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Associate Electrical Engineering Jobs in California

Associate's Degree in a technical discipline Required Skills & Competencies * Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering fundamentals * Hands-on experience building prototypes from ...

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Associate Electrical Engineering information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.6K

$165.8K

How much do associate electrical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate electrical engineering in California is $109,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $130,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Electrical engineers typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with higher earnings possible in senior roles, specialized fields, or management positions. Reaching a $500,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-paying industries such as aerospace or energy, often combined with leadership responsibilities. Such salaries are uncommon for entry- or mid-level positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Electrical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Electrical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and simulation tools, as well as knowledge of relevant codes and standards, is commonly required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and attention to detail help individuals excel in collaborative project environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering reliable engineering solutions, ensuring safety, and meeting project objectives efficiently.

What can I do with associates in electrical engineering?

An associate's degree in electrical engineering prepares individuals for technician, engineering assistant, or technical support roles in fields such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy. Graduates can work with tools like circuit testers and software for design and analysis, and may pursue certifications to enhance job prospects.

What jobs pay 70k a year with an Associate's degree?

An Associate Electrical Engineer or similar roles in electrical engineering can pay around $70,000 annually, especially with relevant skills in circuit design, testing, and project management. These positions often require technical knowledge, proficiency with electrical tools, and sometimes industry certifications, and they typically involve working in manufacturing, construction, or consulting environments.

What types of projects can an Associate Electrical Engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Associate Electrical Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from assisting in the design and testing of electrical systems to supporting senior engineers with drafting plans and preparing documentation. Early in your role, you'll likely participate in site visits, help troubleshoot issues, and contribute to team meetings focused on project progress. This hands-on experience not only develops your technical skills but also introduces you to industry standards and collaborative workflows, laying the foundation for future advancement.

What are Associate Electrical Engineers?

Associate Electrical Engineers are early-career professionals who assist in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems and components. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and are responsible for tasks such as drafting schematics, conducting tests, troubleshooting issues, and preparing reports. This role often serves as a stepping stone for gaining experience and advancing to more senior engineering positions.

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

AspectAssociate Electrical EngineeringElectrical Engineer
QualificationsAssociate's degree or equivalent; some certificationsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles, supporting engineering teams, labs, or manufacturingDesign, develop, and oversee electrical systems; more independent responsibilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with projects, testing, and documentationDesigning circuits, analyzing systems, project management

The main difference between Associate Electrical Engineering and Electrical Engineer lies in education, experience, and responsibilities. An associate typically supports engineering tasks and has an entry-level role, while an electrical engineer holds a bachelor's degree and takes on more complex design and analysis responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior electrical engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, power systems, or consulting. Leadership roles such as engineering managers or principal engineers also have the potential to reach this salary level, often requiring strong project management and technical expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Electrical Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Electrical Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Electrical Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Electrical Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,636 per year, or $52.7 per hour.
Electrical Engineering Technician

Electrical Engineering Technician

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$47 - $65/hr

Other

Posted 1 hour ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril is seeking an Electrical Engineering Technician to join the Maneuver Dominance at our Costa Mesa HQ. The Maneuver Dominance (MD) Team at Anduril develops aerial robotic systems designed to operate in large coordinated teams in concert with ground maneuver forces. We leverage existing Anduril drone platforms like Ghost, Altius, or Roadrunner, in addition to bringing 3rd party platforms into Anduril's Lattice ecosystem. We develop perception and autonomy algorithms to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers.
ABOUT THE JOB
In this position, you will work closely with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross-departments as part of a team focused on solving hard problems and changing the industry forever. In this role you will be responsible for designing and supporting the integration of various subsystems, supporting testing efforts, and ensuring overall system performance meets the required specifications and standards. Join our dynamic team and help us build the next generation of autonomous flight systems.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design, build, assemble, and modify complex cable and wire harness assemblies for prototype and production
  • Troubleshoot and repair of electrical, electronics and integrated circuits to the component level
  • Execute comprehensive test plans: set up, configure, and operate benchtop test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters, signal generators, etc.) to verify performance of PCBs and integrated electronic systems
  • Perform precision PCB rework and assembly
  • Provide detailed feedback to engineering team on process improvements, common issues, line layout, and work instructions
  • Assist with maintenance/upgrades of HITL and engineering vehicle fleet
  • Maintain and calibrate electrical and/or mechanical test equipment
  • Operate a clean and safe work environment

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 4+ years of electronics testing experience in an R&D environment
  • Familiarity with reading electrical system and component schematics
  • Familiarity with product development life cycle, reliability, and compliance testing
  • Familiarity with electronics test equipment such as power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscope, function generators, data acquisition and measurement sensors
  • Strong root cause analysis skills
  • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Able to pivot quickly between tasks and prioritize simultaneous tasks in a fast-paced environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years electronics experience including testing
  • Associate degree in Electrical/Electronics, Computer, Mechanical Technologies, or related fields
  • Familiarity with IPC Quality Standards, IPC-610, IPC-620, J-STD and other assembly and inspection standards
  • Experience with High Voltage and High Power Testing such as propulsion inverters and batteries
  • Experience with equipment calibration and metrology
  • Experience with electrical compliance testing such as EMI/EMC testing

US Hourly Range
$47-$65 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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