Entry Level Engineering Director Jobs
New grad engineering director jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a well-built portfolio can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Manufacturing, and Renewable Energy, with employers like Four Seasons, EDP Renewables, and Onto Innovation hiring at this level now.
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Associate Director or Director of Development in Engineering
Requisition ID: 2026-10597
# of Openings: 1
Location: US-UT-Logan
Category: Other
Position Type: Benefited Full-Time
Job Classification: Exempt
College: University Advancement
Department: Institutional Development
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
Overview
The College of Engineering (CoE) at Utah State University is entering an exciting era of growth and innovation. With the recent inclusion of Computer Science and plans to establish new programs in Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing in the coming years, the college is expanding both its academic reach and its impact. Corporate partners and alumni are stepping forward to support these initiatives, creating new opportunities for transformative philanthropy. The Associate Director or Director of Development will play a pivotal role in engaging donors and partners to advance these priorities. This position is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects, linking donor passions with the college's mission and emerging opportunities. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development for CoE, this role participates in strategy development for the college's advancement team, manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, and serves as a visible ambassador for the College of Engineering. The successful candidate will build strong, collaborative relationships with the Dean, department heads, faculty, and university partners to secure significant private support for the college's strategic priorities. This position will be hired at either an Associate Director or Director of Development based upon duties assigned and qualifications of the candidate. (See Qualifications section.)
Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Work with the Sr. Director of Development for CoE to set program goals aligned with the College as well as the university fundraising priorities.
- Qualify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors with the capacity to give $50,000 or more.
- Develop and implement customized strategies for each donor/prospect, aligning philanthropic interests with college priorities, including the growth of Computer Science, and the launch of Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing.
- Engage corporate partners in supporting research, student opportunities, and innovation initiatives tied to the college's expansion.
- Manage and optimize program resources, including budgets and timelines, to ensure efficient operations.
Program Management & Execution
- Serve as an active partner to the Dean and other academic leaders, providing strategic guidance for development activities and engaging advisory councils or campaign committees as appropriate.
- Utilize advancement tools to track donor engagement, report progress, and manage donor pipelines.
- Build a comprehensive understanding of gift vehicles—including cash, securities, planned gifts, and real property—to develop tailored proposals.
Data-Driven Strategy
- Work closely with Advancement Services data team to request and refine travel and prospect lists that align with campaign goals.
- Travel frequently to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners; evening and weekend work may be required.
- Stay informed on fundraising trends, technologies, and best practices to improve fundraising and college advancement effectiveness.
Collaboration & Partnerships
- Work closely with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgment.
- Collaborate with university advancement colleagues, faculty, and administrators to identify, engage, and solicit major gift prospects.
- Represent the College of Engineering at events, alumni gatherings, and other public functions to promote its mission and achievements.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
This position will be hired at one of two possible levels based upon duties assigned and qualifications:
- For Associate Director of Development (Development Officer II):
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus two years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- For Director of Development (Development Officer III):
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus three years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- For both levels:
- Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations, with a record of closing significant gifts or contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience leading or mentoring staff and working collaboratively within a team.
- Commitment to a respectful environment in donor engagement and workplace culture.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree.
- Experience with capital campaigns.
Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
3. Contact information for Professional References to be entered at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile
4. Answer the following question within the application:
- Frequent travel is required to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners. Are you willing and able to commit to travel as part of this position?
Document size may not exceed 10 MB.
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department Highlights
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact. USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women's volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women's soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement. Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
updated 12/2025
Associate Director or Director of Development in Engineering
Requisition ID: 2026-10597
# of Openings: 1
Location: US-UT-Logan
Category: Other
Position Type: Benefited Full-Time
Job Classification: Exempt
College: University Advancement
Department: Institutional Development
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
Overview
The College of Engineering (CoE) at Utah State University is entering an exciting era of growth and innovation. With the recent inclusion of Computer Science and plans to establish new programs in Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing in the coming years, the college is expanding both its academic reach and its impact. Corporate partners and alumni are stepping forward to support these initiatives, creating new opportunities for transformative philanthropy. The Associate Director or Director of Development will play a pivotal role in engaging donors and partners to advance these priorities. This position is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects, linking donor passions with the college's mission and emerging opportunities. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development for CoE, this role participates in strategy development for the college's advancement team, manages a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, and serves as a visible ambassador for the College of Engineering. The successful candidate will build strong, collaborative relationships with the Dean, department heads, faculty, and university partners to secure significant private support for the college's strategic priorities. This position will be hired at either an Associate Director or Director of Development based upon duties assigned and qualifications of the candidate. (See Qualifications section.)
Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Work with the Sr. Director of Development for CoE to set program goals aligned with the College as well as the university fundraising priorities.
- Qualify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors with the capacity to give $50,000 or more.
- Develop and implement customized strategies for each donor/prospect, aligning philanthropic interests with college priorities, including the growth of Computer Science, and the launch of Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Computing.
- Engage corporate partners in supporting research, student opportunities, and innovation initiatives tied to the college's expansion.
- Manage and optimize program resources, including budgets and timelines, to ensure efficient operations.
Program Management & Execution
- Serve as an active partner to the Dean and other academic leaders, providing strategic guidance for development activities and engaging advisory councils or campaign committees as appropriate.
- Utilize advancement tools to track donor engagement, report progress, and manage donor pipelines.
- Build a comprehensive understanding of gift vehicles—including cash, securities, planned gifts, and real property—to develop tailored proposals.
Data-Driven Strategy
- Work closely with Advancement Services data team to request and refine travel and prospect lists that align with campaign goals.
- Travel frequently to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners; evening and weekend work may be required.
- Stay informed on fundraising trends, technologies, and best practices to improve fundraising and college advancement effectiveness.
Collaboration & Partnerships
- Work closely with Advancement Services to ensure accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgment.
- Collaborate with university advancement colleagues, faculty, and administrators to identify, engage, and solicit major gift prospects.
- Represent the College of Engineering at events, alumni gatherings, and other public functions to promote its mission and achievements.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
This position will be hired at one of two possible levels based upon duties assigned and qualifications:
- For Associate Director of Development (Development Officer II):
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus two years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- For Director of Development (Development Officer III):
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus three years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- For both levels:
- Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations, with a record of closing significant gifts or contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience leading or mentoring staff and working collaboratively within a team.
- Commitment to a respectful environment in donor engagement and workplace culture.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree.
- Experience with capital campaigns.
Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
3. Contact information for Professional References to be entered at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile
4. Answer the following question within the application:
- Frequent travel is required to meet with donors, alumni, and corporate partners. Are you willing and able to commit to travel as part of this position?
Document size may not exceed 10 MB.
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department Highlights
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact. USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women's volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women's soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement. Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
updated 12/2025
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Entry Level Engineering Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level engineering director job?
Focus on demonstrating leadership potential through project work, internships, or capstone experiences rather than years on the job. Employers hiring at this level look for candidates who can coordinate cross-functional teams, communicate technical decisions clearly, and show initiative. Tailoring your resume to highlight any team lead, project ownership, or mentorship experience, even from academic or volunteer settings, gives you a meaningful edge.
Which companies hire entry level engineering directors?
Companies hiring entry level engineering directors right now include Four Seasons, EDP Renewables, and Onto Innovation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from growth-stage companies, startups scaling their engineering teams, and large organizations with structured early-career programs that develop new talent into leadership roles.
Are there remote entry level engineering director jobs?
Yes, though most openings at this level skew on-site. About 20% of entry level engineering director openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting employer preference for in-person mentorship and team integration early in a career. Hybrid arrangements are more common than fully remote for candidates just entering this kind of role.
Are these new grad engineering director jobs?
Yes, this page includes new grad, recent graduate, and junior engineering director roles alongside other entry level openings. A posting is typically new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship or project work in place of full-time history, or explicitly invites candidates with a strong portfolio. Look for language like "recent grad welcome" or "0 to 2 years" in the listing.
Which industries hire the most entry level engineering directors?
Entry Level engineering director roles concentrate in Education, Manufacturing, and Renewable Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors tend to drive hiring at this level because rapid product development and team growth create demand for emerging leaders who can step into coordination roles early in their careers.