our clients. A Structural Graduate Engineer is expected to work on a team providing support to a licensed Structural Engineer while learning the company's standard practices and local agency codes. 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

  • Complete assigned design tasks in support of Project Engineers and Lead Engineers on various projects
  • Increase understanding of engineering fundamentals
  • Conduct basic design tasks to prepare sections of plans, specifications, and other project documents
  • Coordinate with other design team members to produce a well-coordinated and constructable design
  • Maintain awareness and comply with firm quality standards


Required Skills:

  • Outgoing, friendly, approachable (team player)
  • Strong communication skills with team members and clients, demonstrates active listening techniques
  • 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 Structural Engineering
  • 1-4 years of Structural Engineering experience
  • Engineer-in-Training Certificate, or the ability to obtain within 6-12 months
  • Basic knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit 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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