What Is an Entry Level Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An entry-level engineer designs, builds, and maintains the functional aspects of a product, structure, or system for their specific engineering industry. All engineers start out in an entry-level position with fewer responsibilities until they gain work experience. Many start gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship before moving into an entry-level position. An entry-level engineer job description relates to all of the education requirements, skills, detailed tasks, responsibilities that a company or organization requires for their specific engineering job. For example, civil engineers design, construct, and maintain large infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and airports. Electrical engineers design, monitor, and test electrical systems.

To be considered for an entry-level engineer job, you need to earn a bachelor's degree in the engineering field you wish to pursue. Your specific major should focus on the field in which you wish to work. For example, to become a mechanical engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Many engineers complete a master's degree or a doctorate to open up research jobs or positions in academia. Aspiring engineers need to earn their degrees from a college accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering (ABET). Professional certification is not required for most positions, but becoming certified may make increase your chances in the job market.