An assistant engineer works alongside a senior engineer throughout a project. The job is often used to gain work experience by recent college graduates at the beginning of their career. Your duties vary, depending on the type of engineering and industry you work in, but may include managing equipment, performing inspections, reviewing blueprints, and coordinating among departments. Typical qualifications for an assistant engineer position include at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, strong communication skills, and the ability to carefully follow directions.