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Project Engineer Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plan, conduct, and technically direct projects or major phases of significant projects requiring ... The role will also involve instructing and evaluating Test Conductor and Test Director trainees.

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Project Engineer Trainee information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$89.5K

$134.2K

How much do project engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer trainee in California is $89,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a project engineer trainee do?

A Project Engineer Trainee assists senior engineers and project managers in planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documents, performing site inspections, supporting project scheduling, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience and training in project management, engineering principles, and teamwork within various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The position is designed to help trainees develop practical skills and knowledge required for advancement to more senior engineering roles.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a project engineer trainee?

As a Project Engineer Trainee, your daily tasks often include assisting with project planning, coordinating with contractors or vendors, preparing documentation, and tracking project progress against timelines. You'll likely attend team meetings, help resolve technical issues, and support senior engineers with data collection and report generation. These activities provide hands-on experience with the project lifecycle while ensuring that deliverables stay on schedule and meet quality standards. Your contributions help the team identify bottlenecks early and maintain effective communication among stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project engineer trainee?

To thrive as a Project Engineer Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, a relevant degree (such as in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering), and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and basic knowledge of industry standards is often required. Effective communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are vital soft skills for success in this entry-level role. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting project delivery, ensuring technical accuracy, and building a strong foundation for a future engineering career.

What is the difference between Project Engineer Trainee vs Project Engineer?

AspectProject Engineer TraineeProject Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a relevant degree; may have certifications like PMP or engineering licensesCompleted degree; often holds professional engineering license or certification
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, internships, or entry-level roles in construction or engineering projectsFull-time roles managing project phases, coordinating teams, and overseeing execution
ResponsibilitiesAssisting senior engineers, learning project processes, supporting documentationPlanning, executing, and monitoring projects, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met

The main difference is that a Project Engineer Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting project tasks, while a Project Engineer is a fully responsible professional managing project execution independently.

Can you become a project engineer trainee with no experience?

Yes, many companies offer project engineer trainee positions to candidates with little or no experience, focusing on training and skill development. These roles often require a relevant degree in engineering and may include on-the-job training, certifications, or mentorship to build necessary skills. Having a strong foundation in technical knowledge and a willingness to learn can help you qualify for such trainee roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Project Engineer Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Project Engineer Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Engineer Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,457 per year, or $43 per hour.

Tyler Union - Sales Trainee (Southwest Region)

Tyler Union

Riverside, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Tyler Union, the nation’s leading manufacturer of ductile iron waterworks fittings and accessories, is seeking a Sales Trainee for the Southwest region. The trainee will undergo comprehensive training at the foundry in Anniston, AL. This training will cover various processes including foundry operations, manufacturing, quality control, shipping, inside sales, and customer service. Trainee proactively exhibit and promote the guiding philosophies of The McWane Way principles, values, and behaviors, including Safety, Leadership, Accountability, Excellence, Trust, Teamwork, Communication, and Environment.

This is a salaried position, and an excellent benefits package with health, life, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vacation, holiday pay and 401(k).

Take a tour of Tyler Union here.

All candidates offered employment must submit to a drug screen, physical, and background check.  

Job Description

Learning Objectives

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of company processes and operations.
  • Develop skills in quality control and manufacturing.
  • Learn effective sales and customer service techniques.
  • Understand shipping and logistics procedures.
  • Acquire knowledge of inside sales strategies.

Upon successful completion of the training, the trainee will be relocated to an open territory. Candidates must be willing to relocate when a territory position becomes available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Follow all processes and procedures associated with the Tyler Union Safety Management Program and advise management of any deviations.
  • Travel through a territory to develop relationships with distribution customers, municipalities, engineers, water companies, and attend industry trade shows.
  • Conduct product presentations.
  • Enter customer data and other sales data into the database.
  • Identify and resolve customer issues involving products, deliveries, and/or service.
  • Work in a team atmosphere to develop a strong company image through personal and business development, industry ads, and other media.
  • Learn sales administration by rotating through multiple sales office functions.
  • Observe the sales process by assisting sales representatives in acquiring new business.
  • Practice and test sales strategies by calling existing and new clients, maintaining and developing relationships with clients.
  • Assist customers by providing information such as product or service quotes.
  • Provide additional administrative support to sales representatives.
  • Make rapid and accurate calculations.
  • Record sales and send copies to the sales team.
  • Update job knowledge by participating in educational training.
  • Assist and support sales managers in executing effective sales strategies.
  • Participate in marketing and sales activities and events.
  • Learn about company products or services and promote them to customers.
  • Identify potential customers and generate leads.
  • Assist in the preparation and distribution of sales materials.
  • Perform administrative tasks such as updating customer records, processing orders, and tracking sales data.
  • Respond to customer inquiries and provide excellent customer service.
  • Gather customer feedback and communicate it to the sales team and management.
  • Participate in sales meetings and training sessions.
  • Work towards meeting and surpassing sales targets set by the organization.
Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • Ability to work within a team atmosphere.
  • Strong and effective oral, written, and presentation skills.
  • Familiarity with basic PC operation and software; knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred; ERP system experience a plus.
  • Waterworks industry knowledge and experience a strong plus.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills and Requirements

  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Strong desire to succeed in sales.
  • Ability to learn and apply sales techniques.
  • Good organizational and administrative skills.
  • Customer-focused mindset.
  • Ability to work well in a team and independently

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Work Activities

  • Selling or influencing others; communicating with others outside the organization; establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships; getting information; communicating with supervisors and peers; organizing, planning, and prioritizing work; resolving conflicts and negotiating with others; identifying objects, actions, and events; processing information; thinking creatively; making decisions and solving problems; interacting with computers; updating and using relevant knowledge; developing objectives and strategies; estimating the quantifiable characteristics of products, events, or information; performing administrative activities; analyzing data or information; scheduling work and activities; documenting/recording information; performing work for or working directly with the public; judging the qualities of things, services, or people; and monitoring processes, materials, and surroundings.
  • Physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body include climbing, lifting up to 50 pounds, balancing, walking, standing, stooping, and handling tools and materials.
  • While training in the foundry, must wear common protective or safety equipment, such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and hard hats.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.