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Trainee Engineer Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Trainee Engineer information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$31.7K

$71.3K

$120K

How much do trainee engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee engineer in Bellingham, WA is $71,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $77,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee engineer?

Trainee engineers are entry-level professionals who have recently completed their engineering education and are undergoing practical training within an organization. Their role is to gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and learn about the company's processes under the guidance of senior engineers. Trainee engineers may rotate through different departments to understand various aspects of engineering work and to identify their areas of interest. The goal is to prepare them for full-time engineering positions by building a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills.

What do trainee engineers do?

As a Trainee Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of entry-level engineering projects under the guidance of experienced team members. Typical responsibilities include assisting with technical documentation, conducting research, performing basic calculations or tests, and supporting ongoing design or implementation tasks. You'll often collaborate closely with engineers from different disciplines, attend regular team meetings, and participate in training sessions to build your technical and soft skills. This hands-on experience is designed to help you understand company processes and prepare you for more complex assignments as you progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee engineer?

To thrive as a Trainee Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, analytical skills, and a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and an openness to learning new technologies is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure you can effectively contribute to projects, adapt to evolving technical requirements, and integrate smoothly into engineering teams.

What is the difference between Trainee Engineer vs Junior Engineer?

AspectTrainee EngineerJunior Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degree or diplomaCompleted degree or diploma, with some work experience
Work EnvironmentTraining period, supervised tasks, learning-focusedIndependent task execution, project involvement
ResponsibilitiesAssisting senior staff, learning proceduresPerforming assigned technical tasks, supporting projects
Career StageEntry-level, training phaseEarly career, gaining experience

In summary, a Trainee Engineer is in the learning and training phase, focusing on skill development under supervision, while a Junior Engineer has completed their education and is actively working on technical tasks with more independence, marking the beginning of their professional career.

How much does a trainee engineer make?

A trainee engineer's salary typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of education. Entry-level positions often include on-the-job training and may offer additional benefits such as certifications or skill development opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Bellingham, WA?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Bellingham, WA are:

What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Trainee Engineer jobs?

Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Trainee Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Engineer job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,320 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Assistant Construction Project Manager Rotational Trainee

Harris Company

Bellingham, WA • On-site

$56K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Harris Computer rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Job Description:

The Purpose of Your Role

In an industry where the competition can be fierce, it pays (literally) to stand out. If only there was a path to project management designed by mechanical contractors FOR mechanical contractors to develop exactly the kind of leaders they're looking to hire.
Oh, wait! Those paths DO exist, and although they're few and far between, you're in luck because Harris has one.

Introducing the Harris Project Management Rotational Training Program. Combined with robust benefits and a travel package, this program builds a bridge between where you are and where you want to be. If you're an ambitious professional looking to build relationships, expand your skills and hit the gas pedal on your career, Harris has what you need. All you have to do is use it.

This role is designed for someone who wants to build a long-term career in construction project management and is ready to put in the work to get there.

As part of our rotational program, you will gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of the business that directly impact project success. You won't just learn how projects are managed, you'll learn how they are built from the ground up through exposure to engineering, estimating, VDC, field operations, service, and building automation.

You will rotate across teams and locations, learning how each function contributes to the full project lifecycle. Along the way, you'll build relationships, develop your technical and business understanding, and start taking on increasing levels of responsibility.

This is a development role with a clear path. The goal is to prepare you to step into a Project Manager role and continue growing from there.

What you'll experience

  • Rotational assignments across key business functions and project phases

  • Exposure to real projects, teams, and customers across different regions

  • Hands-on involvement in planning, coordination, and execution activities

  • Opportunities to learn how decisions are made and how projects stay on track

  • Coaching and feedback from experienced project managers and leaders

What We're Looking for in You

We're less focused on what you've done and more focused on how you show up.

You might be early in your career, recently graduated, or looking to pivot into construction project management. What matters most is your mindset and drive.

You are someone who:

  • Takes initiative and doesn't wait to be told what to do

  • Is ambitious and motivated to grow into a Project Manager and beyond

  • Stays persistent when things get challenging

  • Is naturally curious and wants to understand how things work

  • Communicates well and builds strong working relationships

  • Is comfortable with change and willing to relocate or travel as part of the program

  • Holds yourself accountable and follows through on commitments

A few baseline qualifications

  • Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience

  • Willingness to travel and participate in rotational assignments across locations

  • Interest in building a long-term career in construction project management

What success looks like

  • You actively engage in each rotation and seek out learning opportunities

  • You build strong relationships across teams and functions

  • You begin to take ownership of project tasks and deliver results

  • You demonstrate growth in both technical knowledge and leadership capability

  • You are ready to step into a Project Manager role at the completion of the program

Your life at Harris

As one of the country's leading mechanical contractors, Harris offers you the best of both worlds: the stability, resources and opportunities of a national company, and the team culture, creative spirit and customer loyalty of a local business. If you thrive on variety and new challenges, we want to meet you!

From stadiums to manufacturing facilities, power plants to hospitals, concert halls to classrooms, we handle projects of all sizes and complexity from multiple regional locations across the country.

Harris Benefits + Compensation

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

401K with company match

Vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays

Paid Parental leave

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Visit our Careers Page for additional benefit details: https://www.harriscompany.com/careers/employee-benefits-at-a-glance

Pay Range:

$56,863.05 - $85,294.57

The actual salary offer will vary by candidate based on a wide range of factors such as specific skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rightsnotice from the Department of Labor.


What Harris Computer employees say

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About Harris Computer Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris Computer Systems, based in Ottawa, ON, CA, is an established player in the field of public sector software technology. Since its inception in 1976, the company has been striving to make clients' operations more efficient through reliable, practical, and flexible software solutions. Its extensive portfolio primarily serves utility, healthcare, public sector, and educational institutions, contributing to the betterment of public services through technology. Harris strongly believes in the value of forward-thinking technology and the power it has to drive progress for the public sector. This methodology is entirely in line with their mission to ensure customer success by providing reliable, practical, and robust software solutions.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Ottawa, ON, CA

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