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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Melbourne, FL (NOW HIRING)

Associate, Optical Engineer

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$110K - $142K/yr

Associate, Optical Engineer Job ID: 38927 Job Location: Palm Bay, FL Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees ... Determine design approaches and parameters * Perform system analysis to determine feasibility of ...

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Associate Design Engineer information

See Melbourne, FL salary details

$38.5K

$76.6K

$122.4K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Melbourne, FL is $76,597.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,700.00 and $88,100.00 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 Melbourne, FL?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL are:

What cities near Melbourne, FL are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Melbourne, FL with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Melbourne, FL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,597 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

2027 Associate Software Engineer / Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL

$79K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman is seeking an Associate Software Engineer/Software Engineer. This position will be located at our Aeronautics Systems Sector inMelbourne, FL.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Software Engineering directorate.

The selected candidate will design, develop, document, test and debug applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions. Other duties include:

  • Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software.

  • Determine computer user needs.

  • Analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls.

  • Prepare operating instructions.

  • Design and develop compilers and assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems.

  • Ensures software standards are met.

This requisition may be filled at either an Associate Software Engineer level (T01) or a Software Engineer level (T02).

Basic Qualifications for an Associate Software Engineer (T01):

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by August 2027.

  • Be majoring in or having majored in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) degree.

  • Be able to obtain andmaintaina U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonableperiod of time, asdeterminedby the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite).

  • Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access maybe requiredto start.

Basic Qualifications for a Software Engineer (T02):

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Master's degree from an accredited institution by August 2027 or is completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and has 2 years of software engineering experience by August 2027.

  • Be majoring in or having majored in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineeringor Math) degree.

  • Be able to obtain andmaintaina U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonableperiod of time, asdeterminedby the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite).

  • Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access maybe requiredto start.

Preferred Qualifications for both an Associate Software Engineer (T01) & Software Engineer (T02):

  • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.25/4.0 or higher.

  • Previous internship/co-op or other work experience, leadership & teamwork capabilities, interpersonal communication skills, and activities (professional/community/extracurricular).

Pay Range:

  • Associate Software Engineer (T01): $65,800 - $98,800

  • Software Engineer (T02): $79,300 - $118,900

Campusjobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $65,800.00 - $98,800.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939