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Trainee Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$20/hr

CNC Machinist Trainee - Mill & Lathe Location: San Fernando Valley, CA Pay Rate: $20.00/hour Job ... basic programming as trained. * Monitor machines during production to ensure proper operation.

Showing results 21-40

Trainee Engineering information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$43K

$62.7K

How much do trainee engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee engineering in California is $42,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,600.00 and $50,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee engineer?

Trainee Engineers are entry-level professionals who have recently graduated in engineering or a related field and are undergoing practical training within an organization. Their primary role is to learn about engineering processes, tools, and company protocols while working under the supervision of experienced engineers. This period helps them build technical skills, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for more advanced engineering roles within the company. Trainee Engineers often participate in projects, assist with research and development, and may rotate between different departments to broaden their understanding. The training typically lasts from several months to a couple of years, depending on the organization's structure and the complexity of the field.

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 generally need a relevant engineering degree or diploma, strong analytical abilities, and a foundational understanding of engineering principles. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, and an eagerness to learn on-the-job tools and safety protocols are typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to new challenges. These competencies are crucial for building technical expertise, ensuring safety, and progressing successfully in an engineering career.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee engineers during their initial months, and how can they overcome them?

Trainee Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new technologies, understanding complex project requirements, and managing time effectively while balancing training with real-world assignments. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but seeking guidance from mentors, actively participating in team meetings, and regularly reviewing technical materials can help accelerate learning. Building good communication with colleagues and asking questions when unsure are also crucial steps in overcoming these early hurdles and establishing a strong foundation for future growth.

What is the difference between Trainee Engineering vs Junior Engineering?

AspectTrainee EngineeringJunior Engineering
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently completed relevant educationCompleted degree or diploma in engineering
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, supervised tasksIndependent project work, ongoing responsibilities
Employer UsageEntry-level training positions in engineering firmsEntry-level engineering roles with some responsibilities
Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level career pathsCompared as a step after trainee roles

In summary, Trainee Engineering positions are designed for individuals gaining initial industry experience, often during or immediately after education. Junior Engineering roles typically require some completed education and involve more independent work, serving as a stepping stone in an engineering career.

How can I get into trainee engineering with no experience?

Trainee engineering roles often require minimal experience and focus on training and development. Candidates typically need a relevant educational background such as a diploma or degree in engineering or a related field, and some roles may require basic technical skills or familiarity with tools like CAD or testing equipment. Applying to entry-level positions, internships, or apprenticeship programs can provide practical experience and a pathway into the field.

How much does a trainee engineer make?

A trainee engineer's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 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 and skill development opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Trainee Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trainee Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,960 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Tyler Union - Sales Trainee (Southwest Region)

McWane, Inc.

Riverside, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Tyler Union, the nation's leading manufacturer of ductile iron waterworks fittings and accessories, is seeking a Sales Trainee for the Southwest region. The trainee will undergo comprehensive training at the foundry in Anniston, AL. This training will cover various processes including foundry operations, manufacturing, quality control, shipping, inside sales, and customer service. Trainee proactively exhibit and promote the guiding philosophies of The McWane Way principles, values, and behaviors, including Safety, Leadership, Accountability, Excellence, Trust, Teamwork, Communication, and Environment.
This is a salaried position, and an excellent benefits package with health, life, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vacation, holiday pay and 401(k).
Take a tour of Tyler Union here.
All candidates offered employment must submit to a drug screen, physical, and background check.
Job Description
Learning Objectives
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of company processes and operations.
  • Develop skills in quality control and manufacturing.
  • Learn effective sales and customer service techniques.
  • Understand shipping and logistics procedures.
  • Acquire knowledge of inside sales strategies.

Upon successful completion of the training, the trainee will be relocated to an open territory. Candidates must be willing to relocate when a territory position becomes available.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Follow all processes and procedures associated with the Tyler Union Safety Management Program and advise management of any deviations.
  • Travel through a territory to develop relationships with distribution customers, municipalities, engineers, water companies, and attend industry trade shows.
  • Conduct product presentations.
  • Enter customer data and other sales data into the database.
  • Identify and resolve customer issues involving products, deliveries, and/or service.
  • Work in a team atmosphere to develop a strong company image through personal and business development, industry ads, and other media.
  • Learn sales administration by rotating through multiple sales office functions.
  • Observe the sales process by assisting sales representatives in acquiring new business.
  • Practice and test sales strategies by calling existing and new clients, maintaining and developing relationships with clients.
  • Assist customers by providing information such as product or service quotes.
  • Provide additional administrative support to sales representatives.
  • Make rapid and accurate calculations.
  • Record sales and send copies to the sales team.
  • Update job knowledge by participating in educational training.
  • Assist and support sales managers in executing effective sales strategies.
  • Participate in marketing and sales activities and events.
  • Learn about company products or services and promote them to customers.
  • Identify potential customers and generate leads.
  • Assist in the preparation and distribution of sales materials.
  • Perform administrative tasks such as updating customer records, processing orders, and tracking sales data.
  • Respond to customer inquiries and provide excellent customer service.
  • Gather customer feedback and communicate it to the sales team and management.
  • Participate in sales meetings and training sessions.
  • Work towards meeting and surpassing sales targets set by the organization.

Qualifications
Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
  • Ability to work within a team atmosphere.
  • Strong and effective oral, written, and presentation skills.
  • Familiarity with basic PC operation and software; knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred; ERP system experience a plus.
  • Waterworks industry knowledge and experience a strong plus.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills and Requirements
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Strong desire to succeed in sales.
  • Ability to learn and apply sales techniques.
  • Good organizational and administrative skills.
  • Customer-focused mindset.
  • Ability to work well in a team and independently

Additional Information
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Work Activities
  • Selling or influencing others; communicating with others outside the organization; establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships; getting information; communicating with supervisors and peers; organizing, planning, and prioritizing work; resolving conflicts and negotiating with others; identifying objects, actions, and events; processing information; thinking creatively; making decisions and solving problems; interacting with computers; updating and using relevant knowledge; developing objectives and strategies; estimating the quantifiable characteristics of products, events, or information; performing administrative activities; analyzing data or information; scheduling work and activities; documenting/recording information; performing work for or working directly with the public; judging the qualities of things, services, or people; and monitoring processes, materials, and surroundings.
  • Physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body include climbing, lifting up to 50 pounds, balancing, walking, standing, stooping, and handling tools and materials.
  • While training in the foundry, must wear common protective or safety equipment, such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and hard hats.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.