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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Bellingham, WA

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$47.3K

$106.9K

$173.1K

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer recent grad in Bellingham, WA is $106,931.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,700.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs?

Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:

Marine Mechanical Engineer (Mid-Level) - Bellingham, WA

Glosten

Bellingham, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Glosten is a naval architecture and marine engineering firm that has served the marine industry for over 65 years. We work in teams to accomplish exciting projects in a stimulating, fast-paced, and collegial environment. We are an employee-owned company drawn to unique and challenging marine projects. We have grown steadily and deliberately to a team of 120 employees who are ready to solve complex problems and think outside the box. We continuously strive to improve our business practices and technical performance to better serve the industry. We believe the secret to our success is our talented team and our culture of mutual respect and cooperation.

Job Description

We are seeking a talented Marine Mechanical Engineer to join our marine engineering team.

We are looking for candidates who:

  • Are passionate about the maritime industry.
  • Thrive in a culture of collaboration, innovation, and integrity.
  • Embrace a philosophy of client service by solving real-world problems clients face in the maritime industry, supporting their best interests and building lasting partnerships through reliable service and dependable solutions.
  • Are motivated to identify and pursue internal and external professional growth opportunities, including areas outside their specific discipline.

Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop shipboard systems on marine vessels, ensuring compliance with industry standards, marine regulations, and best practices.
  • Perform feasibility and trade studies to evaluate the best design solutions for our clients.
  • Conduct calculations and analysis for ship auxiliary system design, propulsion system sizing, HVAC system design and various other marine systems.
  • Create and review technical drawings, schematics, specifications, and documentation for regulatory review and shipyard cost estimating.
  • Lead engineering teams, assign tasks, provide technical oversight, manage scope and budget, schedule, and develop proposals.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical designs into vessels.
  • Stay updated on recent developments in marine engineering and incorporate this knowledge into projects.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to junior engineers and other team members.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum four (4) years of experience in a maritime design environment, consulting engineering experience is preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) Licensure in a relevant discipline is expected. Applicants without PE license who would be eligible to take the licensing exam in their first year may be considered.
  • Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, Rhino3D, and SolidWorks) and Microsoft Office software packages.
  • Strong communication, technical writing, teamwork abilities, and excellent problem solving skills.
  • Experience designing to regulatory rules such as American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 46: Shipping.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States. Due to project restrictions, Glosten will only consider applicants with unrestricted access to work in the United States or those eligible for TN visas.
  • Some travel and fieldwork are required. Some project assignments may require a valid driver's license, current passport, and/or TWIC card.
  • This position is ideally based in one of our office locations (Seattle, WA; Bellingham, WA; or Providence, RI). Employees hired for an in-person role will be eligible for participation in the company's hybrid remote work policy after 90 days of employment.
  • While in-office work is strongly preferred, fully remote arrangements may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.
Benefits

Glosten offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental coverage, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, bonus and profit-sharing plans, and a 401(k) plan.

Glosten is proud to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all, employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Glosten does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, handicap, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all associates. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions.

We encourage women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for this position.

Visit our website (www.glosten.com) and our social media pages to learn more about who we are, our projects and clients, and what is happening at Glosten.

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, you'll need to submit the following items:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume

Applications missing any of these documents will not be considered.