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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Bridge Design Engineer

Canonsburg, PA · Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

At Fisher Associates, we are a multidisciplinary design services firm with nine locations nationwide. Our services span civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, landscape architecture ...

Compensation $55000 - $73000 / year Position Summary The CAD Engineer will be responsible to create ... Associate's or technical degree with AutoCAD Electrical being a major component. 3-5 years of ...

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Associate Design Engineer information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$40.3K

$80.2K

$128.1K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Pittsburgh, PA is $80,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,600.00 and $92,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is an associate design engineer?

An associate design engineer is an entry-level engineering professional involved in designing products, systems, or components under the supervision of senior engineers. They typically use CAD software, have a foundational understanding of engineering principles, and may hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. This role often involves collaboration, technical documentation, and supporting design development processes.

What are Associate Design Engineers?

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 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized roles. High salaries are typically associated with roles requiring advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-demand industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, especially in industries with high demand for technical expertise.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Design Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,218 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
Bridge Design Engineer

Bridge Design Engineer

Fisher Associates

Canonsburg, PA • Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

Bridge Design Engineer - Canonsburg, PA

Bridge Design Engineer - Civil / Structural


Design Southwestern Pennsylvania bridge and transportation structures supporting PennDOT, municipal clients, highway corridors, rehabilitation programs, inspections, load ratings, and infrastructure projects across the greater Pittsburgh market.


In addition to supporting the Southwestern Pennsylvania market, this bridge engineering role helps advance structural design, analysis, inspection, documentation, construction support, and multidisciplinary transportation delivery across Pennsylvania, New York, and Fisher's broader regional operations.


At Fisher Associates, we are a multidisciplinary design services firm with nine locations nationwide. Our services span civil/site engineering, transportation engineering, landscape architecture, architecture, planning, environmental services, land surveying, GIS, construction inspection, precast, and construction engineering, each offering opportunities to shape communities and improve lives.


What You'll Do

  • Structural engineering, including load rating, structural analysis, and foundation design.
  • Develop design plans, construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates.
  • Conduct field inspections, prepare bridge inspection reports, and maintain detailed project records.
  • Ensure designs comply with applicable DOT, state, local, regulatory, and safety standards.
  • Support project managers with schedules, documentation, presentations, QA/QC, and construction-phase technical support.
  • Collaborate with clients, agencies, subconsultants, contractors, and internal teams to support successful delivery.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

  • B.S. degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
  • 5-10 years of transportation experience with a structures or bridge design background.
  • EIT required; Professional Engineering license preferred or ability to obtain licensure.
  • Proficiency in MicroStation, STAAD, and bridge design software.
  • Familiarity with state DOT design standards, including PennDOT or NYSDOT preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with bridge design, inspection, rehabilitation, load rating, foundation design, construction support, and multidisciplinary transportation projects.
  • Strong organizational, planning, documentation, technical judgment, communication, and attention-to-detail skills.
  • Professional performance aligned with Fisher's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Clientship philosophy.

Why Join Fisher

  • Shape meaningful infrastructure and community projects while working with multidisciplinary teams that value practical problem-solving and technical excellence.
  • Grow in a culture of trust, collaboration, accessible leadership, mentorship, flexibility, and long-term professional development.
  • Contribute to client-focused work where your voice, judgment, ownership, and relationships help drive successful project outcomes.

Compensation + Benefits

  • Salary range: $85,000-$100,000; actual compensation varies based on experience, qualifications, and other factors and excludes the value of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • Hybrid work schedule
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Strong work-life balance
  • Shareholders program
  • Professional development opportunities and reimbursement
  • Supplemental benefits designed for total well-being and financial security
  • Employee groups focused on community, inclusion, and employee voice

Location Flexibility

While this posting is aligned to the Canonsburg, PA market, the role may support teams, projects, and client needs across multiple Fisher office locations. Fisher will also consider strong candidates located near established Fisher office locations based on project needs, team alignment, licensure, client relationships, and growth priorities.


Equal Opportunity

Fisher Associates is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.


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