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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Reading, PA

Orion Talent

Process Engineer

Lebanon, PA · On-site

$70K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field * Recent manufacturing experience within a heavy industrial or metals ...

MDB Group

Construction Superintendent Trainee

Reading, PA · On-site

$59K/yr

About You This is an entry level leadership development position, and as such you are most likely a recent College grad with a degree in Construction, Engineering, Mining, or similar. You may also be ...

MDB Group

Construction Superintendent Trainee

Bethel, PA · On-site

$59K/yr

About You This is an entry level leadership development position, and as such you are most likely a recent College grad with a degree in Construction, Engineering, Mining, or similar. You may also be ...

All JobsMechanical Engineer Recent Grad JobsMechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in Reading, PA

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

See Reading, PA salary details

$43.7K

$98.8K

$159.9K

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer recent grad in Reading, PA is $98,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $121,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Reading, PA?

For Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Reading, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,799 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Process Engineer

Orion Talent

Lebanon, PA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description
Process Engineer
Location: Lebanon, PA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
About the Role
PRL Industries is seeking a Process Engineer to support and improve manufacturing operations across our foundry, machining, upgrade, and quality functions. This role plays a key part in ensuring high-quality castings, efficient manufacturing processes, and strong production performance across complex defense-related manufacturing programs.
This position is highly collaborative and hands-on, blending technical problem solving, process improvement, production support, and engineering analysis. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys being both on the production floor and involved in technical engineering work.
PRL supports critical defense and industrial manufacturing programs and is looking for someone eager to grow within a highly specialized manufacturing environment.
What You'll Do
  • Provide technical review, control, and documentation of manufacturing process parameters affecting product quality
  • Design pattern rigging and develop detailed shop travelers for casting patterns
  • Support foundry, machining, upgrade, and production operations through engineering analysis and troubleshooting
  • Conduct defect analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions
  • Maintain and improve manufacturing procedures, work instructions, forms, and process documentation
  • Develop solid models and assist with casting and process simulations
  • Support routing development and process flow optimization
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, machining, and leadership teams to resolve manufacturing challenges
  • Assist with continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives
  • Evaluate and support implementation of new manufacturing technologies
  • Participate in quoting activities for raw castings, machining work, heat treatment, and related services
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and quality standards
  • Support production teams with technical guidance and process improvements
Must-Have Skills and Experience
(These are required for consideration.)
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field
  • Recent manufacturing experience within a heavy industrial or metals manufacturing environment
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Comfortable working in both office and production floor environments
  • Ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Nice-to-Have Skills
(These are preferred but not required.)
  • Foundry or casting manufacturing experience
  • Experience with machining processes for ferrous and non-ferrous materials
  • Knowledge of pattern rigging, shrink factors, and feeding moduli
  • Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD/modeling platforms
  • Experience with laser scanning or solidification simulations
  • Exposure to continuous improvement or process optimization initiatives
  • Experience supporting quality systems and corrective action processes
Who You Are
  • A hands-on engineer who enjoys solving real-world manufacturing problems
  • Comfortable spending time both on the production floor and in analytical engineering work
  • Curious, adaptable, and eager to learn specialized manufacturing processes
  • Someone who thrives in collaborative environments and communicates well with production teams
  • Motivated to grow and develop within a highly technical manufacturing organization
  • Open to learning PRL's processes and manufacturing methods rather than relying solely on previous industry habits
Additional Details
  • Schedule: Primarily Monday-Friday, approximately 7:00 AM-3:30 PM.
  • Salary Range: Approximately $72,000-$95,000+, depending on experience and background
  • Travel: Occasional travel may be required
  • Certifications: None specifically required
  • Benefits:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Employer-paid short-term disability
    • Employer-paid long-term disability
    • Employer-paid life insurance
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • 401(k) with company match
    • PTO and paid holidays
    • Tuition reimbursement
Work Environment
This position supports operations across multiple manufacturing environments including foundry, machining, upgrade, and office settings. Employees should expect exposure to industrial noise, dust, heat, metal debris, and active manufacturing equipment. The role requires regular walking, standing, and interaction with production operations.

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