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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

SAIC

SCA Drafter/CAD Operator IV

North Charleston, SC · On-site

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

Drawings are used to communicate engineering ideas, design, and information. This operator uses ... Associate's degree from a school in drafting or illustration or High School diploma or GED.

Entarian

Automation Engineer

North Charleston, SC · Remote

NIWC Atlantic provides design, acquisition, and sustainment services for Marine Corps Systems ... Associate AWS Certifications: SysOps Administrator or Solutions Architect Associate. * Project ...

RS&H

Traffic Engineer III

North Charleston, SC · Hybrid

$83K - $113K/yr

ITS Planning and Design Responsibilities: Project Delivery & Technical Excellence * Serve as a ... associates. Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation's leading architecture, engineering, and ...

RS&H

Traffic Engineer III

North Charleston, SC · Hybrid

$83K - $113K/yr

ITS Planning and Design Responsibilities: Project Delivery & Technical Excellence * Serve as a ... associates. The Company Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation's leading architecture ...

RS&H

Traffic Engineer III

North Charleston, SC · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

ITS Planning and Design Responsibilities: Project Delivery & Technical Excellence * Serve as a ... associates. The Company Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation's leading architecture ...

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All JobsAssociate Design Engineer JobsAssociate Design Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

Associate Design Engineer information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$38.8K

$77.3K

$123.5K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Charleston, SC is $77,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,300.00 and $88,900.00 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 Charleston, SC? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Design Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC? For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC are:
What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
Associate Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Charleston, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,816 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

SCA Drafter/CAD Operator IV

SAIC

North Charleston, SC • On-site

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is seeking a CAD Drafter IV for our customer site in North Charleston, SC.
The Draft/CAD Operator performs drafting work manually or using a computer, requiring knowledge and skill in drafting methods, procedures, and techniques, prepares drawings of structures, facilities, land profiles, water systems, mechanical and electrical equipment, pipelines, duck systems, and similar equipment, systems, and assemblies.
Drawings are used to communicate engineering ideas, design, and information.
This operator uses recognized systems of symbols, legends, shadings, and lines having specific meanings in drawings.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Education: Associate's degree from a school in drafting or illustration or High School diploma or GED.
Experience: Two (2) years with degree or five (5) years with HS/GED of experience drafting/illustrating in the electronics field, to include: computerized drafting applications, digital imaging techniques, use of AutoCAD, planning and preparing graphic presentations of complex items. Experience with DoD processes and procedures.
Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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