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Graduate Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Engineering information

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$12

$31

$56

How much do graduate engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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 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 Virginia? For Graduate Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Graduate Life Assistant for Student Life

Graduate Life Assistant for Student Life

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$12.77/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

164th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Graduate Life Assistant provides support services for the Director of Graduate Life and the Associate Director of Graduate Life. This individual will assist in several office functions, including email inbox management, event planning, and execution. The GLA will engage with Graduate students from a variety of disciplines, establishing and maintaining student community in a number of environments (in office, events, workshops, etc.). The Graduate Life Assistant will also assist in the development and facilitation of administrative projects, events, and research to enhance Graduate Life programming.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assist in the development of Graduate Life programming through research, event planning/facilitation, and administrative projects.
  • Participate in the creation of a Graduate Life leadership program through tabling/recruitment across campus.
  • Assist in the creation of monthly newsletters that will be sent to residential graduate students.
  • Take meeting minutes and communicate action items promptly after assigned meetings.
  • Organize and inventory departmental promotional materials.
  • Maintain departmental email inbox.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Additional information may be found here
WORK HOURS & LOCATION
  • Maximum of 20 hours per week, 15-hour minimum
  • Shifts take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday - Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours.
  • Work will take place on-site (GH 1887) unless otherwise specified by the Director or Associate Director of Graduate Life.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities, but may be designated as the point of contact for any departmental community service (CSER) students.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Minimum Qualifications
  • Education
    • Acceptance/enrollment in an LU graduate program.
  • Experience
    • Understanding of issues related to the graduate off-campus living experience.
    • Demonstrated ability to present and teach to small and large audiences.
    • Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
    • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
    • Professional demeanor.
    • Ability to work independently, intentionally and proactively.
    • Excellent writing and oral skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Education
  • Degree concentration in higher education or leadership.
  • Experience
    • 1-2 years of student leadership experience.
    • Previous teaching experience.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication
  • Effectively communicates in both verbal and written forms to convey clear, well-articulated information.
  • Able to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
  • Demonstrates strong organization, project management, and managerial skills.
  • Possesses excellent computer skills, necessary for Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.

Initiative & Work Ethic
  • Task oriented and dedicated, meets deadlines while going the extra mile and producing quality work products.
  • Anticipates needs and takes steps to meet those needs before they crop up, taking a proactive and intentional approach to their duties.

Leadership & People Skills
  • Sincere and affable, is able to build relational rapport quickly, establishing productive relationships across a variety of departments and contexts.
  • Intentional to show care for others, exhibiting intentionality, conscientiousness, and emotional intelligence in interpersonal interactions.

Organization
  • Detail-oriented, catching and fixing small errors and details in both visual and written communications.
  • Manages their own schedule, project timelines, as well as the schedules of their team with punctuality and proactivity.

Physical and Sensory Abilities
  • Frequently required to travel to local and campus locations.
  • Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
  • Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate and review OSL content.
  • Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
  • Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
  • Regularly lift 20 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is in an office setting.
Time Type
Part time
Location
Onsite
Pay Rate
Starting at $12.77
Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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