Question

Look at this "entry level job":

Answer 1

1. Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Engineering Mechanics with 3+ years’ industrial or postdoctoral experience; B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering
2. In-depth understanding of continuum mechanics, nonlinear dynamics, plasticity, fracture mechanics, the finite element method, failure analysis, engineering design concepts, and materials engineering
3. Extensive experience in constitutive modeling of metallic and non-metallic materials and simulation of large-scale structures subjected to static or dynamic loads is desired. Experience in the Oil & Gas industry is preferred.
4. Solid knowledge of ABAQUS or Ansys is essential. Experience in other FEA codes is a plus.
5. Experience in scientific coding with FORTRAN, C or C++
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
7. Autonomous and creative approach towards challenging problems

Answer 2

How is this entry level in any way whatsoever.

Answer 3

It's entry level in the sense that the applicant can be coming straight out of academia
from a postdoc.

Answer 4

fwizbang is correct. Further, it's "entry level" in that the firm may not have any other job below it, which would train you for it. It's where you start.

Keep in mind employers always list every possible thing they could want, a Christmas list if you will, because there's zero point in leaving out anything you'd like. But it is pretty common to actually hire someone who doesn't fit the bill exactly -- who is missing some bits, and hopefully has some other bits that compensate. You shouldn't allow any missing item from your own CV prevent you from applying, if you have the major qualifications. Certainly if you are missing something fairly key -- you've never done materials modeling, say -- you'll want to address that in your cover letter, explain why you think you can overcome that -- you have related experience, you've studied it in books, you're a quick and eager learner.

But keep in mind the age-old truth, which is that character always trumps credentials.