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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Under the guidance of senior hydraulic engineers, the associate contributes to NCDOT drainage design, bridge and culvert replacement projects, and hydrologic/hydraulic analyses using CADD and ...

Hydraulic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

Under the guidance of senior hydraulic engineers, the associate contributes to NCDOT drainage design, bridge and culvert replacement projects, and hydrologic/hydraulic analyses using CADD and ...

Transportation Roadway Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

$79K - $97K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering with a minimum of 6 years of transportation (roadway) design experience or an Associate's Degree in Civil Engineering with a minimum of 8 years of ...

What You'll Do As a Design Engineer, you'll take a client's big ideas and turn them into clear ... Associate degree preferred (not required). Attitude and aptitude matter here. What's In It For You?

Experience level may be adjusted by role level, from junior/associate to senior engineer. * Experience using CAD/PLM tools for mechanical plant design; NX and Teamcenter experience is an advantage.

Showing results 21-40

Associate Design Engineer information

See Durham, NC salary details

$40.1K

$79.9K

$127.6K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Durham, NC is $79,852.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,300.00 and $91,800.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,852 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Hydraulic Designer

Larson Design Group

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Larson Design Group rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

About Us
Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting Firm. Guided by our core values, we're expanding our team, opening new offices, and adding new offerings to provide responsive, innovative solutions to clients nationwide.
Being 100% employee-owned directly impacts our culture: it drives our decision-making, motivates our teams, increases our productivity, improves retention, and contributes to the future success of our company. Our culture is one where we work hard for our clients and for each other - and we have fun collaborating, sharing experience and expertise, and learning along the way. We're passionate about delivering exceptional quality, elevating client relationships, enriching the careers and lives of our employee owners, and enhancing the communities where we live and serve.
At LDG, we strive to create an organization where people want to work. We offer a flexible work environment, paid training for required licensures, competitive benefits, bonus plans, and a company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) while supporting your professional and personal growth.
Your Opportunity + Impact
The Hydraulic Designer is an entry-level technical role on the Professional Engineer licensure track. This position applies basic to intermediate hydraulic engineering principles to support design computations, technical reports, drainage plans, and hydraulic modeling. Under the guidance of senior hydraulic engineers, the associate contributes to NCDOT drainage design, bridge and culvert replacement projects, and hydrologic/hydraulic analyses using CADD and OpenRoads Designer (ORD).
Key Responsibilities
  • Prepares and reviews hydraulic design computations, drainage layouts, and plan drawings.
  • Supports NCDOT bridge and culvert replacement projects, including hydraulic reports, scour analysis, and drainage design tasks.
  • Utilizes CADD and OpenRoads Designer (ORD) to develop drainage models, storm drain systems, and plan sheets.
  • Assists with NCDOT drainage design, including stormwater conveyance systems, ditches, channels, and erosion control features.
  • Reviews submittals and assists with project documentation and submissions.
  • Prepares and reviews specifications, draft letters, and written technical reports.
  • Researches, interprets, and applies NCDOT design standards, codes, and permitting requirements.
  • Maintains accurate documentation of work and project records.
  • Develops technically accurate, clean, and deliverable hydraulic drawings.
  • Promotes and supports quality assurance and quality control processes to reduce design errors and improve deliverable quality.

Education and Experience
  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience; prior internships in transportation, hydraulics, or A/E consulting preferred. Experience with CADD / OpenRoads Designer (ORD).
  • Licensure/Certification: Engineer-in-Training (EIT) preferred.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong desire to expand hydraulic engineering knowledge and take on new responsibilities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills; able to work independently and collaboratively within a project team.
Compensation for this position will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. The posted salary range represents the anticipated range for this role but is not a guarantee of compensation.
EEO Statement
Larson Design Group, Inc. is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization.

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