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$45.4K

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How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Fremont, CA is $90,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $104,000.00 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 Fremont, CA?

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

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For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Fremont, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Associate Design Engineer jobs near you

High-Speed Optoelectronic Transceiver Design & Development Engineer

samtec

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$210K - $290K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Samtec rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Description
Position at Samtec, Inc
Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $1 Billion global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtec's global presence enables its unmatched customer service.
The preferred location for this position is the Samtec Vista Design Center in San Diego/Vista, CA. At this site, the salary range is $210,000- $290,000 annually, based on experience, plus generous Samtec bonuses paid three times per year (February, August, and late fall).
Summary/Objective: Our high-speed optoelectronic transceiver design and development engineers own the design of our high-speed optical communication transceivers, including component selection such as opto-electronic devices and Physical Media Dependent ASICs, PCB design and layout, signal integrity, and device characterization and configuration optimization. Our mid-board optical transceiver products operate at low speeds (25G) up to today's leading data rates (e.g., 100G/400G/800G and beyond). The qualified candidate will be an expert in high-speed optoelectronics with adjacent competencies so they're able to trade off design decisions across many engineering disciplines - EE, high-speed RF/signal integrity, optics/photonics, mechanical, thermal, firmware/DSP, and process development - across the product development life cycle. They translate product requirements into product and project metrics and execute prototype bring-up, integration, characterization, and validation, including signal-integrity and optical link-budget analysis; these metrics also drive product qualification and production testing. In lead roles, they remove roadblocks in new product development (NPD) and advise NPD leaders.
Essential Functions/ Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop high-speed optoelectronic transceiver products - optimizing bandwidth, signal integrity, link budget, and power efficiency across NRZ and PAM4 signaling.
  • Model and simulate RF and optical subsystems using tools like ADS, HFSS, or Zemax to predict performance and refine designs.
  • Integrate RF components (e.g., amplifiers, mixers) with optical elements (e.g., modulators, photodetectors) to create cohesive, high-functioning assemblies.
  • Perform hands-on testing and validation of prototypes, using RF test equipment (e.g., network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, BERT) and optical tools (e.g., power meters, OTDRs, scope, VOA, optical switch).
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to RF-optical interactions, such as impedance matching, noise reduction, or optical loss.
  • Collaborate with product managers and manufacturing to ensure designs are scalable, cost-effective, and compliant with applicable standards and MSAs (e.g., IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, OIF-CEI, CMIS, relevant MSA form factors), plus ITU and MIL-STD where required.
  • Document design specifications, test procedures, and performance data to support development milestones and production transitions.
  • Research emerging RF-optics technologies and materials to enhance product capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.

Use this statement in all cases "The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities"
Required Experience:
  • 4+ years of experience in high speed optoelectronic transceiver product design, with a focus on integrated RF-optics systems.
  • Familiar with RF design tools (e.g., Keysight ADS, Ansys HFSS) and optical simulation software (e.g., Zemax, OptiSystem).
  • Hands-on experience with RF and optical test equipment - signal generators, vector network analyzers, BER testers, optical spectrum analyzers, and high-speed sampling/real-time oscilloscopes (DCA) for eye-diagram, jitter, and TDECQ characterization.
  • Strong knowledge of RF principles (modulation, impedance, EMI) and high-speed optoelectronic concepts (fiber optics, laser diodes, modulators/photodetectors, dispersion), including high-speed link concepts - NRZ/PAM4, SerDes, equalization (CTLE/DFE/FFE), FEC, jitter, and eye-diagram/BER analysis.
  • Ability to analyze and solve complex technical challenges at the intersection of RF and optical domains.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and technical documentation.
  • (Optional: Familiarity with specific applications/standards - e.g., hyperscale data center and AI/ML interconnects, 100G/400G/800G Ethernet, coherent optics, 5G fronthaul, satellite comms, PCIe, or military/ruggedized/radar environments.)

Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Photonics Physics or a related field is required. Master or Doctoral degree in those fields will be a plus.

SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based in business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws.Privacy Policy: https://www.samtec.com/about/legal/#privacyrightspage

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About SAMTEC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New Albany, IN, US

Year founded

1976

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