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Graduate Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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Graduate Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do graduate engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate engineering in Virginia is $31.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $37.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain executive-level engineering positions can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities or working in high-demand industries.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers can earn $10,000 or more monthly without a college degree, often requiring experience, certifications, or licensing. Success in these fields depends on skills, networking, and market demand, with some individuals reaching high income levels through entrepreneurship or commission-based work.

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.

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, follow safety protocols, and pursue professional certifications to advance their careers.

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.

Other

Posted 27 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

86th of 355 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.