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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Laredo, TX

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

See Laredo, TX salary details

$39.9K

$90.3K

$146.2K

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 Laredo, TX is $90,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $111,000.00 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 Laredo, TX are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs?

Cities near Laredo, TX with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:

Traffic Systems Specialist I or II - Traffic Operations

Laredo, TX • On-site


Texas Department of Transportation
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

203rd of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Traffic System Specialist I or II:

Performs specialized electrical/electronic technical work related to traffic management/control systems, communication, illumination or traffic data collection devices/systems. Work involves technical expertise in developing, installing, testing, programming and repairing of electrical/electronic devices/systems. Work may require working in heavy traffic and may require extensive statewide travel. Work requires contact with governmental and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however all issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties

Traffic Systems Specialist I:

    Drives/operates a bucket truck to install and repair electronic traffic control devices at various heights.
    Installs, maintains and replaces TV cameras, motorized LED and fiber optic signs and cables; monitors communication devices/systems; as required moves related      equipment/items.
    Installs, troubleshoots and maintains hardware and software related to traffic systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems, land mobile radio communication systems or the Statewide Traffic Analysis and Reporting System
    Maintains stock and equipment to ensure necessary tools, equipment, products and materials are available for scheduled projects.
    Measures intersections and evaluates traffic patterns and timing sequences; computes mathematical factors for adjusting timing of traffic signals and/or systems.
    Operates and maintains complex electronic test equipment to repair and test electronic traffic systems
    Performs complex electronic repairs and rewires systems; adjusts and reprograms equipment/systems and replaces controllers and other electronic devices.
    Provides technical expertise and training of field technicians in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of complex electronic/electrical systems in the field.
    Researches and gathers background information for traffic and signal tort claims.
    Responds to complaints and identifies problems regarding traffic signal timing, congestion, operations and assists in developing recommendations for long-term solutions.

Traffic System Specialist II:

    Administers contracts for the installation and maintenance of traffic management/control, illumination and data collection devices
    Assists in monitoring the proper disposition and replacement of equipment.
    Designs and reviews traffic signal, traffic data collection or illumination projects; makes recommendations.
    Develops and prepares written reports that provide feedback on systems including ease of installation and setup, status of inventory needs, any problems encountered or other issues.
    Monitors and inspects contracted work sites

Minimum Qualifications:Education: 

High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies. 

Experience: 

Traffic Systems Specialist I:

2 years experience in construction, electronic troubleshooting, electrical construction/installation, electromechanical, traffic management, transportation engineering, design, traffic systems maintenance. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Traffic Systems Specialist II:

3 years experience in construction, electronic troubleshooting, electrical construction/installation, electromechanical, traffic management, transportation engineering, design, traffic systems maintenance. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.  

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid US driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Must have a Commercial Class "A" Driver's License from date of employment.

Competencies:

Traffic Systems Specialist I:

    Traffic engineering terminology and fundamentals
    The relationship of traffic control equipment to the operation of a traffic management system
    Traffic flow principles and procedures
    The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
    Electrical inspection standards, codes and procedures
    Electrical construction procedures
    Electrical/electronic troubleshooting and repair techniques
    Digital data communications and closed circuit television systems
    Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps

Traffic Systems Specialist II:

    Traffic engineering terminology and fundamentals
    Traffic flow principles and procedures
    Digital data communications and closed circuit television systems
    Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes
    Troubleshooting, repairing and calibrating electronic and mechanical components and subsystems
    Performing design/drafting work and preparing plans
    Using heavy highway equipment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Traffic Systems Specialist I or II:

    Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
    Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
    Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
    Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
    Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
    Reaching-extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
    Standing-prolonged periods of time
    Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
    Fingering-picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers rather than whole hand
    Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
    Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.

  • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.

  • Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

    • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

  • To be selected for and continue employment in this position, the selected incumbent must maintain the security or integrity of the agency's critical infrastructure and will be subject to regular assessments of criminal history and/or reviewed for connections to foreign adversaries.



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