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Recent Grad Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Recent Grad Engineer information

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$11K

$72.6K

$125.5K

How much do recent grad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent grad engineer in the United States is $72,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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.

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 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.

More about Recent Grad Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Recent Grad Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Recent Grad Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Recent Grad Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recent Grad Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Recent Grad Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,591 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Recent Grad/Alumni - Design Engineer I

Southland Industries Inc.

Tempe, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Southland Industries rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Apply to this if interested in projects in the following locations: Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; Los Lunas, NM; Cheyenne, WY; Salt Lake City, UT; and El Paso, TX

Position Summary

Watch your engineering designs come to life! As a Design Engineer I at Southland Industries, you'll experience the excitement of working on design-build and design-assist projects in healthcare, education, biotech, mission critical, commercial and entertainment markets. You’ll work hand in hand with our model coordinators, estimators, and trade staff through all aspects of a project to create a design that is practical, efficient and cost effective. You’ll also have access to internal teams using the most innovative practices in virtual construction design (VDC) and computational fluid dynamics, along with just-in-time feedback from the field.

Position Details

  • Performs basic deliverables and products such as calculations, drawings, and specifications related to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems under supervision of Senior Engineers.
  • Performs basic calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection and sizing, friction loss calculations, etc.
  • Assist in coordinating all aspects of the project design with project management, architects, and other trades through the completion phase of a project.
  • Perform and check CADD drafting work.

Qualifications

  • Basic Knowledge of applicable systems design, such as HVAC, plumbing, etc.
  • Basic ability to read mechanical and plumbing plans.
  • Good verbal and written communications skills.
  • Good computer skills, including CADD and Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel.
  • Four-year degree.
  • PE License preferred

Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

  • 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
  • Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability income protection insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
  • Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
  • Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).


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