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

Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site +1

Analyze and design engineering methods. In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer * * Act as a lead/expert in the work group; train and mentor associate and career level engineers, technicians ...

Analyze and design engineering methods. In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer * * Act as a lead/expert in the work group; train and mentor associate and career level engineers, technicians ...

Systems Software Engineer III

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$181K - $214K/yr

Assists Design Engineers with the validation of sequence of operations development against design ... Associates degree in a technical field or 6-10 years of related work experience in building ...

Systems Software Engineer III

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$181K - $214K/yr

Assists Design Engineers with the validation of sequence of operations development against design ... Associates degree in a technical field or 6-10 years of related work experience in building ...

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This is an on-site position.  Primary duties o Work closely with engineers on projects o Update ... Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Drafting or CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) o Physically ...

We are currently seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our growing New Construction team ... Because of our design, build, operate, and maintain (DBOM) process, McKinstry engineers concern ...

Confers with technical and other engineering personnel and prepares design modifications as ... Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months ...

... design and processing. 11. Provide coaching and mentorship to Engineering Technicians and technical operations associates. *The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general ...

... design and processing. 11. Provide coaching and mentorship to Engineering Technicians and technical operations associates. *The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Design Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$43.8K

$87.3K

$139.5K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Portland, OR is $87,310.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $100,400.00 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?

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 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 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 cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,310 per year, or $42 per hour.

Engineer

PacifiCorp

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


PacifiCorp rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POWER YOUR GREATNESS

PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion. 
 

General Purpose

The position is available at Engineer II and Sr. Levels

If you ever dreamed of working with large dams and have heavy civil design, construction, and/or civil project management experience…have we got an opportunity for you. PacifiCorp is seeking a civil engineer/project manager to join our hydroelectric team. On our team you will have the opportunity to not only stretch your current engineering knowledge into multiple facets of civil engineering (i.e. structural, geotechnical, hydrology, and hydraulics) but also regularly interact with national experts on those disciplines. In addition, your work will potentially take you into the remote and scenic areas of our hydroelectric projects in six different states and be responsible for managing large scale dam rehabilitation, fish passage, and other fascinating projects. Our office is located on the east side of Portland, Oregon, was fully remodeled in 2019 to provide a collaborative open floor plan and has spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.

The work is fast paced, varied, challenging, and rewarding. PacifiCorp also offers a full benefits package, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and participation in the employee Annual Incentive Plan which for this position can be up to 12%-15% advertised annual salary. So…if you are looking for a change into an exciting and ever evolving field, have an inquisitive nature, a desire for continuous learning, and are an excellent communicator, please consider applying.

In general, this position applies prescribed methods and standard practices in performing specific tasks within projects and assists other engineering staff on more complex projects. Develops engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design documents, and performance assessments associated with the planning, design, licensing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Company’s hydroelectric facilities/systems.

Responsibilities

The Engineer II responsibilities include:  

  • Manage heavy civil capital improvement projects .
  • Perform field inspections on assigned hydroelectric projects. Hydroelectric projects are generally located in remote areas with rugged unimproved terrain. This position will have significant involvement with dams.
  • Communicate in writing and verbally, technical information to regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
  • Design, develop, modify, and evaluate systems, process, or facilities to support Company objectives, utilizing engineering methods.
  • Develop moderately complex engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design documents, and performance assessments.  
  • Determine methods and techniques for obtaining results.
  • Guide and direct associate level engineers, technicians and drafters.
  • Recommend alternative solutions to management in area of specialty on engineering solutions to meet business needs.
  • Deliver on commitments and manage outside engineering services to accomplish the assigned work.
  • Maintain project timelines and budgets.
  • Analyze and design engineering methods. 

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer

    • Act as a lead/expert in the work group; train and mentor associate and career level engineers, technicians and drafters.  
Requirements

Requirements for the Engineer II requirements include: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college/university.
  • A minimum of two or more years of directly related experience in the applicable civil engineering field. 
  • A minimum of two or more years’ experience in heavy civil infrastructure projects or related professional experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of principles in area of engineering specialty.
  • Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness.
  • Ability to provide timely assessments with limited information and/or assumptions.

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer requirements include: 

  • A minimum of five or more years’ experience in heavy civil infrastructure, or related professional experience.
  • Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work as a team member, to maintain project timelines, budgets, and deliver on commitments. 
Preferences

Preferences for the Engineer II position include the following: 

  • Registration as a professional engineer
  • Engineering experience specific to industrial hydropower systems.

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer preferences include: 

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. 
  • Advanced degree in civil engineering or closely related field.
Benefits
Additional Information

Req Id: 114588
Company Code: Pacificorp #PM25
Primary Location: Portland    
Department: Power Supply
Schedule: Days
Personnel Subarea: Exempt
Hiring Range: $88,800-$140,250 

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary performance incentive bonus of up to 12.00% of salary.

Benefits: Health care, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance, paid short-term and long-term disability, paid bereavement leave. For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.

PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

#PM25


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