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Associate Electrical Engineer Jobs in Harlan, IA

Product Design Engineer I

Manning, IA · On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Modeling routing for electrical and hydraulic systems, fasteners, and specification callouts ... Associate's degree or higher in engineering or a related science * Minimum 2 years of design ...

Electrical Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and repair electrical systems (480VAC, 120VAC, 24VDC ... Troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), sensors, and ...

Associate Electrical Engineer information

See Harlan, IA salary details

$38.9K

$83K

$136.9K

How much do associate electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate electrical engineer in Harlan, IA is $83,003.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate electrical engineer do?

An Associate Electrical Engineer assists in designing, developing, and testing electrical systems and components, often working under the supervision of senior engineers. Their responsibilities may include creating technical drawings, performing calculations, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring projects meet safety standards and regulations. They often work on projects related to power generation, electronics, telecommunications, or building electrical systems. This entry-level role is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited experience, providing a foundation for career advancement in electrical engineering.

What are common projects and responsibilities for an associate electrical engineer during the first year?

As an Associate Electrical Engineer, you can expect to work on tasks such as drafting electrical schematics, assisting with circuit design, supporting senior engineers in troubleshooting, and performing site visits to ensure compliance with specifications. Early projects often involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as mechanical engineers and project managers, to help deliver solutions on time and within budget. You'll likely use industry-standard software tools and participate in regular team meetings to discuss progress and address challenges. Over time, you will gain increasing responsibility as you demonstrate your technical skills and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate electrical engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Electrical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, a relevant bachelor's degree, and foundational experience with circuit design and analysis. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (such as AutoCAD or MATLAB), electrical simulation tools, and occasionally an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively on complex projects and convey technical information clearly. These abilities are crucial for ensuring accurate designs, meeting project deadlines, and contributing positively to multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Associate Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAssociate Electrical EngineerElectrical Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; some roles may require internshipsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; often requires licensure or certification for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentEntry-level positions in design, testing, or maintenance within engineering firms, manufacturing, or utilitiesDesign, development, testing, and project management in similar industries, often with more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in engineering firms, construction, and utilities; often a starting roleUsed across industries for more experienced roles, often requiring additional certifications

The main difference between an Associate Electrical Engineer and an Electrical Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. The Associate role is typically entry-level, focusing on supporting engineering tasks, while the Electrical Engineer usually has more experience and handles complex projects. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but the Electrical Engineer may need licensure for advanced responsibilities.

How much do associate electrical engineers make?

Associate electrical engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages.

What can you do with an associate electrical engineer degree?

An associate electrical engineer degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as electrical technician, engineering assistant, or field service technician. Graduates can work on designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems, often using tools like CAD software and following safety standards. Additional certifications may enhance job prospects and responsibilities.

What cities near Harlan, IA are hiring for Associate Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Harlan, IA with the most Associate Electrical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Electrical Engineer job openings in Harlan, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,003 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Product Design Engineer I

Puck Enterprises

Manning, IA • On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Product Design Engineer I

Puck | Built to Lead.

Location:Manning, IADepartment:EngineeringEmployment Type:Full-TimeSchedule:Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


Who We Are

At Puck, we areBuilt to Lead. We are a dynamic manufacturing company committed to delivering high-quality products and fostering a team environment where every member plays a critical role in our success. If you are a technically minded, detail-driven engineer who thrives in a fast-paced product development environment, we want to hear from you.


What You'll Do

As a Product Design Engineer I, you will provide engineering design and support for all aspects of Puck products to ensure functionality, quality, cost, performance, and on-time delivery.


Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

  • Creating and updating part and small-assembly models in accordance with the Engineering Standards Manual
  • Modeling routing for electrical and hydraulic systems, fasteners, and specification callouts
  • Maintaining the Puck part library for both manufactured and purchased parts in accordance with the Engineering Standards Manual
  • Organizing and structuring models to align with manufacturing flow and product configurations
  • Reviewing and updating CAD models and print documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness for all materials, including fasteners, plumbing, wiring, purchased parts, manufactured parts, and assemblies
  • Performing basic engineering calculations - such as stress, tolerance stack-ups, and power - to support assigned design work
  • Ensuring bills of materials (BOMs) accurately reflect production-floor requirements
  • Contributing to product specification documentation
  • Coordinating updates to customer-facing assets such as owner, technical, and parts manuals resulting from ECOs or related design changes
  • Participating in First Article Inspection (FIT) activities on the production floor and assisting in creating FIT documentation
  • Facilitating incoming inspection of purchased parts for first-article approval
  • Performing small-part FEA and failure analysis under the supervision of Senior Design Engineers
  • Supporting senior engineers with design tasks and related documentation
  • Participating in product design meetings including stand-ups, design reviews, project hand-offs, and manufacturing hand-offs
  • Completing assigned EWR work


What We're Looking For

Competencies:

  • Technical Capacity
  • Problem Solving/Analysis
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Financial Management
  • Leadership
  • Performance Management
  • Business Acumen
  • Communication Proficiency
  • Professionalism


Required Education & Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED or higher
  • Minimum 3 years of related design engineering experience


Preferred Education & Experience:

  • Associate's degree or higher in engineering or a related science
  • Minimum 2 years of design engineering experience


Physical Requirements

This role is primarily office-based with some time in production and outdoor environments. Team members must be able to:

  • Stand, walk, sit, and alternate positions throughout the day
  • Use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed
  • Occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Maintain close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus


Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a professional office setting with occasional time in production areas and outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.


Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.


Relocation
At this time, relocation assistance is not available for this position. We encourage candidates within a commutable distance of Manning, IA or those willing to relocate independently to apply.


What Puck Offers You

We believe our team members deserve a benefits package as strong as the products we build. Full-time team members are eligible for benefits beginning the first of the month following 60 days of employment.


Health & Wellness

  • Medical insurance through Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield - choice of $2,000 PPO or High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
  • Employee-only medical premium starting at $120/month
  • Free Doctor on Demand virtual visits (covered at 100% on both plans)
  • Dental insurance through Delta Dental of Iowa
  • Vision insurance through Delta Vision
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) - eligible with HDHP enrollment
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care options


Financial Protection

  • Company-paid Basic Life & AD&D Insurance (1x annual earnings up to $50,000)
  • Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability - replaces up to 60% of income (up to $1,500/week)
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability - replaces up to 60% of income (up to $7,500/month)
  • Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance through Mutual of Omaha
  • 401(k) retirement plan


Support & Well-Being

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Mutual of Omaha - free, confidential support for emotional, legal, financial, and personal well-being available 24/7/365


Equal Employment Opportunity

Puck provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Puck complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Puck expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.


Ready to Join the Team?

Apply today atwww.puck.com/careersor contact our HR team:

Email:hr@puck.comPhone:712-655-9200

Puck | Built to Lead.