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Associate Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vicor Corporation

Associate Design Engineer

Andover, MA

$80K - $90K/yr

Design elements include electrical design, component selection, simulation/test, PCB layout, and product functional specification. Will be part of an engineering team that is involved with complete ...

Fluor

Associate Design Engineer II, Mechanical

Raleigh, NC

$73K - $100K/yr

... Engineering Procurement Construction Management (EPCM) experience Registered PE Strong MS Office application experience (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, etc.) Autodesk 2D CAD ...

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Associate Design Engineer information

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$41.5K

$82.6K

$132K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in the United States is $82,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $95,000.00 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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Associate Design Engineers and other engineering roles often value skills, experience, and continuous learning over age. Many engineers start or transition into the field later in life, and acquiring relevant certifications or degrees can help regardless of age. Age is generally not a barrier to entering engineering careers if the individual has the necessary skills and motivation.

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 supporting design development, testing, and documentation tasks within engineering teams.

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 $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.
More about Associate Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Associate Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs are:
Associate Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,636 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
Associate Design Engineer (Entry Level)On-Site

Associate Design Engineer (Entry Level)On-Site

Voltage LLC

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Associate Design Engineer is an entry-level engineering role responsible for supporting the design and development of Electrical Balance of System (EBOS) solutions for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects. This role provides an excellent opportunity for early-career engineers to develop technical skills in solar system design, code compliance, and cross-functional collaboration while working alongside experienced engineering professionals.
The Associate Design Engineer will assist with drawings, calculations, documentation, and product configurations while gaining exposure to utility-scale solar design and manufacturing processes.
This position requires bilingual fluency in both Mandarin and English, as the role will collaborate regularly with engineering and cross-functional teams in both the U.S. and China, supporting technical communication, design coordination, and project execution across global teams. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is an essential requirement for success in this role.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Engineering Design Support
  • Assist in developing EBOS design solutions for commercial and utility-scale solar projects.
  • Support preparation of engineering drawings, layouts, and bills of material using AutoCAD and internal tools.
  • Assist in creating quotes for cables, spare parts, and replacement components.
  • Review construction drawings, single-line diagrams, and project specifications with guidance from senior engineers.
  • Support basic engineering calculations, including voltage drop, conductor sizing, and system layouts.
  • Help ensure designs align with NEC requirements and internal engineering standards.
  • Maintain engineering documentation and support version control of drawings and design records.

Project & Technical Support
  • Provide technical support to Project Engineering, Sales, Quality, and Production teams.
  • Assist in preparing technical documentation for proposals and customer deliverables.
  • Support value engineering efforts by identifying opportunities for efficiency and standardization.
  • Participate in design reviews and learn best practices related to manufacturability and installation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with engineering team members and support project execution activities.
  • Coordinate with Production to help ensure designs are clear and buildable.
  • Support quality and documentation activities associated with engineering deliverables.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives within Engineering.

Work Experience/Education/Skills Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related technical field (recent graduates encouraged to apply).
  • 0-2 years of engineering, internship, co-op, or related technical experience.
  • Exposure to AutoCAD or similar drafting software.
  • Basic understanding of electrical fundamentals and engineering calculations.
  • Willingness to learn NEC code and utility-scale solar design principles.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Mandarin language skills are a plus; entry-level candidates with strong Mandarin and English skills are encouraged to apply.
  • Internship or academic project experience related to solar, power systems, or electrical design.
  • Familiarity with PV systems or renewable energy concepts.
  • Exposure to manufacturing or production environments.
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD, Excel, or other engineering tools.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:?
  • Work is primarily performed in an office environment.
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-growing, dynamic environment.
  • Traveling to customer sites and events (traveling up to 25%).

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The Company will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa, including without limitation, H-1B, O-1,E-3, TN status, or I-485 job portability or similar immigration processes.
? Equal Employment Opportunity:?
Voltage is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Apply