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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Albuquerque, NM

ARA

Senior Design Engineer 1

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Southwest Division (SWD) is looking for an experienced Senior Design Engineer to join our Concept Development Group (CDG), located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

SPECTRA TECH INC

CAD Technologist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and 3 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience Experience using CAD software for complex 3D ...

SPECTRA TECH, Inc.

CAD Technologist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and 3 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience Experience using CAD software for complex 3D ...

Akima, LLC

CAD Technologist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and 3 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience. * Experience using CAD software for complex ...

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All JobsAssociate Design Engineer JobsAssociate Design Engineer Jobs in Albuquerque, NM

Associate Design Engineer information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$37.9K

$75.5K

$120.6K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Albuquerque, NM is $75,508.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,800.00 and $86,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAssociate Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, supporting senior engineersLead or independent projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industriesUsed across similar industries, often with more complex tasks

The Associate Design Engineer typically holds an entry-level position supporting design tasks, while the Design Engineer has more experience and responsibility in leading projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Design Engineer often has additional certifications and a broader scope of work.

What is an associate design engineer?

Associate Design Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the development, planning, and creation of new products or systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to drafting designs, creating prototypes, and conducting tests to ensure functionality and quality. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documentation, using CAD software, and collaborating with other departments to ensure design specifications are met. This role provides foundational experience for a career in engineering design.

What are some common challenges faced by associate design engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Associate Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new design software, understanding project specifications, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical complexity of projects or the pace of deliverables. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should take advantage of mentorship opportunities, actively seek feedback, and participate in collaborative meetings to build confidence and technical proficiency. Regularly reviewing documentation and engaging with more experienced colleagues can also help accelerate learning and integration into the team.

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

To thrive as an Associate Design Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, CAD design, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit) and knowledge of relevant codes or certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for creating accurate, efficient designs and collaborating effectively with teams to deliver successful engineering projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Design Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM? For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:
Associate Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,508 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Senior Design Engineer 1

ARA

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Southwest Division (SWD) is looking for an experienced Senior Design Engineer to join our Concept Development Group (CDG), located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. CDG boasts a multidisciplinary team of engineers performing research, development, and analysis and test for developmental weapon programs. CDG creates designs for novel and legacy weapon systems for Department of War programs supporting our warfighters. We offer a dynamic and challenging work environment that supports professional growth and development.
The Senior Design Engineer will serve as a technical leader responsible for the design, development, integration, and verification of advanced mechanical systems and weapon subsystems. This individual will work closely with modeling and simulation engineers, systems engineers, analysts, test engineers, manufacturing personnel, and program leadership to develop solutions from concept through prototype demonstration and qualification.
The ideal candidate is a highly skilled engineer with extensive experience in mechanical design, weapons development, design verification, prototype fabrication, and technical leadership.
Job Location: Albuquerque, NM or Shalimar, FL
Essential Functions:
  • Design, develop, test, handle implementation, and analysis of technical products and systems using applied engineering principles, including solid and fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
  • Perform engineering design evaluations on weapons systems.
  • Perform dimensional tolerance analysis and functional analyses.
  • Procure, assemble, and test advanced prototypes to inform design decisions, refinements, and to demonstrate performance.
  • Prepare and present designs at various design reviews using MS Word and PowerPoint.
  • Produce other required design documentation.
  • Assist in the development of requirements for hardware.
  • Ensure designs satisfy requirements and demonstrate performance in a thorough verification and validation program.
  • Perform trade studies for technology development.
  • Analyze data and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Understand nominal and off-nominal operations for a technical system and its interaction(s) with other systems.
  • Manage multiple issues at one time and develop an integrated solution.
  • Work with fabrication and manufacturing departments to ensure final design is properly executed in the creation of mechanical products.
  • Be agile and willing to assist in all areas of the development process to meet project milestones.
  • Mentor junior engineers and cross train other engineering fields.

Basic Qualifications:
  • This position requires U.S. Citizenship due to the sensitivity of customer related information.
  • Education: Must have a bachelor's degree in the field of Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • Years of Experience: Must have at least 10 years of recent and related work experience.
  • Candidate must possess excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, leadership, and team working skills.
  • Demonstrated skill in using computer-aided design (CAD)/drafting equipment and software in design work.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate well with peers and cross-functional teams and external customers.
  • Produce product and structural requirements and designs
  • Calculate dimensions, weight limitations and requirements in materials
  • Describe production methods step-by-step (including equipment and software types to be used)

Required Skills:
  • Hands-on familiarity with Department of War components.
  • Experience using established engineering principles in the design and development of life critical components for use in extreme environments.
  • Experience with qualification and acceptance testing.
  • Active SECRET Clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance
  • Ability to navigate and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface requirements.
  • Strong analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex system behaviors.
  • Good math and GDT&E skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent communication skills for interacting with engineers, program management, and government customers.
  • Able and willing to work in an agile development environment.
  • Able to work both independently and in a team environment
  • Able to clearly communicate, express, and understand complex information.

ARA' Benefits Package Includes:
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Various insurance options including Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Paid leave and holidays.

Company Details:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979 as the disco era was, thankfully, closing out and the personal computer era was beginning. We employ over 2,300 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
ARA takes pride in having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawn's greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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