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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Chico, CA (NOW HIRING)

Associate Survey Technician

Chico, CA ยท On-site

$33.50/hr

We are a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, surveyors and planners who have been serving ... Perform physical work such as driving survey stakes, digging, and brushing * CAD drafting under the ...

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Associate Design Engineer information

See Chico, CA salary details

$42.2K

$84K

$134.2K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Chico, CA is $84,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $96,600.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Chico, CA are:

What cities near Chico, CA are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chico, CA with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Chico, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,042 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Associate Survey Technician

Chico, CA โ€ข On-site

NorthStar
201 - 500 employees

$33.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

We are a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, surveyors and planners who have been serving Northern California communities for over 40 years. We work in a welcoming community that offers culture, art, incredible outdoor adventures, and easy driving access to epic weekend destinations.


We hire brilliant professionals who are excellent at their craft and align well with our mission and values. We have worked hard to define our culture so that who we are and how we approach our work is crystal clear.


Our mission is our passion: We Exist to Develop People Who Enhance Our Communities. Our core values are Learning, Ownership and Teamcentric, and these sum up how we “show up” for our clients and each other. For us, these aren’t just words on a piece of paper, they are what we live into as a team and aspire to daily.


That’s the kind of work environment you can expect at NorthStar. Sound appealing?


Welcome to NorthStar.


Your Job Responsibilities

  • Perform land surveying work as a member of a survey party
  • Utilize state of the art robotic and GNSS instruments under the direct supervision of others
  • Makes field adjustments within specified limits; takes field notes and makes filed sketches
  • Perform physical work such as driving survey stakes, digging, and brushing
  • CAD drafting under the direct supervision of others
  • Reads and interprets maps, drawings, diagrams, and Civil plan sheets
  • Acquire experience, skills, and education as necessary to advance


What You Must Have to Apply

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Two (2) years full time experience as an Assistant Technician
  • Experience with the use of personal computers, word processing and spreadsheet software, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Trimble Survey software.
  • Experience as a field survey crew member and experience in the operation of field survey equipment.
  • Possession of a valid California Driver's License and clean DMV record


What we prefer you have

  • Strong math skills, preferably with course work in Geometry and Trigonometry
  • Course work in geomatics or land surveying


Your Skills

  • Ability to make computations, interpret field survey data and to check plans, maps, calculations, details, and specifications.
  • Good organizational skills, communication skills, attitude, and keen attention to detail
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Strong work ethic and accountability
  • Ability to work as a team player and interact well with others
  • Desire and ability to perform physical work outdoors in inclement conditions
  • Previous experience working on construction sites and familiarity with construction activities, hazards and safety measures.


Additional

Local and some out of town travel is required


Compensation and Benefits

  • Pay Rate $33.50 - $41.23 based on relevant experience
  • Medical Insurance – employee stipend that may cover up to 100% of premium
  • Dental Insurance - 100% paid by NorthStar for employee
  • Vision Insurance - 100% paid by NorthStar for employee
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(k) with employer matching up to 4% of salary, 100% vesting immediately
  • 8 days paid holidays
  • Licensure/Certification reimbursement of costs
  • Annual profit-sharing bonus
  • Relocation reimbursement


Work Environment, Physical, Visual, Mental and Environmental Characteristics of the Senior Survey Technician Position


Work Environment

Job environment includes indoor (estimated 5%) and outdoor (estimated 95%) exposures; duties may include moving from one environment to another. This position entails mostly outdoor work in weather conditions that are hot, cold and/or wet. The outdoor work is occasionally performed in high, precarious positions, and near moving mechanical parts, traffic, hazardous plants, insects, reptiles, and animals.  The employee regularly works in the field exposed to conditions where the noise level may be loud. The employee may be required to wear protective apparel.


Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel and operate survey instruments and standard office equipment; lift and climb ladders; dig with shovels and other tools; walk through and cut dense brush; walk over rough and uneven terrain, exposed to poisonous plants and other biological hazards; enter and walk within confined spaces; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Position requires the stamina to move throughout the job site and to complete the Essential Duties of the position.


Visual Requirements

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.  The ability to discern and differentiate at varying distances, to see and safely navigate; to visually assess quality in work product or materials; to view using software and computer screen and related work, sometimes for extended periods of time; other visual work required in both indoor and outdoor environments.


Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information and documents; analyze and solve moderately difficult problems; observe and interpret situations; perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work with interruptions; and interact with officials and the public.


Opportunities

  • Fulfilling Projects - NorthStar is proud to partner with both public and private sector clients. We have worked with a range of clients in multiple industries:  City and County Agencies, Construction Companies, Schools, Native American Tribes, Non-profit Organizations, Health Care Entities, Utility Companies, Local Developers, and Small Businesses.
  • Time for Life - We are as passionate about enjoying life as we are about the great work we do. We show up for our team and our clients Monday through Friday and 40 hours is a typical week.

Life in Chico

Why do we love Chico so much? Glad you asked! Just 90 minutes north of Sacramento, and three hours from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the North Coast, Chico is a welcoming town with a vibrant community that has become a regional center for recreation, business, the arts, and cultural activity. The CSU Chico campus brings diversity and liveliness to our downtown with its farmer’s markets, restaurants, and live music. Within our 11- mile historic Bidwell Park and around Chico, there are abundant outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, star gazing, etc.

If you are inspired by our mission and values, we look forward to sharing all that NorthStar and Chico, CA have to offer.




Equal Opportunity Employer


The information provided in this job posting is a summary of the full job description and is intended to provide an overview of areas of responsibility, skills, knowledge, and abilities associated with the position.  A full copy of the job description is available upon request.