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Graduate Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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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
Engineering Technology Graduate Adjunct Faculty

Engineering Technology Graduate Adjunct Faculty

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

ECPI University rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

502nd of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Engineering Technology at ECPI University invites applications for an adjunct (part-time) non-tenure-track teaching position in the School of Engineering Technology housed in the College of Technology. The successful candidate is expected to teach graduate and undergraduate courses and laboratories in Electronics Engineering Technology and be available to support students.
The School of Engineering Technology offers Baccalaureate degree programs in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology with concentrations in Mechatronics and Electronics. The Engineering Technology Department offers faculty the perfect environment to share their industry experience with students through our five weeks long terms.
Responsibilities
Faculty members are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and labs, based on their experience, in the areas of:
  • Robotics & Smart Manufacturing
  • Machine Learning
  • Robot Operating Systems, ROS
  • Analog & Digital Electronics
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Microcontrollers
  • Field Programmable Logic Arrays, FPGAs
  • Communication Systems
  • Computer Aided Drafting & Design
  • Engineering Mechanics

Qualifications
Education/Certifications:
Ph.D. degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or in a related field with 18 graduate semester hours in the discipline from a regionally accredited educational institution;
Experience:
  • Autonomous systems
  • Educational robots
  • Robot Perception and Sensing
  • Control Systems and Mechatronics
  • Robot Learning
  • Familiarity with IsaacSim
  • Familiarity with Multisim and Labview software
  • Experience with Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs
  • 2 years teaching/curriculum experience, and strong online presentation skills are a plus.
  • 3-5 years industry experience in an electrical and/or manufacturing engineering field required; 10-15 years career industry experience preferred.
    Industry experience must be within the last 5 years.
    Mechatronics candidates should have a strong background in control systems, instrumentation and measurements, and mechanical systems
  • Familiarity with CAD software
    Appropriate technical certification or licensure (if required.)
    Canvas LMS experience preferred.

Required Skills:
  • Experience in a student-centric and hands-on learning environment
  • High levels of integrity
  • Able to work in a 5 week course accelerated environment
  • Ability to build rapport quickly
  • Solid listening skills, approachability, and ability to see multiple perspectives
  • Exemplary interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills
  • Comfortable with technology and its integration in the classroom preferred.

ECPI University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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