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Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Quantix ProTech was recently featured in US News and World Report and Forbes. Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Location: Gaithersburg, MD Type: Contract to Hire Length: Six months plus Client located ...

Bachelor's degree in engineering (BSME, BSMET, BSEMET, or related engineering discipline). • 0-5 years of mechanical engineering experience, including recent graduates. • General knowledge of ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 30, 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

NDI Engineering Company

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Job description

NDI Engineering is seeking a Mechanical Engineer-ranging from recent graduates to journeyman-level professionals-to provide critical systems engineering and machinery support for a major naval acquisition program. In this role, you will work in direct support of the Ship Design Manager at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD), playing a key part in the review, development, and integration of ship specifications and production deliverables.
This position bridges technical engineering analysis, cross-disciplinary coordination, and direct program support to ensure ship systems meet stringent performance, safety, and operational standards
This is an in-person position located in the Philadelphia area, supporting programs at NSWCPD and interfacing with shipyard facilities.
Role and Responsibilities:
The Mechanical Engineer will support the Ship Design Manager across the acquisition lifecycle for specialized craft and ship platforms, focusing heavily on ship machinery systems, contract deliverables, and risk assessment.
  • Core Focus: Delivering mechanical and systems engineering support, reviewing production deliverables, and managing machinery design team efforts across critical mechanical and propulsion systems.
  • Scope: Perform technical reviews of construction and equipment drawings, draft contract specification redlines, coordinate technical feedback across subject matter experts, evaluate reliability data, and observe testing events.
  • Systems Engineering Support: Develop, review, and update ship specifications, program and technical requirements, and associated technical artifacts in direct support of the Ship Design Manager.
  • Contract Deliverable Reviews: Review Ship Building / Ship Super Craft (SSC) production contract deliverables within an Integrated Data Environment (IDE), formulate technical responses, and coordinate comment workflows. Deliverables include construction drawings, equipment drawings, design reports, obsolescence reports, and Requests for Waiver or Deviation (RWDs).
  • Contract Modifications: Prepare production contract requirement redlines and technical rationales to support formal contract modifications.
  • Machinery Team Coordination: Coordinate machinery design team efforts across core mechanical and electrical subsystems, including gas turbines, transmissions, lift fans, propellers, and electrical distribution systems.
  • Cross-Functional Communication: Serve as a technical liaison between the shipyard, system engineering managers, and machinery design team members. Communicate Subject Matter Expert (SME) findings, concerns, and recommendations to design team and program leadership.
  • Testing & Field Observation: Witness test events on-site or at vendor/shipyard locations; document progress, technical observations, and operational concerns.
  • Risk & Reliability Analysis: Identify technical risks, prepare comprehensive risk assessments, and analyze reliability data to pinpoint data flaws or underperforming systems and components.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Open to entry-level candidates (recent engineering graduates) up to journeyman-level engineers (3-7+ years of relevant experience).
  • Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and rotating machinery (gas turbines, gearboxes/transmissions, propulsion).
  • Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate engineering drawings, schematics, technical specifications, and design reports.
  • Ability to review reliability data, identify trends, and conduct root-cause/risk analysis on underperforming components.
  • Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills; proficiency with standard engineering tools and data environments (IDE, MS Office, technical databases).
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.

NDI Engineering Company is a privately held small business consulting firm providing high-quality engineering and technical services to Government clients chartered with responsibility for the defense of our country. NDI offerings include naval architecture, marine, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering and design services. NDI operates an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality System and is a prior recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration Region II Prime Contractor of the Year Award. NDI's corporate office is located in Thorofare, NJ, with additional offices at the Naval Business Center in Philadelphia, PA, and Virginia Beach, VA.
NDI Engineering Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NDI abides by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, NDI takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
NDI Engineering Company is a privately-held small business consulting firm. NDI provides engineering and technical services to Government clients chartered with responsibility for the defense of our country. NDI offerings include naval architecture, marine, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering and design services. NDI has an ISO 9001:20015 Certified Quality System and was a prior recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration Region II, Prime Contractor of the Year Award. NDI's corporate office is located in Thorofare, NJ with additional offices at the Naval Business Center, Philadelphia, PA, and Virginia Beach, VA.
NDI Engineering Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.