Research Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Raleigh, NC

📍 Apex, NC

Ready to put your degree to work and gain real-world experience from day one?

We're looking for a motivated Entry-Level Field Engineer who wants more than a desk job. This is an opportunity to get out in the field, work alongside experienced engineers, and build the technical foundation for a successful long-term career in engineering, construction, and environmental services.

Whether you're a new graudate or have gained experience through internships, co-ops, research projects, or construction-related work, we're looking for someone with a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a desire to learn.

If you enjoy being outdoors, solving problems, and seeing projects come to life firsthand, this role offers the chance to develop your skills while working on meaningful infrastructure and environmental projects across the region.

You'll gain hands-on experience supporting active projects rather than spending your first years on the sidelines.

Work directly with engineers and project managers who are invested in mentorship, training, and helping you grow.

Gain exposure to:

• Environmental engineering
• Stormwater management
• Wastewater systems
• Civil engineering
• Site development
• Construction observation
• Field investigations

If you enjoy being outside and seeing projects firsthand, you'll have opportunities to visit project sites, collect field data, and learn how engineering solutions are implemented in the real world.

This role is designed for someone who wants to grow. As your experience develops, you'll have opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and work toward professional licensure and future leadership opportunities.

This position combines field work and office experience, allowing you to connect engineering concepts with real-world project execution.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with site investigations, field reconnaissance, and construction observations.
• Collect field data and perform site assessments.
• Support environmental, stormwater, wastewater, and civil engineering projects.
• Assist with engineering calculations, including grading and volume analyses.
• Work alongside project managers and experienced engineers to support project execution and problem-solving.
• Prepare project documentation, calculations, reports, and technical deliverables.
• Support projects for both public-sector and private-sector clients.
• Travel to project sites throughout the region as needed.
• Gain exposure to the full project lifecycle, from planning and permitting through design, construction, and completion.

We're looking for potential, attitude, and a willingness to learn.

You may be a great fit if you are:

• A recent or upcoming graduate in Civil, Environmental, Construction, or a related engineering discipline.
• Interested in developing a career that combines technical engineering work with hands-on field experience.
• Curious, driven, and eager to learn from experienced professionals.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying site conditions.
• A team player who can also work independently when needed.
• Someone who takes initiative and enjoys solving problems.
• Organized, dependable, and committed to producing quality work.
• Excited about building a long-term engineering career.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field.
• Internship, co-op, academic project experience, construction experience, or other relevant hands-on exposure.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• EIT certification or plans to pursue the FE/EIT exam.
• Exposure to AutoCAD.
• Coursework or project experience related to stormwater, wastewater, environmental compliance, remediation, land development, or site development.
• Interest in pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the future.

This role is built for someone who wants to learn by doing.

Someone who enjoys getting into the field and seeing how projects are built.

Someone who asks questions, embraces challenges, and looks for opportunities to grow.

Someone who understands that great engineering careers are developed through hands-on experience, mentorship, curiosity, and consistent effort.

If you're looking for a place where you'll gain practical experience, work with supportive mentors, and build a strong foundation for a successful engineering career, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Apex, NC.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Apex,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.