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Project Engineer Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Some entertainment industry background, including knowledge of current programming and industry ... projects simultaneously that are deadline sensitive * Excellent computer skills, master of the ...

Design and engineering services on multiple concurrent projects ranging from single unit to large ... Mentorship and collaboration to peers and trainees in a fast-paced team environment * Position may ...

Some entertainment industry background, including knowledge of current programming and industry ... projects simultaneously that are deadline sensitive * Excellent computer skills, master of the ...

Planner I

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Design and engineering services on multiple concurrent projects ranging from single unit to large ... Mentorship and collaboration to peers and trainees in a fast-paced team environment * Position may ...

New

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Design and engineering services on multiple concurrent projects ranging from single unit to large ... Mentorship and collaboration to peers and trainees in a fast-paced team environment * Position may ...

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site +1

$28 - $35/hr

Design and engineering services on multiple concurrent projects ranging from single unit to large ... Mentorship and collaboration to peers and trainees in a fast-paced team environment * Position may ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 8, 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.

Are project engineers in demand?

Project engineers are in demand across various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering services due to ongoing infrastructure development and project needs. They typically require strong technical skills, project management knowledge, and relevant certifications, which contribute to their employability and job stability.

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 does a trainee engineer do?

A trainee engineer assists in planning, designing, and overseeing engineering projects under the supervision of experienced engineers. They often learn technical skills, use engineering software, and gain practical experience in a real-world environment. The role may involve tasks such as data collection, drafting, and supporting project documentation.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Engineer Trainee, and why are they important?

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 are some typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Project Engineer Trainee, and how do they contribute to project success?

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 most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in California are:
Senior Quality System Engineer

Senior Quality System Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$94K - $128K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Quality organization is seeking a Quality System Engineer  to join our team and help develop future opportunities for our internal quality management system and digitization efforts. The Quality team works with our customers, internal teams, and suppliers to ensure the deployment of reliable products that meet all mission requirements. We develop cutting-edge Quality processes and methods to secure scalable, long-term business success.  We are growing and this role will focus on internal site growth and implementing a world class quality management system software application, supporting our internal manufacturing sites, supplier sites, and our Arsenal 1 facility.  The right person for this role has extensive knowledge in Quality Management System (QMS) systems, data analysis, and continuous improvement to help shape our internal systems, tools, procedures and the culture of quality at Anduril.  If you are someone who loves to build world-class Quality processes, work hands-on, help others succeed on the quality journey, and be accountable for results, then this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Develop, lead, and manage the execution of the QMS and its top-level processes.  Coordinate resources and prioritization of tasks to complete internal and external audits of the QMS.
  • Develop, lead, and manage the execution of the QMS software implementation and adoption across our Anduril sites.  Coordinate resources and prioritization of tasks to complete implementation, internal and external audits of the QMS.
  • Partner with business system team, product quality engineers and manufacturing engineers to help prepare new processes, digital tools, & sites to meet QMS requirements, develop new capabilities to meet existing QMS requirements and conduct internal audit before manufacturing readiness review and production readiness review.
  • Develop our internal QMS road map for tools and capabilities to match the scaling of the company: to meet customer needs, to enable quality capabilities for our new products, and scale quality processes as we grow the company.
  • Become a systems expert for Anduril's quality tool, processes, and data sets to enable effective QMS execution.
  • Communicate with external audit agencies.  Support customer audits as necessary.
  • Manage the QMS internal auditor process and participate as an internal auditor.
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities that benefit the QMS and product quality.
  • Support investigations, initiatives, and projects as needed, at the team or organization level.
  • Support developing QMS training modules and packages.  Facilitate training records and retention with manager of affected trainees.
  • Driving root cause analysis and corrective action with internal findings from audits and customer visits.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience in aerospace and/or defense manufacturing
  • Expert knowledge of QMS requirements and auditing in a complex product environment, in one or more of the following QMS standards: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, AS9110C, AS9120B, AS6500, IATF 16949:2016, ISO 13485:2016, TL 9000 R6.3.
  • Working knowledge with QMS software solutions which might include Net Inspect, Siemens, SAP, ETQ, One Factory, MasterControl, Compliance Quest, Hexagon, PTC, QT9
  • Hands on experience with data analytics platforms, reporting tools, and basic data visualization.
  • Demonstrated project management for software system implementation and onboarding suppliers (external users) and internal users.
  • Working knowledge of design, development, manufacturing, supply chain, deployment, contracts, and other organizations that are apart of a company wide audit
  • Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Business Intelligence (BI) systems.
  • A strong ownership mindset with demonstrated capability to drive projects from start to completion.
  • Proven track record of implementation and success with QMS.
  • U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
  • Expected travel up to 20% of the time.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Certification as an AS9100 aerospace auditor / lead auditor certification
  • One or more American Society for Quality (ASQ) certifications: CQE, CRE, CMQ/OE, CQA
  • Experience with low volume, high complex manufacturing.
  • Experience working with mergers and acquisition and onboarding teams and managing/supporting remote site QMS

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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