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Recent Graduate Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and ...

This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands-on, eager to learn, and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and ...

This is a strong opportunity for a recent graduate who is curious, hands‑on, eager to learn, and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field (graduating students and ...

Lead Project Engineer

Cudahy, CA · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in ... or recent graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate ...

New

Project Engineer

Cudahy, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... or recent graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate ... The engineer is the single point of contact for all technical inquiries throughout project ...

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Showing results 1-20

Recent Graduate Engineer information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$33.3K

$74.8K

$126K

How much do recent graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent graduate engineer in Pasadena, CA is $74,847.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $81,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recent graduate engineer?

Recent graduate engineers are individuals who have recently completed an engineering degree and are beginning their professional careers. They typically have foundational knowledge in their specific engineering discipline, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering. These engineers often start in entry-level positions where they gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and learn workplace protocols. Many employers offer training and mentorship programs to help recent graduates transition smoothly into the workforce.

What are some common challenges recent graduate engineers face during their first year on the job?

Recent graduate engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to real-world project timelines, transitioning from academic theory to practical application, and understanding workplace communication protocols. Navigating team dynamics and learning to balance multiple tasks or projects simultaneously can also be new experiences. Seeking mentorship and actively asking questions can help ease the transition and accelerate professional growth in the early stages of an engineering career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recent graduate engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recent Graduate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, as well as experience with project management tools, is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability will help you excel in collaborative, fast-paced environments. These skills are crucial for effectively contributing to projects, learning quickly on the job, and successfully transitioning from academia to professional engineering practice.

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

AspectRecent Graduate EngineerEntry-Level Engineer
QualificationsRecent degree, limited work experienceSame as recent graduate, possibly some internships
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised rolesOperational roles with increasing responsibilities
Industry UsageCommonly used for new graduates entering engineering rolesBroader term for early-career engineers

Recent Graduate Engineer typically refers to individuals who have recently completed their engineering degree and are starting their professional careers, often in training or supervised roles. Entry-Level Engineer is a broader term that includes recent graduates and those with minimal work experience beginning their engineering jobs. Both roles are aimed at early-career professionals, but 'Recent Graduate Engineer' emphasizes the candidate's recent academic completion, while 'Entry-Level Engineer' highlights the job level regardless of graduation timing.

Are recent graduate engineers struggling to find jobs?

Recent graduate engineers often face competitive job markets, especially in fields requiring specialized skills or certifications. Employment prospects can vary based on industry demand, geographic location, and the current economic climate, but gaining practical experience through internships and developing technical skills can improve job prospects.

How to get a job as a recent graduate engineer?

To secure a job as a recent graduate engineer, candidates should build a strong resume highlighting relevant coursework, internships, and technical skills such as CAD or programming. Networking through career fairs, professional organizations, and online platforms like LinkedIn can also improve job prospects. Additionally, obtaining relevant certifications or licenses may enhance employability in certain engineering fields.

What jobs do recent graduate engineers go into?

Recent graduate engineers typically pursue entry-level roles such as design engineer, project engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality engineer. These positions often require knowledge of engineering principles, technical skills, and sometimes certifications like EIT or FE, and may involve working in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or technology.

What are popular job titles related to Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA?

For Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Recent Graduate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Recent Graduate Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Engineer job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 73% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $74,847 per year, or $36 per hour.

$91K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

The primary purpose of this position is to: Serve as an advanced trainee professional Safety Engineer, performing duties which are designed to progress the employee in the application of theories and principles to Safety Engineering assignments. This is a formal Air Force intern position, established under the Force Renewal/PALACE ACQUIRE (PAQ) program. This is a GS-07/GS-09 position developmental to the full performance grade level of GS-12. The intern receives formal and informal training.Qualifications:Any individual who completed all requirements for an associate, bachelor, master, professional, or doctorate degree from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years or will complete these requirements by 1 March 2021 meets the basic requirement to apply for the Recent Graduate Program;
-OR-
Any veteran released or discharged from active duty within the previous two years, but due to a military service obligation, was precluded from applying for a recent graduate position during any portion of the two-year eligibility period following completion of applicable degree, and not more than six years have transpired since completing the requirements for the degree
Qualified candidates will be considered in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Pathways Guidelines . You can also visit: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/index-Standards.asp for additional qualification standards.
Recommended Areas of Study:A Degree in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
To qualify for a GS-07: Completion of 1 full year of graduate level education, or bachelor's degree with Superior academic Achievement as provided in the "General Policies and Instructions" for Qualifications Standards Operating Manual, or 5 academic years of pre-professional study.
To qualify for a GS-09: Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B or J.D., if related.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:1. Knowledge of fundamental cost and economic analysis concepts.2. Knowledge of acquisition requirements, and the development and approval processes used in large organizations.3. Practical understanding of models and estimating relationships.4. Ability to develop and utilize data collection techniques and to analyze data.5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.6. Ability to interact effectively with others.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience, click on the following link:http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.aspEducation:Recommended areas of study: A Degree in Safety or Occupational Health fields (Safety, Occupational Health, Industrial Hygiene), or degree in other related fields that included or supplemented by at least 24 semester hours of study from among the following (or closely related) disciplines; safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, public health, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, engineering, industrial psychology, and organizational psychology.
This position has an education requirement. You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.
The PALACE Acquire Program offers you a permanent position upon completion of your formal training plan. As a Palace Acquire Intern you will experience both personal and professional growth while dealing effectively and ethically with change, complexity, and problem solving. The program offers a 2-year formal training plan with yearly salary increases. Promotions and salary increases are based upon your successful performance and supervisory approval. This is your opportunity to begin a successful civilian career with the United States Air Force.
You must have completed a 4 year course of study leading to a bachelor's from an accredited institution AND must have documented Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the undergraduate level in one of the following:
a) Class Standing - upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses in the college, university, or major subdivision;
b) Grade Point Average -
2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum. If more than 10 percent of total undergraduate credit hours are non-graded, i.e. pass/fail, CLEP, CCAF, DANTES, military credit, etc, you cannot qualify based on GPA;
c) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (note: freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position). (If qualifying based on class standing or honor society membership, provide appropriate documentation).

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER