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Graduate Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NorthEastern

Adjunct Faculty - Oakland

Oakland, CA

$2.3K/wk

About the Opportunity About the Opportunity The Department of Multidisciplinary Graduate Engineering, within the College of Engineering, invites applications for the Adjunct Faculty positions for ...

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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 Jul 17, 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 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 jobs do engineering graduates get?

Engineering graduates can pursue roles such as civil, mechanical, electrical, software, or chemical engineers. These positions often require knowledge of technical tools, problem-solving skills, and sometimes professional certifications, and they are typically found in industries like manufacturing, technology, construction, and energy.

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.

Is earning $70,000 out of college with an engineering degree good?

For a graduate engineer, earning $70,000 annually is generally considered a competitive starting salary in many regions, especially for those with a bachelor's degree. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and specialization, but this figure often reflects a solid entry-level compensation for engineering roles involving skills like CAD, MATLAB, or project management. Additional certifications or internships can further enhance earning potential over time.

What can a graduate engineer do?

A graduate engineer can perform tasks such as assisting in design, analysis, and testing of engineering projects, supporting senior engineers, and gaining practical experience in their field. They often work with tools like CAD software and may pursue certifications to advance their careers. Entry-level roles typically involve learning industry standards and developing technical skills in a professional environment.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.
Quarterly Lecturer- Graduate Engineering (ENGR) 26-27 Pool

Quarterly Lecturer- Graduate Engineering (ENGR) 26-27 Pool

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$10K/mo

Part-time

Posted 8 hours ago

Job description

Position Title:
Quarterly Lecturer- Graduate Engineering (ENGR) 26-27 Pool
Position Type:
Temporary
Salary Range:
$10,948.00 per CE
Purpose:
The School of Engineering seeks applications for quarterly lecturers (QLs) for the 2026-2027 academic year to teach graduate level Engineering courses.
Santa Clara University operates on a quarter system. Each quarter (fall, winter, and spring) is 10 weeks long, with an extra week for final examinations. Graduate classes are typically held Monday-Friday during the 7:10-9:00 A.M., 5:10-7:00 P.M., and 7:10-9:00 P.M. time slots. Classes are taught in person.
QLs are allowed to teach up to 4 course equivalencies (CEs) per academic year with no more than 2 CEs in any particular quarter. Additionally, QLs are allowed to teach an additional 2 CEs during the summer terms.
Generally, course equivalencies are:
GRADUATE:
4 unit lecture = 1 CE
2 unit lecture = 0.66 CE
1 unit lecture= 0.33 CE
Basic Qualifications
Earned graduate degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Engineering, or a closely related field. At a minimum, candidates should hold a Master's degree with equivalent experience.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the graduate level.
Responsibilities
Teach one or more graduate courses in Engineering, including:
1. Prepare and conduct all assigned class meetings;
2. Assign and evaluate/grade student work appropriately;
3. Be available to students for consultation outside of class;
4. Assign student grades appropriately and submit them on time to the Office of the Registrar;
5. Conduct course assessments as required by the department; and
6. Complete and submit time card every two weeks.
Special Instructions to Applicants
All QL faculty must apply via WorkDay once each academic year to be hired as a QL faculty.
Your letter of application must include the specific courses you are interested in teaching that match your expertise and contact information for three references.
Additional Information
Hiring is made on a quarterly basis. The first class dates for the 2026-2027 academic year are:
Fall 2026 - Monday, September 21, 2026
Winter 2027 - Monday, January 4, 2027
Spring 2027 - Monday, March 29, 2027
Summer 2025 - To be Determined
Please note that your employment is subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 ("Local 1021"; see https://www.scu.edu/provost/faculty-affairs/cba-ntt/).
Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Notice of Availability
Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-5750. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.
Work Authorization:
SCU does not sponsor any applicants for work visas for this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.

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