ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proconex

Inside Sales Engineer - Recent Graduate

Royersford, PA · On-site

$59K - $74K/yr

Prepare and manage quotes for mechanical equipment, ensuring timely delivery & follow-up. * Support ... Recent Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Physics or equivalent experience * Eager to learn sales ...

SRI International

Mechanical Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

$102K - $135K/yr

Master's with at least 3 years of experience or new grad PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * US Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance. Current active ...

SRI International

Mechanical Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Master's with at least 3 years of experience or new grad PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * US Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance. Current active ...

SRI International

Mechanical Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Master's with at least 3 years of experience or new grad PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * US Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance. Current active ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do mechanical engineer recent grad jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer recent grad in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineer Recent GradMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internship experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, some design coursework
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, manufacturing or R&D settingsDesign-focused tasks, CAD software, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy sectorsProduct design firms, engineering consultancies, industrial equipment

The main difference between a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in their experience and focus. Recent grads are just starting their careers with foundational skills, while Mechanical Design Engineers typically have some experience in design processes and software. Both roles often overlap in industry and credentials, but the Design Engineer role emphasizes design-specific tasks and software proficiency.

What does a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad do?

A Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad assists in designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems or products. They typically work on tasks such as creating technical drawings, running simulations, conducting experiments, and supporting senior engineers in project work. Recent grads often work in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or energy, gaining hands-on experience and building their engineering skills. They also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, learn industry standards, and may help troubleshoot mechanical problems. This role serves as a foundation for professional growth and prepares them for more advanced engineering responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and experience with simulation tools like ANSYS, are typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help distinguish you in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are vital to successfully design, analyze, and implement engineering solutions that meet project and industry requirements.

What types of projects can a recent graduate in mechanical engineering expect to work on during their first year?

As a recent graduate, you can expect to be involved in a variety of entry-level projects such as assisting with product design, performing basic calculations and simulations, supporting prototype development, and preparing technical documentation. You'll often collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement—to gain exposure to different aspects of the engineering process. This hands-on experience is designed to build your technical skills, familiarize you with industry standards, and prepare you for more complex responsibilities as you advance.
More about Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:
What states have the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs are:
Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
General Engineer (Recent Grad)

General Engineer (Recent Grad)

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Portland, OR

$71K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 693 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position is part of the Bonneville Power Administration, Department of Energy (BPA). Power Student Development
(PD), Power Services (P).
As a General Engineer (Recent Grad), you will serve as an engineer performing a wide range of professional engineering studies and assignments.
Qualifications:To be eligible for the Recent Graduate program you must be a:
  • Recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. -OR-
  • Student who within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement will meet the education requirements and will graduate with a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. A student may not be appointed to a position until they have graduated. -OR-
  • Preference eligible veteran who was precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
- OR -
B. Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure: Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test: Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses: Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
4. Related curriculum: Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
GS-7: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) in the Federal service. Specialized Experience is defined as: Routine engineering work that required and was characterized by (1) knowledge of engineering; (2) ability to apply such knowledge to engineering problems; and (3) continuing development of engineering knowledge and ability.
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:
  • One year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) gained in a bachelor degree curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled (based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership). See the following link for more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=app -OR-
  • Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with completed graduate education.

GS-9: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Non-routine engineering work that required and was characterized by (1) professional knowledge of engineering; (2) professional ability to apply such knowledge to engineering problems; and (3) positive and continuing development of professional knowledge and ability.
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:
  • Two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or master's, or equivalent graduate degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR-
  • Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited).

GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) assisting with engineering studies, analyses, and calculations for power systems under the guidance of senior engineers; 2) contributing to the design, layout, and evaluation of systems or equipment by applying standard engineering principles and practices; and 3) supporting project management functions by performing assigned tasks and coordinating with other technical personnel.
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:
  • Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR-
  • Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited).

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
Must submit transcripts with your application for proof of education and degree conferred date.
DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents.
Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Energy employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply