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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Fargo, ND

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

See Fargo, ND salary details

$44.7K

$101K

$163.5K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer recent grad in Fargo, ND is $101,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $124,200.00 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 Fargo, ND are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs?

Cities near Fargo, ND with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings in Fargo, ND as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,008 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

$43K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Are you a current NJIT employee? Apply here through the Internal Jobs Hub.

Title: Research AssociateDepartment:Assistant ProfessorReports To:Assistant ProfessorPosition Summary:

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) invites applications for a motivated Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research team conducting research in flexible and wearable electronics, energy harvesting, multifunctional sensors, soft robotics, and intelligent human-centered technologies.

Essential Functions:
  • The Research Associate will assist with the design, fabrication, characterization, and testing of next-generation electronic devices and robotic systems for applications in healthcare, wearable technologies, and human-machine interaction.

  • Working closely with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students, the successful candidate will contribute to multidisciplinary research projects spanning materials, device engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

  • Responsibilities include conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining laboratory equipment, documenting research activities, and supporting research publications and proposal preparation.

Pre-Requisite Qualifications:
  • A recently awarded Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related discipline.

  • Demonstrated research experience in one or more of the following areas: flexible and wearable electronics, soft robotics, advanced functional materials, energy harvesting, multifunctional sensors, human-machine interaction, robotics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience in the design, fabrication, characterization, and testing of flexible electronic devices, sensors, robotic systems, or related technologies.

  • Experience with advanced laboratory instrumentation and characterization techniques (e.g., electrical, mechanical, optical, thermal, or materials characterization).

At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Union:United Council of Academic @ NJIT (UCAN GSRE)Range:Research AssociatesCompensation:$43,562.00

NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items.

FLSA:ExemptTime Type:Full timePay Rate:SalaryAdditional Information:

As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.


Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please click here.


If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call (973) 596-3140. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at hr@njit.edu.


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