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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

SawStop

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Tualatin, OR

$108K - $143K/yr

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER As a member of the New Product Development Team, the Senior Mechanical ... 3D CAD simulation models; * Provide direction to shop associates for fabrication of mock-up and ...

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All JobsAssociate Design Engineer JobsAssociate Design Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Associate Design Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$43.2K

$86.1K

$137.6K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Portland, OR is $86,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $99,000.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:

Associate Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Portland, OR 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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,112 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Design Engineer

Midland-Marvel Recruiters

Woodland, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Very large and fast growing OEM products manufacturer has an exciting opportunity available for a Design Engineer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


  • May coordinate multiple small projects or large project simultaneously
  • Collaborate and coordinate with other functional groups, suppliers, and customers.
  • Identifies root causes of problems; recommends and/or implements corrective measures.
  • May support activities and projects within the team, between internal teams, and projects in support of customer expectations and new product development.
  • Model, prototype, and build product concepts; verify the design meets specifications and safety/regulatory standards.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • May be assigned engineering maintenance responsibilities for major product lines.
  • Hands-on work on shop floor as job requires.
  • Represents company with dignity, professionalism and good faith at events and customer contact and interactions.
  • Accountable for developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.
  • Responsible for prompt and regular attendance on-site or remote as appropriate or required.
  • Work safely and without injury.


Required Education and/or Experience


  • 2 years + experience with plastic part design, preference for automotive engineering.
  • Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree preferred, but not required.
  • High School Diploma or GED required.


Required Qualifications


  • Working knowledge of CAD programs – preferably NX.
  • Experience with plastics design and injection mold construction.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers and visitors.
  • Ability to effectively problem-solve.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Ability to facilitate activities necessary to a project’s completion.
  • Must have history of impeccable integrity, ethics and fair play.


Language skills


Ability to read, write, verbalize and comprehend instructions and correspondence at the highest levels in the English language. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to customers, clients, and other team members. Conflict resolution skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and customer service skills.