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Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

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CNC PROGRAMMER

Conover, NC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

... parts (design engineers provide drawings and programmers turn these drawings into reality via ... Assist with prototype part qualification and first-run validation ● Convert existing programs ...

New

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CNC PROGRAMMER

Conover, NC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

... parts (design engineers provide drawings and programmers turn these drawings into reality via ... Assist with prototype part qualification and first-run validation ● Convert existing programs ...

New

Maintain CAD system organization including daily backups and file management. * Assist Product Development and Engineering with digitizing new style patterns, files, and components. * Support ...

Maintain CAD system organization including daily backups and file management. * Assist Product Development and Engineering with digitizing new style patterns, files, and components. * Support ...

... programming of machines and training of operators. Provide necessary information for the Pattern ... Maintain part entry accuracy. Assist in maintaining the pattern costing system. Add and update ...

... programming of machines and training of operators. Provide necessary information for the Pattern ... Maintain part entry accuracy. Assist in maintaining the pattern costing system. Add and update ...

... programming of machines and training of operators. Provide necessary information for the Pattern ... Maintain part entry accuracy. Assist in maintaining the pattern costing system. Add and update ...

Internship - MEP Engineer

Casar, NC · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Support MEP engineers in technical due diligence, project monitoring and design consultancy activities. * Assist in collecting and reviewing technical documentation, drawings and maintenance ...

New

... programming of machines and training of operators. Provide necessary information for the Pattern ... Maintain part entry accuracy. Assist in maintaining the pattern costing system. Add and update ...

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy ... Lead and Communicate with Contractors & Subcontractors to assist them in working to the Project ...

Deny design changes when necessary by communicating manufacturing impact to design teams * Assist engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing personnel with problem-solving activities for product ...

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Showing results 21-40

Assistant Design Engineer information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$29.5K

$79.5K

$120.4K

How much do assistant design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant design engineer in Hickory, NC is $79,464.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $93,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant design engineer do?

An Assistant Design Engineer supports senior engineers in creating and developing designs for products, structures, or systems. Their tasks often include preparing technical drawings, conducting research, creating prototypes, and assisting with testing and analysis. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create models and work closely with other team members to ensure designs meet project requirements and safety standards. This role is typically an entry-level position that provides valuable experience in engineering design and project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as EIT (Engineer-in-Training) are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure precise, innovative design solutions and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are some common challenges assistant design engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to professional engineering environments?

Assistant Design Engineers often find that transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering roles involves adapting to tighter deadlines, larger teams, and stricter compliance with industry standards. Unlike classroom assignments, professional projects require precise documentation, coordination with other departments such as manufacturing and quality assurance, and adherence to budget constraints. Embracing collaborative tools and clear communication is essential, as is being open to feedback from senior engineers to grow technically and professionally.

What is the difference between Assistant Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectAssistant Design EngineerDesign Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role in design teams, assisting senior engineersLead or primary role in designing projects, overseeing technical details
ResponsibilitiesAssist in creating designs, preparing drawings, and conducting researchDevelop and finalize designs, review technical specifications, and coordinate with manufacturing

The main difference between an Assistant Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in responsibility level and experience. Assistant Design Engineers support the design process and gain experience, while Design Engineers take on more complex tasks and lead design projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Design Engineers typically have more hands-on experience and responsibility.

What job categories do people searching Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Assistant Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Assistant Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Design Engineer job openings in Hickory, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,464 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Project Engineer Assistant - Hickory

The Wooten Company

Hickory, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Wooten Company's Hickory Office is seeking a team-focused, innovative Project Engineer Assistant.
Who are you?
The ideal candidate will have a civil or environmental engineering education and a strong interest in civil design projects, which may include water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, storm water systems, and / or other municipal engineering needs. You are a recent graduate of a civil, environment, or water resources engineering program and have already passed your Fundamentals of Engineering exam, or plan to do so in the very near future, or you are an Engineering Intern working on your path towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. You are seeking to kick start your engineering career with an exciting company that can provide a diverse array of project experience for you to dip your toes into.
What will you be doing?
Candidates can expect to work alongside a Project Engineer with projects involving primarily the public sectors. The person in this role can make a significant impact by supporting our clients as they carry out their mission and their business. Candidates can expect to be given the opportunity to develop solutions, using cutting edge technology along with existing infrastructure, and working within the financial boundaries of the client to create solutions which allow clients to provide essential services to their communities.
Who will you be working with?
The Project Engineer Assistant can expect cross functional collaboration across all teams and specialties, providing an opportunity to interact with The Wooten Company colleagues in both North and South Carolina. For the right person with a desire to grow professionally, this role is a good opportunity for professional development and to contribute to the growing presence of Wooten in the North and South Carolina regions.
Where will you be working?
This regional office is in the lovely City of Hickory, NC, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the 1850s, beneath a huge hickory tree, Henry Robinson built a tavern of logs, which eventually became the City of Hickory in 1889. Hickory is a bustling small city with a lot of Southern charm, situated conveniently between the larger cities of Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville. With a thriving artist community, plenty of outdoor parks, historical architecture, and great cost of living, the Catawba County region is not only a great place to work, but a great place to call home.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assist with the following -
  1. Water distribution systems design
  2. Wastewater collection systems design, including pump design
  3. Grading & drainage calculations
  4. Sedimentation and erosion control design
  5. Utility assessments
  6. Permitting and code research
  • Complete design work using AutoCAD / Civil 3D software.
  • Participate in occasional fieldwork to observe / sit in review meetings and complete site inspections.
  • Expect to have daily interaction and occasional travel with project managers, clients, and regulatory permitting agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • B.S. Civil or Environmental Engineering from ABET accredited college or university
  • EI Certification with ambition to obtain Professional Engineer license
  • 0-3 years of industry relevant professional experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Strong verbal and writing skills.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD / Civil 3D is a plus.
  • Self-motivated, and a strong willingness to learn.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local agency regulations is a plus.
  • Possess a growth mindset, strong work ethic, pleasant attitude.

ABOUT THE WOOTEN COMPANY
We are a multi-disciplinary firm dedicated to providing engineering, geomatics and architectural services to municipalities, counties, water and sewer authorities, educational institutions, and private industry across the Carolinas. We provide our clients with consulting for civil / environmental engineering, mechanical / electrical / plumbing engineering, architecture, and GIS / surveying services. These departments collaborate with our team of funding specialists to provide financing assistance for many local government projects, and we pride ourselves on having helped raise over $600 million in grants and loans for infrastructure improvements and community enhancements. As communities across North and South Carolina face ever changing environmental and economic challenges, we remain dedicated to providing and improving the infrastructure necessary to remain one of the country's best places to live, work, and raise a family.
COMPANY BENEFITS
  • Medical, dental, vision options to fit your needs - High-Deductible Health Plan and traditional PPO plan.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Company paid life and AD&D insurance, plus supplemental life insurance options.
  • Company paid short- and long-term disability.
  • Paid Holidays and PTO.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

PERKS & TOOLS TO SUCCEED
  • Continuing Education / Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Professional Registration and Organization Reimbursement Program
  • Summer Hours - flexible work schedules so you can enjoy the sunshine!
  • Branded clothing reimbursement program
  • Employee Appreciation Events
  • Job Type: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
The Wooten Company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
RECRUITING AGENCIES, PLEASE NOTE
The Wooten Company will not accept unsolicited assistance from recruiting / search agencies for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by recruiting or search agencies to any employee at The Wooten Company via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search/recruitment agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of The Wooten Company. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by The Wooten Company as a result of the referral or through other means.