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Graduate Engineer information

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$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
Civil Engineer Graduate

Civil Engineer Graduate

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients—while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.

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 Engineer (PE). Typical responsibilities include discrete tasks associated with designing a site, subdivision, or utilities. This person will work in stand-alone and multi-discipline design teams supervised by senior engineers and project managers on projects of small to medium scope.

Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

 General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Performing various aspects of Civil engineering on projects, or portions of projects, as directed by a senior or lead project engineer and in conformance with the applicable zoning ordinances, standards and specifications.  Projects may include site design for buildings or subdivisions, design for infrastructure projects, and design related to a business development activity such as a response to a Request for Proposal (RFP).  
  • Working closely with the lead project engineer to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of Civil engineering
  • Assisting with the preparation of programming documents, schematic documents, design development documents, and construction documents as directed
  • Performing various duties associated with the bidding process, including preparing addenda and amendments, open and tabulate bids as directed
  • Assisting with the various duties associated with the construction phase, including field visits, answering RFIs, reviewing shop drawings, and preparing record drawings as directed
  • Complying with quality control policies and procedures
  • Learn and implement department and company standards
  • Participating in team meetings and coordinating efforts with other team members
  • Actively participate in education, mentoring and IDP programs
  • Perform Engineer tasks as assigned
  • Perform hydrological analysis to evaluation the effects of rainwater on a site
  • Perform hydraulic analysis to evaluation the design of a storm drainage system
  • Assist with the design of storm drainage and water quality systems
  • Assist with the design of water distribution systems
  • Assist with the design of sanitary sewer systems
  • Assist with site layout and site grading
  • Assist with the design of roadway projects
  • Assist with preparing LEED templates
  • Adhere to project budget and schedule
  • Working with, responding to, and taking direction from Senior Engineers, Project Managers and Design Managers

Required Skills
  • Ability to arrange housing for the period of employment
  • Ability to prepare effective and concise documents
  • Possess technical precision and creative design skills  
  • Ability to make presentations to a variety of groups
  • Display abilities to work well with others in a team environment

Required Experience
  • Graduation from an ABET-accredited 4-, 5-, or 6-year engineering program in one of the following disciplines:
    • Civil Engineering
    • Civil and Environmental Engineering
    • Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering
    • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Post-graduate degree in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering-related degree may be given additional consideration
  • Completed or be in a position to complete the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and all other state requirements for certification as an EIT is preferred.
  • Ability to complete all requirements for PE licensure within 60 months after being hired is preferred
  • Understanding of sustainable design principles and design practices and pursuing LEED AP accreditation is desirable
  • Additional certifications such as CDT, CCS, or CCCA are encouraged to reflect personal growth in the profession and an ever increasing knowledge base to enhance the design and documentation process
  • Active membership in NSPE, ASCE or other related professional organizations is desirable
  • A Civil Engineer Graduate should be able to effectively utilize current company software programs for word processing, e-mail, and information management. 
  • Working familiarity with design and production software to a point of being able to utilize the software in the development of project documents and interact with other project team members in their use of the software is highly desirable. 
  • Successful completion of at least one student internship is desirable.
  • Prior experience in an Engineering or multi-discipline Architectural & Engineering firm is desirable.
  • Familiarity with applicable building codes and standards is desirable.
  • Ability to prepare effective and concise documents and correspondence.
  • Ability to make presentations to a variety of groups
  • Have a client-oriented attitude with a desire to provide outstanding professional services
  • Be dedicated to his or her professional development as well as the success of colleagues and the firm as a whole   
  • Be dedicated to the advancement of the engineering profession

Working Conditions

At JMT, we prioritize a healthy work/life balance and offer a flexible hybrid working schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work in a JMT office location at least three days per week or as needed to perform assigned duties. While most of our work is desk-based, there may be times when standing, walking, bending and lifting of minimal weight are required. Our office environment is comfortable, has adequate lighting and temperature, and is free from noise, dust, and other hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

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