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Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Mechanical Engineer Intern

Wamego, KS ยท On-site

$25 - $26.15/hr

Must be pursuing degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering or be a recent graduate . Must also be local to Wamego and surrounding area. Pay Rate: $25.00-$26.15 Per Hour *Pay range offered to a ...

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering * Minimum five (5) years relevant experience ... Minimum three (3) years recent experience (within last 4 years) * Minimum five (5) years design ...

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Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

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

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer recent graduate 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 Graduate do?

A Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate typically assists in designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and systems under the supervision of experienced engineers. Their responsibilities may include creating technical drawings, performing simulations, conducting experiments, and supporting manufacturing or product development processes. They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team and use engineering software to analyze and solve real-world problems. This role is an entry-level position that provides opportunities to learn industry standards, gain practical experience, and develop professional skills.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a recent graduate mechanical engineer expect during their first year?

As a recent graduate mechanical engineer, you will likely start by supporting more experienced engineers on a variety of projects, such as preparing CAD drawings, assisting with prototyping, conducting basic calculations, and participating in design reviews. You may also be involved in testing and data analysis, as well as documenting results and presenting findings to your team. Early on, you'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and processes, and you'll often collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including manufacturing and quality assurance. These responsibilities are designed to build your technical foundation and teamwork skills, preparing you for more complex tasks as you progress.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineer Recent GraduateMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internship experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, some design certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based, engineering firms or manufacturingDesign-focused, CAD software use, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveProduct design companies, automotive, aerospace, consumer products

Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduates typically have a bachelor's degree and internship experience, working in entry-level roles within engineering or manufacturing sectors. Mechanical Design Engineers focus more on product development and CAD design, often requiring additional certifications. Both roles are common in similar industries, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ, with recent graduates gaining foundational experience and design engineers specializing in product creation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate, you need a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), basic simulation tools, and experience with industry standards or entry-level certifications are highly beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help recent graduates stand out and adapt quickly in professional environments. These skills and qualities are important because they enable new engineers to contribute effectively to projects, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and grow within the industry.
More about Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate job openings:
What states have the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Field Engineer -- Recent Graduates

Field Engineer -- Recent Graduates

Harder Mechanical Contractors

Oxnard, CA โ€ข On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Harder Mechanical is one of the nation's largest mechanical contractors with an outstanding reputation for working safely, meeting tough schedules, and delivering quality projects. Based in Portland Oregon, we work primarily in the 11-western states with regional offices in Reno, NV; Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; Concord, CA; and Salt Lake City, UT.
As a Field Engineer, you will be working in one of these market sectors: Commercial Buildings (healthcare, higher education, mission critical, and retail), Advanced Technology (semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy), or Industrial (pulp and paper manufacturing).
Interested in finding out what our Field Engineers do day to day? Check out our video here!
Successful projects do not complete themselves. Our team of curious and passionate people build on Harder's reputation every day through their actions. We offer professional development opportunities, industry-leading benefits, and the chance to work on projects that will change the built environment forever. Find out more at www.harder.com.
What you'll be doing:
You will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and executing a specific scope of the project you are assigned to at Harder. You will coordinate with field labor to ensure the work is completed safely, on schedule, and up to Harder Mechanical's quality standards. This is an entry level role that serves as the entry point for a project management career at Harder.
Field Engineers at Harder perform the following daily tasks:
  • Learn, follow, and promote Harder's safety policies and protocols
  • Review construction drawings and compile project scope and quantities
  • Resolve engineering issues and constraints through communication with design engineers, owner representatives, and fellow team members
  • Monitor field construction and ensure compliance with construction plans and specifications
  • Engage in work sequence planning
  • Prepare and monitor work packages, including labor and cost estimates
  • Track construction progress and update status weekly
  • Organize project records in an effective document control system
  • Estimate future work
  • Perform additional tasks or projects as assigned

What you will need to be successful in this role:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office & Bluebeam - intermediate skills in Excel
  • Ability to communicate with a broad spectrum of people including suppliers, field crews, designers, and owners
  • Self-starter, motivated and takes initiative
  • Organized and productive
  • Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks on an ongoing basis
  • Relentless commitment to teamwork and client satisfaction
  • Interest in LEAN construction principles
  • Ability to travel to other regions to gain exposure to additional markets and industries
  • Must have valid driver license
  • Mechanical aptitude

Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Business Management, Mechanical, Industrial, Civil Engineering and/or equivalent experience or education
  • Previous internship experience, preferably with a focus on construction or engineering

Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits - 100% of employee premiums are paid by the company
  • Generous retirement package includes: 10% retirement contribution made by the company and a company match up to 2% of your annual salary
  • Profit sharing
  • Discretionary annual bonus
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Harder University training and development, as well as other paid professional development opportunities
  • Team environment that promotes individual growth

HMC reserves the right to perform a drug screening and background check, as may be required, and this offer may be contingent on passing a drug screening and background check.
This position is salaried, compensation $70,000 to $85,000.
No recruiters. No phone calls, please.
About Harder
Harder Mechanical Contractors is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local nondiscrimination laws. Our hiring policy reflects and affirms Harder's commitment to the principles of fair employment. Harder does not discriminate regarding the terms and conditions of employment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state or local nondiscrimination laws.
It is Harder's policy to maintain a drug and alcohol-free work environment. Employment offers are conditional upon successfully passing a drug and alcohol test, background checks, reference checks, and as required by law, regardless of citizenship or national origin, documented proof of authorization to work in the United States.