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Graduate Engineering Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Post Graduate Engineering or Science Degree - MSc or PhD * College science lab and engineering project experience, 5 years product design and applications experience. * High organization skills ...

Part Time Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for a experienced Maintenance person, who is highly motivated, and detail oriented to join our team at a Maintenance Engineer! This individual performs a variety of maintenance trade ...

ENGINEERING AIDE

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... High school graduate or equivalent * 17 years of age or older PAY AND BENEFITS From the day you ...

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Graduate Engineering information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$12

$30

$55

How much do graduate engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate engineering in Pittsburgh, PA is $30.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $36.88 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 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 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 Pittsburgh, PA?

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

What job categories do people searching Graduate Engineering jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Engineering jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Graduate Engineering jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Graduate Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Engineering job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,709 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Optical Design Staff Engineer

II-VI Incorporated

Saxonburg, PA

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Functions:

  • Support activities of the optical design. Responsible for ensuring we have the right software tools to support our customers design needs and that optical design group is proficient in using these tools. Standardize ISO work procedures within optical design group. 
  • Take responsibility for risk assessment of projects being undertaken. Ensure that quality of all groups output meets requirements and expectations of Coherent customers. 
  • Utilize optical design programs to provide component and subassembly optical designs. Ensure design specification can be met based on tolerances achievable using standard manufacturing procedures.
  • Provide technical support to customers identifying and/or designing the best products to support their application.
  • Develop fundamental understanding of Coherent products to enable role as technology expert. Interface directly with customer engineering groups. 
  • Provide optical testing support for nonstandard products.
  • Act as project manager for custom projects managing entire project responsibility for cost, quality and delivery. 
  • Lead the development of new optical and electro-optical products. Build and qualify prototypes to meet customer and market requirements.
  • Utilize Coherent Gate Review Process to ensure buy-in on technical and market strategy.
  • Utilize DFMEA design reviews to ensure robustness of designs.

Job Requirements:       

  • 4 year Science or Engineering Degree, BS minimum requirement.  Post Graduate Engineering or Science Degree - MSc or PhD
  • College science lab and engineering project experience, 5 years product design and applications experience. 
  • High organization skills, motivation, good inter-personal skills for interfacing with customers and other departments
  • Strong physics understanding, therefore, able to do theoretical analysis, both optical and electrical. 
  • Lens design capability using CODE V, OSLO PRO, ZEMAX, and/or FRED or equivalent lens design program is desirable.
  • Computer programming in C or C++ is also desirable.
  • Concise report writing is also required to aid in communicating complex optical issues.

Responsibilities:         

  • Responsible for all operations of optical design group which includes work distribution, organization, documentation, software selection, training, risk assessment design quality for the entire group. 
  • Often involved with proprietary information belonging to COHERENT and its customers. Involved with assessing technical feasibility towards setting strategic direction of IR Engineering and NPI activities.
  • Contact with outside customers, by traveling overseas and domestically and by phone and written communications, regarding optical design and electro-optic design and support during the quotation, ordering, and post order support stages. 
  • Extensive interfacing with the sales department during the quotation of special optics and electro-optics.  
  • Strong interfacing with manufacturing and QA departments to solve design and manufacturing issues.
  • Support documentation and filing of COHERENT Patents and Trade Secrets.
  • Training and mentoring other COHERENT employees.
  • Transfer of new products manufacturing and testing from prototype to production.
  • Engineer must possess ability for self monitoring and error checking so that errors are kept to a minimum. 

Job Conditions:

  • Office, general laboratory, high power laser operation, high electrical voltage operation.
  • All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 #IND

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.