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Graduate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... Bachelor's degree--preferably in the field of civil, mechanical or electrical engineering General ...

Civil Engineer

Durham, NC

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... Bachelor's degree--preferably in the field of civil, mechanical or electrical engineering General ...

Senior Electrical Engineer (PE)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Provide technical guidance to mechanical staff * Assisting Department Director and Department Head ... Graduate of an ABET-accredited 4 or 5-year engineering program in one of the following disciplines:

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Mechanical Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$44.2K

$100K

$161.9K

How much do graduate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate mechanical engineer in Raleigh, NC is $100,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), finite element analysis tools, and industry standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in dynamic environments. These skills ensure you can contribute to innovative design solutions, meet project requirements, and advance in your engineering career.

What are jobs for a recent mechanical engineer graduate?

As a recent mechanical engineer graduate, you can find entry-level jobs in your field in a variety of positions that focus on helping design and develop the technical specifications for various products. In one of these roles, you get more hands-on experience than you do as a student. You help senior engineers on a project and utilize math and measuring skills to help design new machines. Some details of this job vary by employer. For example, some employers may have you focus on repairing existing devices to learn more about the ins and outs of the product they create, while others may have you focus on assisting senior-level engineers.

What are some typical projects or tasks a graduate mechanical engineer can expect in their first year?

As a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, you will likely be involved in a variety of projects ranging from assisting in the design and analysis of mechanical components to preparing technical documentation and performing simulations. You may work closely with senior engineers on tasks such as creating 3D models, running tests on prototypes, and supporting product development meetings. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as manufacturing and quality assurance, is common, helping you gain a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle. This hands-on exposure is designed to build your technical skills and prepare you for increased responsibilities as you progress in your career.

What is the difference between Graduate Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectGraduate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; entry-levelBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternships, training programs, entry-level projectsDesign offices, engineering teams, project-based work
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in projects, learning design processes, basic analysisCreating and analyzing mechanical designs, CAD modeling, prototyping

While both roles require a background in mechanical engineering, a Graduate Mechanical Engineer is typically an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting projects. A Mechanical Design Engineer, on the other hand, is more specialized in designing and analyzing mechanical components and systems, often requiring some prior experience or advanced skills. Both roles are essential in the engineering industry, with the design engineer position generally involving more technical responsibility.

What does a graduate mechanical engineer do?

A Graduate Mechanical Engineer is an entry-level professional who applies principles of mechanical engineering to design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, assisting with tasks such as drafting technical drawings, modeling prototypes, conducting tests, and solving engineering problems. Their responsibilities may also include collaborating with other departments, preparing reports, and learning industry standards. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and training for recent graduates starting their engineering careers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,006 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

ABOUT

Every year huge investments are made on construction projects that support the Navy’s high-tech fleet of ships, aircraft, equipment and personnel. At the center of these projects is a talented group of Civil Engineers who help to ensure that each initiative is conceived, planned and completed on time, in budget and according to specification. If you’ve ever dreamed of building the most advanced military projects in history, the opportunity to become a Navy Civil Engineer awaits.

The CEC Collegiate Program introduces you to Navy life at your own pace. There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work toward your degree, earn as you go, and then begin the process of becoming a commissioned Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, you can receive unrivaled hands-on experience and advanced training in civil engineering areas including architecture, construction engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, land surveying, structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You’ll quickly find yourself in charge of vital Navy projects, where you might:

  • Oversee construction of everything from runways to docks to buildings of all kinds
  • Supervise and manage utilities and other critical services
  • Manage a variety of skilled construction workers (Seabees)
  • Arrange budgets and schedules
  • Approve completed work

More specifically, you can focus your work on any or all of the following areas:

Contract Management—Be the primary contact between Navy and civilian contractors, managing contracts worth up to hundreds of millions of dollars. Handle every aspect of a project from overseeing construction to resolving design problems, to ensuring that payments are correctly processed.

Public Works—Assume responsibility for any of the hundreds of Navy shore facilities—some as large as entire cities. Supervise and maintain utilities. Oversee construction and repair, manage budgets, approve public works plans and provide services to visiting ships.

Construction Battalions—Command up to 600 Enlisted Seabee construction workers in the construction of airfields, bridges, ports or buildings—all in support of both humanitarian outreach and military deployment.

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Prospective Navy Civil Engineers may qualify for the Civil Engineer Collegiate (CEC) Program, which earns between $2,900 and $5,800 per month, depending on your rank and basic allowance for house, while in school. If accepted into the program, you will earn a salary and medical benefits while you’re in school for up to 24 months.

Following your initial tour as a Civil Engineer, you can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, where you may be able to earn a master’s or doctoral degree while being paid full-time.

Opportunities for further education within this platform include:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Navy College Program
  • VOLED Assistance Center
  • VOLED Region Advisors
  • Navy War College (NWC)
  • USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen
  • Bachelor’s degree—preferably in the field of civil, mechanical or electrical engineering

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

As a Civil Engineer, you may work at Navy bases or ports of call around the globe. You may be deployed to help develop or rebuild areas affected by natural disasters. Your day-to-day work may be indoors, outdoors, in a shop environment or in office surroundings.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time roles as a Civil Engineer in the Navy. Serving part-time as a Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Civil Engineers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes


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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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