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Graduate Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

$100K/yr

SUMMER 2027 GRADUATE ENGINEER As a Graduate Engineer, you will be responsible for working on ... Internships are available with a variety of engineering teams across the company including design ...

SpaceX

$100K/yr

SUMMER 2027 GRADUATE ENGINEER As a Graduate Engineer, you will be responsible for working on ... Internships are available with a variety of engineering teams across the company including design ...

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Graduate Engineering information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do graduate engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate engineering in California is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate engineer?

A graduate engineer is someone who has recently completed an engineering degree, typically a bachelor's or master's, and is starting their professional career in the engineering field. They usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers while gaining practical experience and developing their technical and professional skills. Graduate engineers often participate in structured graduate programs, which may include rotations through different departments or projects. These roles are designed to help them transition from academic study to full professional responsibility.

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 typically need a degree in engineering, strong analytical abilities, and a solid grasp of engineering principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, as well as any relevant certifications, is highly beneficial. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help set you apart in collaborative and fast-paced project environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering innovative solutions and contributing effectively to engineering projects.

What types of projects can a graduate engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As a Graduate Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects that may include supporting senior engineers with design, analysis, testing, or implementation tasks. Early in your career, you might participate in rotations across different departments or disciplines, allowing you to gain exposure to multiple areas such as project management, field work, or research and development. Typically, you'll work as part of a collaborative team, contributing to both short-term assignments and longer-term projects while receiving mentorship and feedback. This hands-on experience is designed to help you build technical skills, understand organizational processes, and identify your preferred career path within engineering.

What is the difference between Graduate Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectGraduate EngineeringMechanical Engineering
QualificationsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldRequires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, often with licensure options
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and technologyDesign, analysis, and manufacturing in industries like automotive, aerospace, and energy
Employer UsageEmployers hire graduate engineers for training and development programsEmployers seek mechanical engineers for product design, testing, and maintenance

Graduate Engineering is an entry-level role for those with an engineering degree, often across multiple disciplines, while Mechanical Engineering is a specialized field focusing on designing and manufacturing mechanical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in focus and career paths.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Engineering jobs in California?

For Graduate Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Engineering job openings:

Graduate Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Post Graduate Engineering Intern

Nor-Cal Controls ES, LLC

El Dorado Hills, CA • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to start your engineering career?

Nor-Cal Controls provides controls solutions for utility-scale renewable energy power plants and we are looking for Engineering Interns to begin their engineering journey with us! This is a full-time* role that serves as a training program to develop entry-level candidates into automation engineers using a goal-specific growth path and dedicated mentorship. You will initially be responsible for assisting the engineering team with SCADA project-related tasks of introductory scope and complexity. This role reports to our offices in El Dorado Hills, CA.


Why Join Us?

  • A workplace culture that celebrates collaboration, teamwork, and inclusivity.
  • 401(K) retirement savings with company matched funds.
  • Gold-level medical benefits with employee-only premiums paid at 100%.
  • We’re a lot of fun! Company activities, social Fridays, and more!


What will a successful Engineering Intern I accomplish in the first 90 days?

  • Assist building a full SCADA points list, IP list, and FAT/SAT document.
  • Assist building Ignition or Cimplicity HMI screens for a SCADA Project.
  • Achieve performance goals and be promoted to Engineering Intern II.
  • Consistently meet Nor-Cal’s Core Values.


Minimum required experience:

  • Engineering B.S. degree (Automation, Controls, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar) experience OR soon to be engineering graduate (fall 2026).
  • Practical or academic exposure to control systems engineering, PLC programming, and/or SCADA development.
  • Strong interest in pursuing a career in automation/controls engineering with utility-scale, renewable energy power generation.

*Full time is defined as M-F, 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week.


From humble beginnings, Nor-Cal Controls ES, LLC. (located in El Dorado Hills, CA) has grown over the past 20 years to be the leading controls provider and systems integrator for renewable energies in the United States.  Nor-Cal has led by adhering to our core values of Family, Dependability, Hard Work, Trust, and Knowledge. Our philosophy is simple: we take care of our clients by taking care of our employees. In addition to competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and flexible work options, we pride ourselves on having a healthy work environment that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.