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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Butler, PA (NOW HIRING)

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA), we develop ruggedized, field ... Your work will span the entire design spectrum-from developing rugged sensor payloads and housing ...

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA), we develop ruggedized, field ... Your work will span the entire design spectrum--from developing rugged sensor payloads and housing ...

New

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA), we develop ruggedized, field ... Your work will span the entire design spectrum-from developing rugged sensor payloads and housing ...

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Warrendale, PA · Hybrid

$102K - $140K/yr

About Neya Systems / ARA Neya Systems, a division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), is a leader ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead the design, development, and ...

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Warrendale, PA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

... Associates (ARA), is a leader in advanced robotics and autonomy technologies supporting national ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead the design, development, and ...

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Warrendale, PA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

About Neya Systems / ARA Neya Systems, a division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), is a leader ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead the design, development, and ...

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Warrendale, PA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

About Neya Systems / ARA Neya Systems, a division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), is a leader ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Autonomy Engineer to lead the design, development, and ...

Design, build, and maintain automation solutions for network configuration, provisioning, and ... Associate/Professional, and Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA-DevOps) demonstrate ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Design Engineer information

See Butler, PA salary details

$37.4K

$74.5K

$119K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Butler, PA is $74,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $85,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 can I do with an associate design engineer's degree?

An associate design engineer's degree prepares individuals for entry-level engineering roles focused on designing, analyzing, and testing products or systems. Graduates can work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or product development, often using CAD software and engineering principles. Additional certifications or experience may be required for advanced positions.

What cities near Butler, PA are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Butler, PA with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Butler, PA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,498 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Staff Mechanical Engineer

Warrendale, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
Neya Systems is a recognized leader in off-road autonomy and mission orchestration software, delivering cutting-edge robotic solutions for defense, commercial, and industrial applications. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Applied Research Associates (ARA), we develop ruggedized, field-proven platforms designed to solve complex, unstructured environments' toughest challenges.
Who We're Looking For
We are a dedicated group of innovators focused on fielding mission-critical autonomous systems. Our culture thrives on high accountability, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of uncrewed ground systems. We welcome engineers who are eager to own difficult problems and bring practical, reliable robotics into the field.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Mechanical Engineer at Neya, you will collaborate with cross-functional software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to design and integrate robust hardware solutions for off-road autonomy and custom robotic platforms. Your work will span the entire design spectrum-from developing rugged sensor payloads and housing enclosures to engineering specialized ground vehicle sub-assemblies built to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
What Your Day-to-Day Looks Like
  • Full-Lifecycle Engineering: Drive mechanical systems from initial concept generation and trade studies through prototype fabrication, integration, and field deployment.
  • Customer & Technical Requirements: Define mechanical and environmental requirements alongside customer technical leads and internal engineering teams.
  • CAD Modeling & Design: Utilize SolidWorks to generate complex parts, assemblies, and high-precision mechanical layouts for integrated robotic systems.
  • Engineering Analysis: Perform structural, thermal, and dynamic load analyses using a combination of hand calculations, scripting (Python), and FEA/CFD software (Ansys).
  • Prototyping & Fabrication: Work directly with fabrication tools and engineering technicians to build and iterate rapidly on prototype concepts.
  • Manufacturability & Quality: Apply GD&T standards to create detailed manufacturing drawings; partner with suppliers and internal teams to optimize Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
  • Multi-Disciplinary Integration: Collaborate closely with autonomy, software, and electrical teams in a cohesive lab and high-bay vehicle test environment.
  • Environmental & Functional Testing: Subject sensors, sub-assemblies, and vehicle components to rigorous environmental testing (thermal, vibration, ingress) and compile technical test reports.
  • Proposal & Concept Guidance: Support technical proposal efforts and leadership reviews with feasibility studies and preliminary mechanical architectures.
  • Field Support & Travel: Participate in occasional travel (5% or less) to support field demonstrations and customer testing.

What You'll Bring
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Technical Experience: Demonstrated background in mechanical product design with a track record of integrating hardware, sensors, and electronics.
  • CAD Proficiency: Advanced modeling expertise in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD platforms.
  • Analytical Foundation: Strong foundation in core mechanical analysis, including load cases, material selection, bearing life, and thermal dynamics.
  • System Integration: Practical experience making trade-off decisions between cost, weight, lead time, and mechanical complexity.
  • Communication & Ownership: High degree of personal initiative, self-direction, and clear technical writing and presentation skills.
  • Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency required due to defense contracting requirements. (Neya Systems is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.)

How You'll Stand Out
  • Hands-on Curiosity: A personal passion for building, machining, or tinkering with hardware outside of formal work requirements.
  • Specialized Analysis: Background in passive thermal management, IP-rated environmental sealing, or custom gear train design.
  • Production Operations: Familiarity with PLM/BOM management systems and transition-to-production workflows.
  • Software Literacy: Working knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, C++) for automating design calculations or data analysis.

What We Offer
  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
  • Competitive 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package, including company holidays
  • Travel compensation policies for field deployment activities
  • Professional development support and continuous learning opportunities

Neya Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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.