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

Flux

Aviation Design Engineer/Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K/yr

Overview We are seeking an Aviation Design Engineer/Manager to join one of our clients in San ... Coordinates communication between internal and external associates and client, and between firm and ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer Intern (Winter 2027)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

CAD Engineer Intern (Winter 2027) As an intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on ... If you have already graduated from a four-year university, please apply to be an Associate Engineer.

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All JobsAssociate Design Engineer JobsAssociate Design Engineer Jobs in Fairfield, CA

Associate Design Engineer information

See Fairfield, CA salary details

$42.2K

$84.1K

$134.3K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Fairfield, CA is $84,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $96,700.00 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 Fairfield, CA are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs?

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

Associate Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Fairfield, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,098 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Senior Associate - Design

Raymond Search Group

San Anselmo, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Senior Associate - Design

Confidential Top-Ranked International Landscape Architecture

Location: Northern California

Focus: Luxury Residential Communities, Resort Development, Hospitality, and Large-Scale Planning


The Opportunity

Our client is a highly respected landscape architecture and planning studio known for creating distinctive, place-driven environments for residential communities, resorts, hospitality destinations, and complex development projects across the U.S. and internationally.


This is not a production-only role. This is a senior design seat for a landscape architect who can think conceptually, solve problems visually, lead clients through design decisions, and help shape projects from early planning through design development.


The Senior Associate - Design will play a key role in leading design direction across high-profile projects, mentoring younger team members, coordinating with consultants, and helping clients translate vision into thoughtful, buildable, memorable places.


The right person brings strong design instincts, strong client presence, and the ability to operate in a boutique, highly collaborative studio environment where quality matters.


What You Will Own

You will help lead the design process across large-scale residential, resort, hospitality, and community planning projects.


You will be responsible for developing strong conceptual ideas, advancing design solutions, leading internal design conversations, and helping guide projects through schematic design and design development.


You will work directly with principals, clients, consultants, and internal teams to ensure the design intent is clear, coordinated, and aligned with the character, economics, and long-term vision of each project.


You will also serve as a mentor and design leader within the studio, helping younger staff sharpen their thinking, presentation skills, and technical execution.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead site planning, landscape design, conceptual design, schematic design, and design development efforts for complex projects.
  • Develop design concepts that respond to site, context, culture, client objectives, and long-term development strategy.
  • Create and communicate design ideas through hand sketches, digital drawings, plans, diagrams, presentations, and working sessions.
  • Provide design direction to internal teams and oversight of project work products.
  • Coordinate with architects, engineers, planners, consultants, developers, and client teams.
  • Lead or support client presentations, design meetings, consultant coordination meetings, and stakeholder discussions.
  • Help manage multiple high-priority assignments while maintaining design quality, responsiveness, and forward momentum.
  • Support proposals, interviews, marketing efforts, and business development opportunities when needed.
  • Mentor junior designers and contribute to a strong, collaborative, high-standard studio culture.


What We Are Looking For

  • 10+ years of post-degree professional experience in landscape architecture.
  • Licensed Landscape Architect.
  • Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited landscape architecture program.
  • Strong background in residential communities, resort development, hospitality, mixed-use, or large-scale site design.
  • Exceptional design ability across site planning, landscape design, layout, and design development.
  • Strong understanding of the full design process for large and complex site design projects.
  • Ability to move quickly between big-picture thinking and detailed design execution.
  • Strong hand drawing and digital drawing ability.
  • Experience working with complex clients, developers, stakeholders, and consultant teams.
  • Understanding of the economic realities of large-scale residential, resort, and hospitality development.
  • Ability to lead meetings, present clearly, facilitate discussion, and build trust with clients.
  • Desire to mentor younger staff and help elevate the broader design team.
  • Long-term authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.


The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a true designer and a practical project leader.


They can walk into a room with a developer, architect, owner, consultant team, or internal studio group and clearly communicate the “why” behind a design. They understand that great landscape architecture is not just about making something beautiful. It is about creating places that make sense culturally, physically, financially, and experientially.


They are confident without being rigid. Creative without being impractical. Senior enough to lead, but still hands-on enough to sketch, solve, refine, and push the work forward.


They want to be part of a studio where the work is meaningful, the projects are design-driven, and the expectations are high.


Why This Role Matters

This position is central to the studio’s continued growth and design leadership.


The firm works on projects where the landscape is not an afterthought. It is often the organizing idea behind the entire experience. From resort communities and hospitality environments to private residential and large-scale planning assignments, the Senior Associate - Design will help shape places that are built to last.


For the right person, this is an opportunity to step into a visible design leadership role with meaningful client exposure, global project work, and a direct path to greater influence within the studio.