1

Project Engineer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer Trainee

Charleston, WV · On-site

$50K - $88K/yr

... Engineer Trainee West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water and Waste ... Review project plans and specifications for wastewater and water treatment and collection and ...

New

We are seeking a high-potential Project Engineer Intern with a passion for leadership to join our ... Job: Projects Trainee/Apprentice/VIE Organization: Program Schedule: Full time Employee Status:

next page

Showing results 1-20

Project Engineer Trainee information

See salary details

$45K

$90.6K

$136K

How much do project engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer trainee in the United States is $90,644.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $103,500.00 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 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 cities are hiring for Project Engineer Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Project Engineer Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Project Engineer Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Project Engineer Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Project Engineer Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,644 per year, or $43.6 per hour.
Engineer Trainee

$50K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

New


State Of West Virginia rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $50,242.00 - $88,526.00 Annually
Location : Kanawha County, WV
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: DEP2700001 PSA
Department: Environment - Environmental Protection
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
LOCATION OF VACANCY: KANAWHA
Civil Service Type:: Classified-Exempt - This Position is Not Covered Under the DOP Merit System
Nature of Work
Engineer Trainee
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water and Waste Management
State Revolving Fund; Engineering Section
Office Location: 601 57th Street, Southeast, Charleston, WV 25304
This position is classified exempt; therefore, does not fall under the classified service.
We welcome you to join our team where we value work/life balance and diversity. We offer a great benefits package that includes 12 paid holidays, insurance and flexible benefits, ample annual and sick leave accrual, flexible work schedules, an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Initiatives, an optional 457 defined contribution retirement savings plan and more.
Click here for more information on benefits
If you want to be a part of this innovative team, apply today.
Employee will be assigned to the Division of Water and Waste Management, State Revolving Fund. Under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer, will perform the following engineering services at the training level:
  • Review preliminary engineering reports and facility planning studies for feasibility concerning population median household income, the necessity of the project, the constructability of the wastewater and water treatment and collection and distribution system alternatives proposed relative to the terrain and population of the study area and for the possibility of consolidation with other facilities.
  • Review project plans and specifications for wastewater and water treatment and collection and distribution systems to determine the constructability of the proposed design, whether it complies with DEP regulations, if it fts the needs of the town or public service district and check for design calculation errors.
  • Perform interim and final inspections on wastewater and water projects under construction to check for compliance with regulations and approved plans and specifications and approve change orders to work in progress. Conduct and attend project related meetings such as: planning, pre-design, design, pre-construction, construction job meetings, town and public service district meetings and public hearings.
  • Review agreements and contracts between the consulting engineer and their client.
  • Attend training courses and review research to learn and maintain knowledge of current construction practices, treatment technologies, design criteria, and associated costs and complete special assignments.
  • Employee will perform other related duties as assigned.
Ideal Applicants:
  • Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with:
    • Federal, state, and local officials
    • The general public
    • Supervisors, co-workers, and staff
  • Must be able to write reports in a clear and concise manner
  • Must be able to present factual material and ideas effectively
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Must have the ability to operate a motor vehicle
Notes:
  • Regular attendance is an essential part of this position.
  • Qualifying applicants will be required to complete an internet-based profile assessment to compare the applicant's thinking and reasoning skills, behavioral traits and the occupational interests against the traits determined to be important to the posted position.
  • The recommended candidate will be subject to a search of his or her Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) prior to being hired and annually thereafter.

Click The APPLY Link To Apply Online.
Minimum Qualifications
Training: Bachelor's degree in any engineering curriculum.
AND
Satisfactory completion of the examination on the fundamentals of engineering (FE).
OR
Current certification in good standing as an Engineer Intern issued by the West Virginia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
NOTE: At the appointing agency's discretion, competitive candidates may receive probationary appointment pending official verification of the qualifying training, examination or certification. The qualifying training, examination or certification must be verified before the employee may be certified permanent.
State employment offers a variety of benefits.
01
AFFIRMATION: I certify under penalty of law and disqualification that all statements are true and complete. I authorize the State of West Virginia and any agent acting on its behalf to conduct an inquiry into any job-related informationcontained in this application. I release the State of West Virginia and any agent acting on its behalf from any and allliability by reason of the request for such information. I further authorize and request each former employer,educational institution, or organization (including law enforcement agencies) to provide all information that maybe sought in connection with this application.WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION:Unofficial transcriptsHigh school diplomas or transcriptsBirth certificatesSocial Security CardsDriver's LicensesPassportsThese documents will be removed from your profile if submitted.
  • I consent to the above statement.

Required Question

What State Of West Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom