Why do almost all Mechanical Engineer jobs require experience

I have a foreign friend who acquired PhD with studying interest of metal material mechanics. After searching the market, it’s surprising to see that almost all ME related jobs requiring years experience. Even the entry level jobs require 1~2 years experience. I wonder if this is realistic? How do the new grads get the experience? My friend spends most of the PhD time on modeling and simulation. Does this mean that my friend can’t secure a job in the industry? What companies does my friend have better chance other than Apple, Google and KLA-Tancor? My friend is mostly interested in jobs in California. :)