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Trainee Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RBC Bearings

Manufacturing Engineer Trainee

Torrance, CA · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer Trainee utilizes a wide range of knowledge and skills to participate in Quality Engineering and Continuous Improvement projects and programs. Key Position Responsibilities:

City of Portland

Engineering Trainee

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$25 - $28/hr

Engineering Trainees assist others within PBOT in designing and operating streets within Portland. This is a great opportunity for students of a Civil/Transportation Engineering or Planning program ...

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Trainee Engineer information

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$30.5K

$68.6K

$115.5K

How much do trainee engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee 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 engineers make $500,000?

Some senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, or aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies.

What are trainee engineers?

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

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 types of projects and responsibilities can a Trainee Engineer expect to be involved with during their first year?

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.

Is 35 too old to become an engineer?

Age is not a barrier to becoming a trainee engineer, as many employers value skills, experience, and motivation over age. Individuals can start engineering training at any age, provided they meet educational requirements and develop relevant technical skills such as problem-solving and familiarity with engineering tools. Continuous learning and certifications can enhance prospects regardless of age.

What is the work of a trainee engineer?

A trainee engineer assists experienced engineers in designing, testing, and maintaining systems or equipment. They often perform tasks such as data collection, troubleshooting, and learning industry tools and standards under supervision to develop their technical skills.

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.

What is the salary of a trainee engineer in the US?

The average salary of a trainee engineer in the US typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the industry, location, and level of education. Entry-level positions often include on-the-job training and may require basic technical skills or certifications in engineering principles.
More about Trainee Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Engineer jobs include:
Trainee Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,617 per year, or $33 per hour.
Transportation Engineer Trainee (Construction Engineering)

Transportation Engineer Trainee (Construction Engineering)

State of Connecticut

New Haven, CT • On-site, Remote

$76K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Introduction
Are you passionate about shaping the future of transportation in Connecticut?
If so, join our great team of engineering and construction management professionals and make an impact!
Current students who will be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management by the end of May 2027 are strongly encouraged to apply!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (CTDOT), is now accepting applications for Transportation Engineer Trainee (Construction Engineering) positions in the Office of Construction, in the Bureau of Engineering and Construction.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
  • Visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees
  • Join an award winning agency! CTDOT has been recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • Monday - Friday.
  • Full Time, 40 hours per week.
  • First shift.
  • Location: Positions available in New Haven, Newington, Norwich, Rocky Hill, and Thomaston
  • This position is eligible to apply for telework after successful completion of the working test period, and thereafter, in accordance with the Telework Policy. The Policy can be found here.
  • In the P-4 (Engineering, Scientific and Technical) bargaining unit.
APPLICATION DETAILS
  • Applicants must be available to travel for training, conferences, meetings, field reviews, etc.
  • A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required and must be maintained.
  • Please list your Driver's license number, expiration date, and issuing State, Engineer in Training license number (if applicable), and any other job-relevant licenses or certifications you hold, in the Licenses and Professional Certifications section of your application.
THE ROLE
Transportation Engineer Trainees work in many different capacities agency-wide. Transportation Engineer Trainee positions are available throughout the Bureau of Engineering and Construction. Discover the opportunity to:
  • Problem solve, recommend, and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.
  • Contribute to providing safe and efficient transportation improvements for the traveling public
  • Utilize computer aided design software (MicroStation) and other applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Read and analyze or prepare construction plans and estimates.

*SALARY/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Salary effective 06/26/2026. Max of the Target Level for Transportation Engineer 2.
Promotional Opportunity
Salary
Transportation Engineer Trainee
$76,307/annually
After successful completion of a one (1) year training program, you will be promoted to Transportation Engineer 1 (Construction Engineering)
$85,151-$104,720
annually
After successful completion of two (2) years as a Transportation Engineer 1 (Construction Engineering), you will be promoted to Transportation Engineer 2 (Construction Engineering)
$95,865-$123,809
annually
ABOUT US
As one of Connecticut's largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five distinct bureaus. It is the DOT's mission to improve quality of life through transportation. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development while preserving environmental and cultural resources. The Department of Transportation is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged.
Learn more about our mission, vision, and values by clicking here!
Watch the video below to learn what Transportation Engineers do at the Connecticut DOT!
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:
  • Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates- such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information".
  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
  • Stay Connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Brittney Woodley at brittney.woodley@ct.gov. Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Airport Authority this class is accountable for receiving training in introductory professional engineering work for the development of technical and professional transportation engineering and transportation construction engineering skills and knowledge in order to qualify for advancement in the field of transportation engineering.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Performs a wide variety of increasingly difficult duties as technical skills are acquired during course of training period.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
  • Knowledge of basic transportation engineering theories, principles and methods;
  • Skill in use of drafting and calculating instruments and other computer applications;
  • Considerable ability in performing mathematical computations, making neat and accurate drawings and preparing minor design and structural details.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Possession of a Bachelor's degree.
NOTE: If the target job classification has a Minimum Qualification that requires specific licensure and/or the Bachelor's degree to be in a specific area(s), then these specific licensures and degree areas are required for appointment to the Transportation Engineer Trainee classification. Candidates cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are complete.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
  • Possession of Professional Engineer (PE) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S. §20-302 may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.
  • Possession of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S. §20-302 may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.

NOTE: The following additional substitutions are allowed for the Target Class of Transportation Engineer 1 (Construction Engineering):
  • Possession of Land Surveyor (LS) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S. §20-302 may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.
  • Possession of Land Surveyor-In-Training (LSIT) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S. §20-302 may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.
  • Possession of at least Level III certification, from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), in one of the following Civil Engineering Technology Programs may be substituted for the General Experience requirement:
    • Transportation Construction Inspection Program - Highway Construction Inspection.
    • Construction Materials Testing Program - Asphalt, Concrete or Soils.
    • Transportation Program - Highway Materials, Highway Surveys or Highway Construction Inspection.
  • Possession of a Level III Survey Technician Certification from the National Society of Professional Surveyors may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.
  • Possession of an American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, at the level of a Welding Inspector (WI) or above, may be substituted for the General Experience requirement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Possession of a Civil Engineering or Construction Management degree.
  • Possession of an engineering degree in a position-relevant area for specialty positions (i.e., Electrical Engineering degree for position in Electrical Engineering).
  • Experience in position-relevant engineering or construction management area.
  • Experience utilizing engineering-related computer software and/or construction management software.
  • Experience working collaboratively in a team to meet goals and objectives.
  • Experience communicating technical information to peers, supervisors, and managers in person, both verbally and in writing using Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.
  • Experience interpreting construction plans and specifications.
  • Experience simultaneously tracking and prioritizing activities or projects while adhering to deadlines and producing deliverables.
  • Completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some risk of injury or physical harm from highway, construction

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