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Project Engineer Trainee Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer Trainee information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$49.2K

$99.1K

$148.7K

How much do project engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer trainee in Santa Rosa, CA is $99,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $113,200.00 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 Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Project Engineer Trainee jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Project Engineer Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Engineer Trainee job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,104 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Discovery Project Engineering Track - 2027

ABB

Novato, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


ABB Group rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

212th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we'll give you what you need to make it happen. It won't always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you'll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This Position reports to:

Early Talent Lead, NAM

In this role, you will have the opportunity to support business, collaborate with different teams, and contribute to the company's strategicobjectives. Each day, you will gain knowledge by performing tasks as directed by the program manager/corresponding leader. You will alsoshowcaseyourexpertiseby supporting ABB's operations andparticipatingin the local Trainee Program.
About the program

Thistwo-year program features three progressive rotations-Testing, Commissioning, and Project Engineering-designed to deepen technicalexpertiseand expand professional responsibilities. The first 6-month assignment focuses on medium voltage safety, test equipment usage, and design fundamentals. The second 6-month rotation emphasizes real-world application through site visits, commissioning procedures, and customer interaction. The final 12-month phase, with theoptionfor a short-term assignment at another ABB location, centers on advanced engineering practices, safety-focused design, documentation, and collaborative review processes with customers and suppliers. Each stagebuilds onthe last, offering hands-on experience and growth across multiple disciplines.

You will bemainly accountablefor:

  • Supporting the implementation, delivery, and continuous improvement of products and services within the defined area as directed.

  • Participating in formal training to develop personal and leadership skills in preparation for future professional roles.

  • Delivering the assigned tasks/projects within the assignment period.

  • Contributing to diverse social events and team activities and using the chance toestablisha broad network within ABB.

Qualifications for therole:

  • Currently enrolled in a relevant bachelor's degree program, with an expected graduation date between December 2026and June 2027.

  • Preferred prior experience in internships or co-op programs within applicable fields

  • Enthusiastic about living and working in various U.S. locations-each rotation may require relocation, and relocationassistanceis provided

  • Motivated to learn and grow through exposure to a wide range of experiences, teams, and perspectives

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage across diverse settings

  • Demonstrates a growth mindset, actively pursuing personal and professional development through continuous learning

  • Must have valid U.S. work authorization and must not require visa sponsorship (including CPT or OPT) from ABB now or in the future

Why ABB?

What'sin it for you

We want you to bring your full self to work-your ideas, your energy, your ambition.You'llhave the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work createsimpactyou can see and feel, every day.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more informationregardingyour (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites:https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may requestto reviewthe plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may requesta reasonableaccommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career siteas a result ofyour disability. You may request reasonableaccommodationsby calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email toUS-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.

ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees

Go to myBenefitsABB.com and click on "Candidate/Guest" to learn more

Health, Life & Disability

  • Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR aHigh DeductibleHealth Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called theHigh DeductiblePlan.

  • Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus

  • Vision benefit

  • Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)

  • Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)

  • Voluntary life and AD&D - 100% employee paid up to maximums

  • Short Term Disability - up to26 weeks- Company paid

  • Long Term Disability - 60% ofpay- Company paid. Ability to "buy-up" to 66 2/3% of pay.

  • Supplemental benefits - 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance

  • Parental Leave - up to6 weeks

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption

  • Employee discount program

Retirement

  • 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions

  • Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)

Time off

ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Vacation is provided based on years of service for hourly and non-exempt positions. Salaried exempt positions areprovidedvacation under a permissive time away policy.

The program is expected to pay $80,000 annually.

A future opportunity

This role is part of our talent pipeline, which means it's not currently open, but we're always looking for curious minds, bold thinkers, and people who want to make an impact.

Click Apply to express your interest and be considered for future opportunities that match your experience and aspirations.

At ABB, we welcome people from all backgrounds and believe that diverse perspectives help us build a cleaner, smarter future.

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about how we help run what runs the world.

Employment Type: OTHER

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About ABB Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Take your next career step at ABB with a global team that is energizing the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future.At ABB, we have the clear goal of driving diversity and inclusion across all dimensions: gender, LGBTQ+, abilities, ethnicity and generations. Together, we are embarking on a journey where each and every one of us, individually and collectively, welcomes and celebrates individual differences.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US