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Trainee Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DEP2600192 Engineer Trainee West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Division of Land ... Design Designated counties: Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha ...

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Trainee Design Engineer information

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$30.5K

$68.6K

$115.5K

How much do trainee design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee design engineer in the United States is $68,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Trainee Design Engineer do?

A Trainee Design Engineer assists in creating and developing engineering designs for products, systems, or structures under the supervision of senior engineers. Their tasks often include using CAD software to draft plans, conducting research, preparing documentation, and collaborating with other team members on design projects. The role is aimed at recent graduates or those new to engineering, providing them with practical experience and training to build their technical skills and understanding of engineering processes.

What kinds of projects and tasks can a Trainee Design Engineer expect to work on in the early stages of their career?

As a Trainee Design Engineer, you'll typically assist with creating and modifying CAD drawings, supporting senior engineers on design calculations, and participating in team meetings to discuss project requirements. Early on, you may contribute to prototype development, perform basic testing, and help prepare documentation needed for client presentations or regulatory submissions. You'll also gain exposure to industry-standard software and best practices, setting a foundation for more complex design responsibilities as you progress. Collaboration with other engineers and departments is common, helping you build both technical and communication skills.

What is the difference between Trainee Design Engineer vs Junior Design Engineer?

AspectTrainee Design EngineerJunior Design Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degreeCompleted degree in engineering or related field
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experienceSome practical experience or internships
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in design tasks under supervisionExecuting design tasks with moderate independence
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, mentorship-focusedActive project involvement in engineering teams

In summary, a Trainee Design Engineer is usually at the beginning of their career, focusing on learning and assisting, while a Junior Design Engineer has more practical experience and takes on more independent design responsibilities within engineering projects.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics and physics, and usually a relevant engineering degree or pursuing one. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks) and basic knowledge of industry standards and design processes are typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and learn quickly in a team environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate designs, meeting project requirements, and contributing effectively to engineering projects.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,617 per year, or $33 per hour.
Civil Engineer Trainee

Civil Engineer Trainee

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA • Hybrid

$66K - $79K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Salary

$66,328.00 - $79,062.00 Annually

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-50804-11119

Department

Department of Environmental Protection

Division

EP BWEW Pj Dvpt Div

Opening Date

06/03/2026

Closing Date

6/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

11119

Position Number

00067434

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00353130

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands, Project Development Division

Worksite Address

400 Market Street

City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17101

Contact Name

OA, CE DEP

Contact Email

RA-DEPJobs@pa.gov

THE POSITION

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking candidates who are dedicated to protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvania's citizens and environment.
If you are interested in furthering your Commonwealth career as a Civil Engineer Trainee, apply today to become a part of our team!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports hydraulic engineering work that helps design and analyze structures such as dams, levees, culverts, and channels for public safety and environmental protection. If hired as a Civil Engineer Trainee, you will take part in a one-year on the job training program to learn the responsibilities of a Civil Engineer Hydraulic.

As a Civil Engineer Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

  • Hydrologic Analysis: Compute project discharge values using prediction methods, rainfall data, maps, and computer programs
  • Hydraulic Evaluation: Review stream channels, bridges, and culverts to determine water flow behavior and floodplain limits
  • Environmental Review: Coordinate environmental assessments and consider impacts related to proposed project features
  • Plan Development: Help prepare engineering plans, specifications, and design components for flood protection projects
  • Field Activities: Conduct site visits, surveys, and investigations to gather data and assess flooding conditions
  • Project Coordination: Work with engineers, agencies, and local officials to share information and address project needs

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
  • Full-time employment.
  • Work hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Occasional travel required.
  • Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
  • Salary: Most selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $66,328 (before taxes).
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • One year of civil engineering experience and a valid Engineer-in-Training certificate issued by or acceptable to the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; or
  • A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field that includes o...

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania logo

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a traditional company but rather a state government entity headquartered in Middletown, Pennsylvania, United States. Through its official website pa.gov, the government provides a broad range of services to its residents, including but not limited to, health services, education, transportation, and regulatory functions. Founded in 1787, the Commonwealth holds a rich history dating back to the foundation of the United States itself. The government's core mission is to serve and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, fostering a more prosperous, informed, and secure state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

Year founded

1787