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Graduate Startup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our founders are experienced leaders in the startup space, managing over $1BB of P&L in private and ... college or recent graduate Exceptional writing, communication and editing skills Experience ...

Our founders are experienced leaders in the startup space, managing over $1BB of P&L in private and ... college or recent graduate Exceptional writing, communication and editing skills Experience ...

Internship: General Application

Davis, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Who is Elve? Elve, Inc is a dynamic deep-tech startup based in Davis, CA, transforming the ... You are currently enrolled or a recent graduate from a BS, MS, PhD, or MBA program * You have ...

Who is Elve? Elve, Inc is a dynamic deep-tech startup based in Davis, CA, transforming the ... You are currently enrolled or a recent graduate from a BS, MS, PhD, or MBA program * You have ...

Sr. Product Manager - Keysy

Lehi, UT ยท On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Undergrad and graduate degrees from top universities in strategy, product management, computer science, or a related field * 0 to 1 startup experience as a founder or early hire * Advanced analytical ...

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Graduate Startup information

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How much do graduate startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate startup in the United States is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by graduates working at startups, and how can they prepare for them?

Graduates joining startups often encounter fast-paced environments with rapidly changing priorities and less defined job roles. This can mean juggling multiple responsibilities, adapting quickly, and learning new skills on the fly. To prepare, it's helpful to be proactive, embrace flexibility, and seek feedback regularly. Building strong communication skills and being open to wearing many hats will help you thrive and grow alongside the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Startup Founder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Startup Founder, you need a solid grasp of business fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge in your target industry, often supported by a relevant degree or entrepreneurial coursework. Familiarity with startup tools such as project management software, basic accounting systems, and digital marketing platforms is highly valuable. Outstanding soft skills include resilience, adaptability, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset. These attributes are essential for navigating challenges, building a team, attracting investors, and driving early-stage business growth.

What is a graduate startup?

A graduate startup is a new business venture founded or co-founded by recent university graduates, often leveraging innovative ideas or technologies developed during their studies. These startups can span various industries and are typically supported by university incubators, accelerators, or entrepreneurship programs. The goal is to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the market, with founders applying their academic knowledge and research to real-world problems. Graduate startups often seek funding through grants, competitions, or venture capital to scale their operations.

What is the difference between Graduate Startup vs Intern?

AspectGraduate StartupIntern
Required CredentialsTypically recent graduates or students, sometimes with specific skillsUsually students or early learners, often with minimal experience
Work EnvironmentFull-time or part-time roles within startup teams, collaborative and dynamicTemporary, learning-focused positions, often part-time or summer roles
Employer & Industry UsageStartups across various industries hiring graduates for entry-level rolesStartups and companies offering internships for skill development

In summary, a Graduate Startup role is a full-time or part-time position aimed at recent graduates seeking to gain industry experience, while an Intern position is typically temporary, designed for students or beginners to learn and develop skills within a startup environment.

More about Graduate Startup jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Startup jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Startup job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Startup jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Startup jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Startup jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Startup jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Startup job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,323 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Commissioning and Startup Manager (Water/Wastewater)

Clark Construction Group, LLC

Lorton, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Clark Water is a specialized group dedicated to the construction of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Through its work, Clark Water makes it possible for millions of people to enjoy clean water everyday. A trusted construction partner to both public and private sector clients, Clark Water provide a full range of custom planning, design, construction, and construction management services to meet the specialized needs of the industry.
Responsibilities
  • Provide engineering and commissioning support for instrumentation and control (I&C)/supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system implementation, distributed process controls systems (DPCS) and startup/commissioning projects in the drinking water and wastewater industries
  • Start up, commissioning, training and close-out for major water and wastewater facilities to include mechanical and electrical systems installed and managing overall supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) control system for the system to work in logical way
  • Provide leadership for multiple aspects of controls including costs, planning, scheduling, engineering, supervision, and management of personnel. Lead all activities on a jobsite related to contract administration, change orders, submittals, procurement, and project schedule
  • Develop logistics plan, schedule, and coordinate complex construction projects valued at $15-200 million, specifically construction of or additional to waste water plants, or other large municipal construction projects
  • Provide training to plant operations on the new installed controls and systems
  • Prepare project proposals, budget estimates, progress reports, and cost tracking reports
  • Prepare monthly pay applications and review projection reports.
  • Record and manage equipment and material deliveries
  • Develop strategy for personnel development and recruiting
  • Establish and maintain customer relationships
  • Accurate forecasting of costs for job completion
  • Quality assurance and quality control plans and execution
  • Identify issues to project executives as required to ensure the success of the project
  • Review and approve preliminary schedules, financial projections, and cost to complete
  • Ensure construction site rules and procedures are implemented and followed
  • Coordinate with safety manager to ensure projects are completed in accordance with safety goals
  • Will be required to work at project sites throughout U.S. approx. 25+% of time or when needed. All travel reimbursed by employer

Basic Qualifications
  • Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, a related discipline or relevant work experience
  • 5+ years of construction experience required; working for a general contractor on water/wastewater projects is highly preferred.
  • Alignment to Clark Standards of Excellence: self-motivated, results oriented, adaptable, team player, accountable, ethical, innovative, resilient, builds relationships, builds people/teams and followership, sets direction and executes

The work environment and requirements described below are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.
The Physical Side of the Role:This is an active, hands-on role. You can expect to be on your feet frequently, navigating active job sites with uneven terrain, stairs, ladders, and hoists. The work is physically demanding and requires a full range of motion, including bending, kneeling, and reaching. You'll need to be comfortable frequently lifting and carrying materials up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. This role requires the ability to communicate effectively, as well as visual acuity for reading plans and inspecting work. The role does include desk time in the office that may require prolonged periods of sitting for tasks like computer work, document review, and meetings.
Your Work Environment: You'll spend a significant amount of your time on active construction sites, which means being adaptable to all kinds of weather and moderate to loud noise levels, and comfortable in elevated or confined work areas with moving mechanical equipment and with the fast-paced nature of a project in progress. You will also spend time in a typical office setting with moderate noise levels. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations.
Our High-Performing Culture: This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team.
A Drug Free Workplace: Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug "fitness for duty" screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug "fitness for duty" tests.
Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $85,000 - $185,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.
https://www.clarkconstruction.com/careers/clark-experience