1

Recent Grad Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... The Engineering Program Manager is responsible for managing project budgets, projecting, and ...

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... Work closely with project manager and project lead engineer and take design lead on projects.

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... Work closely with project manager and project lead engineer and take design lead on projects.

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... Produce integration drawings following engineer's markups AutoCAD and/or Revit. * Plan, update and ...

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... This position requires moderate dotted-line supervision by a Designer III, an Engineer, the ...

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... This position requires moderate dotted-line supervision by a Designer III, an Engineer, the ...

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career ... Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or other ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recent Grad Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12.5K

$82.2K

$142.1K

How much do recent grad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent grad engineer in Washington, DC is $82,216.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which companies hire recent graduates?

Many companies across industries hire recent graduate engineers, including large technology firms, manufacturing companies, and consulting firms. These employers often seek candidates with internships, relevant coursework, and technical skills in areas like CAD, programming, or systems design. Entry-level engineering roles are commonly available in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, software, and energy.

Are engineering graduates struggling to find jobs?

Recent graduate engineers often face a competitive job market, especially during economic downturns or industry shifts. Success depends on skills such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or certifications, as well as networking and internship experience. While some graduates encounter challenges, many find opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and energy with targeted efforts.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, certain software engineering roles in high-paying industries, or engineering executives can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

How to get a job as a new grad engineer?

To secure a job as a new grad engineer, candidates should build a strong resume highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and internships, and develop technical skills in areas such as CAD, programming, or circuit design. Networking through career fairs, university connections, and online platforms like LinkedIn can also improve job prospects. Applying to entry-level positions and preparing for technical interviews are essential steps in the process.

What is the difference between Recent Grad Engineer vs Entry-Level Engineer?

AspectRecent Grad EngineerEntry-Level Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internship or co-op experience often preferredBachelor's degree in engineering; minimal work experience required
Work EnvironmentTypically in engineering firms, manufacturing plants, or construction sitesSimilar environments, often in design, testing, or project support roles
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used for recent graduates starting their engineering careersUsed interchangeably with 'Recent Grad Engineer' in many companies

Recent Grad Engineer and Entry-Level Engineer are often used interchangeably to describe individuals starting their engineering careers with minimal professional experience. Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve similar work environments. The main difference is that 'Recent Grad Engineer' emphasizes recent graduation, while 'Entry-Level Engineer' highlights the level of experience. Employers may use these titles based on their hiring preferences, but both serve as starting points for engineering professionals.

What are some common challenges recent grad engineers face when transitioning from academia to industry?

Recent grad engineers often find the shift from academic projects to real-world engineering work challenging due to differences in project scope, pace, and collaboration. In industry, you’ll likely work in cross-functional teams, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and need to communicate your ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues. Additionally, adapting to industry-standard tools, workflows, and expectations regarding deadlines and deliverables can require adjustment. Seeking mentorship and proactively asking questions can help ease this transition and accelerate your professional growth.

What does a Recent Grad Engineer do?

A Recent Grad Engineer is an entry-level engineer who has recently completed their degree and is starting their professional career. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and assist with designing, testing, and implementing engineering projects. Their responsibilities may include data analysis, drafting reports, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and learning industry-specific tools and protocols. The role provides valuable hands-on experience and helps build the foundational skills necessary for a successful engineering career.

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

To thrive as a Recent Grad Engineer, you need a solid grounding in engineering fundamentals, problem-solving, and analytical thinking, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, and basic project management tools, is highly beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help recent graduates stand out as they adapt to professional environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively contributing to projects, learning from experienced colleagues, and advancing within the engineering field.
Infographic showing various Recent Grad Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,216 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Director of Engineering - Data Centers

Director of Engineering - Data Centers

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Sterling, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Rosendin Electric rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 78 rated construction


Job description

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, you can experience meaningful career growth at Rosendin. Enjoy a true sense of ownership as you work with a proven industry leader on some of the most exciting and high-profile projects in the nation. We offer a wide range of job opportunities, competitive compensation, full benefits, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and more.

Why Rosendin?Committed. Innovative. Engaged.

If you're looking to take your career to the next level and work with some of the best and brightest in the industry, we want to hear from you. Since our founding over 100+ years ago, Rosendin has been driven to positively impact the communities where we live and work. We are an organization built on integrity and we have a culture that empowers people, embraces diversity, and inspires everyone to do their best. As one of the largest EMPLOYEE-OWNED electrical contractors in the United States, you will have the unique benefit of being a shareholder at a company that is experiencing tremendous growth and success. When our people succeed and fuel our success, we reward them. We'd love to have you as a shareholder!

YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY:

The Director of Engineering - Data Centers is a key leadership role responsible for guiding regional engineering strategy, operations, and performance. This leader will oversee engineering teams delivering stateoftheart data center designs-including nextgeneration AIfocused facilities. In partnership with senior leadership, this role influences strategic direction, operational planning, and overall engineering excellence. Provide input on strategic decision making and processes to the VP, Engineering and other Directors and Officers.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Reports directly to the Senior Director or Vice President, Engineering and participate in senior manager planning including engineering, detailing/modeling and principal engineering (non-production or not design related) work for the firm.

  • Develops and oversees the Engineering operation in their region of responsibility..Candidate is able to anticipate, plan and map group, team and staff skills to the work

  • Recruit train and deploy staff throughout their region of responsibility.

  • Responsible for the HR and budgetary oversight for the Regional Engineering group.

  • Ability to develop proposals and meet, present and secure work on behalf of the firm either alone or in concert with of others in the firm.

  • Directs preliminary engineering activities, such as the project development, programming or schematic design phase of work, when needed with a focus on large value or high risk work.

  • Directs delicate or significant project close-out, installation or manufacturing QA/QC or testing/commissioning operations on behalf of the Operations group. In short, firefight.

  • May be tasked to act as the firm's emissary for dispute resolution or sensitive client work or negotiations.

  • Ability to work independently with little direction based on the operating business plan and financial controls.

  • Ability to take executive-level guidance and develop a complete action plan for the required deliverables or project. This would encompass situations with murky or conflicting guidance or goals.

  • Develops or oversees complex and interrelated project-specific work, such as sequence of operations, equipment/system testing scripts or complex engineering products.

  • Visit project locations to ascertain existing conditions, perform feasibility studies, test factory-built systems prior to shipment and conduct field investigations as requested by the Operations Team..

  • Conducts value engineering evaluations to fully engineered designs.

  • Ability to evaluate project/system design criteria with budgetary issues.

  • Extensive knowledge of equipment and fluency in electrical system testing and commissioning is preferred.

  • Supports the firm's Pre-Construction efforts, especially in the fields of Estimating and Business Development. Assist in the identification and development of leads and closing of new work. Has the ability to maintain external customer relationships throughout the term of the relationship or project.

  • Ability to review and contract requirements.

  • The duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing and other duties will be assigned based on the positions role within the business unit.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
  • Advanced knowledge of all aspects of building systems electrical engineering, manufacturing or technology is required

  • Advanced management skills are required, including work planning, resource management, fee development, staff oversight, staff development and advancement planning.

  • Advanced knowledge of equipment and system testing and commissioning. The ability to analyze and resolve technically complex engineering problems.

  • Proficient in using a computer and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.); Oracle preferred

  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, changing priorities as necessary

  • Ability to work under time pressure and adapt to changing requirements with a positive attitude

  • Effective oral and written communication skills as required for the position

  • Ability to be self-motivated, proactive and an effective team player

  • Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, Trade Partners, and others

WHAT YOU BRING TO US:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in electrical engineering, architectural engineering, construction sciences, or related discipline.

  • Typically requires 12 years of related work experience - Can be a combination of education, training and relevant experience

  • Registration as a licensed US-based Professional Engineer (P.E.) is required for this position.

TRAVEL:
  • Up to 15%

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • General work environment - sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, bending. Work is conducted primarily indoors with varying environmental conditions such as fluorescent lighting and air conditioning

  • Noise level is usually low to medium; it can be loud on the jobsite.

  • We fully comply with the ADA and applicable state law, including considering reasonable accommodation measures that may enable qualified disabled applicants and employees to perform essential functions.

  • Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs.

YOU Matter - Our Benefits
  • ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership

  • 401K

  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, profitability, and achievement

  • 17 PTO days per year plus 10 paid holidays

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

  • Term Life, AD&D Insurance, and Voluntary Life Insurance

  • Disability Income Protection Insurance

  • Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans (Health and Dependent Care)

  • Charitable Giving Match with our Rosendin Foundation

Our success is rooted in our people. We all come together around long-term vision and a sense of shared ownership. As a group, we do whatever it takes to ensure the success of our business...and your career.

Rosendin is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, age (over 40), or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.


What Rosendin Electric employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom