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Trainee Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineer Trainee

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$66K - $79K/yr

As a Civil Engineer Trainee, you will perform the following duties: * Field Support: Assist with surveys, inspections, and field studies in transportation and bridge environments * Design Tasks: Help ...

Manufacturing Engineer Trainee

Carson City, NV · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer Trainee - Carson City, NV DESCRIPTION: The Manufacturing Engineer Trainee will provide support to lead engineer on various manufacturing projects and documentation control ...

Are you Ready to Engineer Your Career? At IMEG , one of the largest design consulting firms in the ... The SUE Graduate Trainee Technician will work closely, in an entry-level, probationary capacity ...

Are you Ready to Engineer Your Career? At IMEG , one of the largest design consulting firms in the ... The SUE Graduate Trainee Technician will work closely, in an entry-level, probationary capacity ...

Valeo Management is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Trainee to join our dynamic team ... 000 engineers working in Research & Development * a multi-cultural environment that values ...

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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:
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.
Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation), NY HELPS, Region 3

Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer (Civil/Transportation), NY HELPS, Region 3

New York State

Syracuse, NY

$66K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Incumbents will work under the direction and supervision of a licensed professional engineer. When assigned to Design, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: The incumbents would perform a variety of duties depending on assignment. Engineer Trainees' typical duties may include but are not limited to: design of capital roadway or bridge projects including site investigations, preparation of engineering drawings utilizing 2D/3D CADD applications, and preparation of estimates, or may fill the role of an assistant team leader for a bridge/culvert inspection crew.

Assistant Engineers will perform the aforementioned duties, as well as draft project reports, supervise and review the work of engineering technicians, perform quality control review of project documents prepared by others for consistency with Department standards and for constructability, assist in public outreach, and provide construction support. When assigned to Construction, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: Assistant Engineers - Civil/Transportation (AEs) can be assigned to work in the regional construction office, in field assignments on construction projects, and in the Technical Services Unit. Field assignments on construction projects could include being an Engineer-In-charge, Office Engineer, or Inspector.

Assignment in the Technical Services Unit could include functioning as the Geotechnical Engineer, Laboratory Supervisor, Laboratory IAST coordinator, or Plant Quality Assurance Technician. Overnight stay, night work and weekend work may be required for field assignments. When assigned to Traffic, typical duties will include, but are not limited to: Under the direction and supervision of a licensed professional engineer, the incumbent would perform a variety of duties.

Engineer Trainee's typical duties may include, but are not limited to: transportation geometric design including intersection and work zone design & design of traffic control devices and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Engineering work to include site investigations, preparation of engineering drawings & construction estimates, traffic engineering & safety studies, highway capacity analyses and traffic management. Assistant Engineer's will perform the aforementioned duties, as well as prepare Traffic Engineering Reports & other project documents, supervise and review the work of engineering and/or traffic systems technicians, perform complex operational analyses for system optimization, coordinate ITS and assist with Surface Transportation Control and work zone quality assurance activities.

While positions are being filled for specific programs areas, AEs may be assigned to various program areas throughout their employment based on operational need. Occasionally, incumbents may also be called upon to support department needs in other locations. This effort could range from participating remotely to occasional travel as necessary to support program operation, capital program delivery or other critical department initiatives.

At the time of appointment, and continuously thereafter, candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to meet the travel requirements of the position by maintaining a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State and/or having access to reliable transportation. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations. Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).* To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications for this position

The qualifications are: Engineer Trainee: Either 1. a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below; Or 2. proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below.

As an Engineer Trainee, you will serve a 24-month traineeship that leads to Assistant Engineer, Grade 20. To advance to Assistant Engineer, you must have obtained proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) and successfully completed the requirements of the traineeship to the satisfaction of the appointing authority. At the discretion of the appointing authority, early advancement to the Assistant Engineer is possible if you have obtained your FE and have successfully completed twelve months of the traineeship.

It is your responsibility to notify the appointing authority's personnel office upon obtaining proof of passing the FE. You may receive an increase in salary upon obtaining your FE. Information about this increase will be provided by the appointing authority.

Assistant Engineer: Either 1. proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; Or 2. proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below.

Qualifying degrees: Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering, Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Management, Construction Engineering Management Technology, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning and Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees. Qualifying experience: One year of full-time engineering experience with transportation projects related to highways/roadways, railroads, bridges, airports, waterways, building structures, or traffic management and safety systems. Candidates may also be qualified for permanent appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law.

Additional Comments Region 3, Senator Hughes State Office Building, Syracuse NY, Onondaga County Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. *For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination.

Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education

If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfmt The starting salary for an Engineer Trainee position is $66,951

The starting salary for an Assistant Engineer is $81,193. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location. The maximum compensation for this position is $101,121.

This amount is comprised of the standard job rate of $94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location. In addition, a Mid-Hudson Adjustment of $2,000 or a Downstate Adjustment of $4,000 may also apply depending on the location of the position. DOT is an equal opportunity employer.

Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States. Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made.

The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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