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Associate Electrical Engineering Jobs in Merced, CA

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Merced, CA · On-site

Preparing architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drawings * Designing grading and drainage ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Merced, CA · On-site

Preparing architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drawings * Designing grading and drainage ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

All JobsAssociate Electrical Engineering JobsAssociate Electrical Engineering Jobs in Merced, CA

Associate Electrical Engineering information

See Merced, CA salary details

$53.3K

$117.3K

$177.4K

How much do associate electrical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate electrical engineering in Merced, CA is $117,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,600.00 and $139,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate electrical engineer do?

An associate electrical engineer assists in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, use tools like CAD software, and may need relevant certifications or a degree in electrical engineering. Their tasks include analyzing electrical components, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Is an Associates in electrical engineering worth it?

An Associate's degree in electrical engineering can provide foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level technician or engineering assistant roles. It often leads to jobs involving circuit design, maintenance, and troubleshooting, and can serve as a stepping stone to further education or certifications like the Professional Engineer license.

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

Electrical engineers typically earn salaries well below $500,000 annually, with top earners in specialized fields such as power systems, aerospace, or executive roles potentially reaching higher compensation. Achieving such a high income usually requires advanced experience, leadership positions, or working in high-paying industries and locations, often supplemented by bonuses or stock options.

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 jobs can I get with an associate's degree in electrical engineering?

An associate's degree in electrical engineering can qualify you for roles such as electrical technician, engineering assistant, or maintenance technician. These positions often involve working with electrical systems, circuit testing, and using tools like oscilloscopes and multimeters in industrial, commercial, or residential settings.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Engineering jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Electrical Engineering jobs in Merced, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Electrical Engineering jobs in Merced, CA? For Associate Electrical Engineering jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Electrical Engineering jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Electrical Engineering jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Associate Electrical Engineering jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Associate Electrical Engineering job openings:
Associate Electrical Engineering jobs near you
Automation Technician / Automation Engineer

Automation Technician / Automation Engineer

The Morning Star Company

Los Banos, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description


Automation Technician / Automation Engineer
Location
Liberty Packing Company, LLC

About the Company
The Morning Star Company and its affiliates operate three tomato processing facilities in Central California, processing about 40% of the California processing tomato crop, in addition to tomato growing, transplanting, farming, harvesting and trucking operations.  The company employs approximately 500 year-round and over 3,000 seasonal colleagues, with annual sales of about $1 billion.
The Morning Star Company is the largest producer of bulk tomato ingredient products (tomato paste and diced tomatoes) in the world.  We also produce canned tomatoes, tomato products and specialty sauces in pouches for customers in the retail and food service markets.  The company is known worldwide for its innovation and integrity.
We are organizationally structured through a system we term Mission Focused Self-Management™.  Our company is operated by Colleagues without titles or an appointed hierarchy of authority.  Authority relative to other Colleagues’ activities is lateral, with our Mission as our guiding principle of action, and respect, influence and success built based on each Colleague’s integrity, competency, effort, persistence and straightforward persuasiveness.  Although we have grown significantly, we intend to maintain a culture of individual responsibility and Mission Focused Self-Management.
Role Summary
The Automation Technician / Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of industrial automation systems across processing and packaging operations. This role supports reliable plant operation by maintaining PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and electrical control systems while driving continuous improvement, troubleshooting, and automation upgrades in a food and beverage manufacturing environment.
The position works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and external vendors to ensure safe, robust, and efficient automation systems that meet production, quality, and food safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
  • Automation & Controls
    • Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, including logic, I/O, and communications
    • Develop and support HMI/SCADA systems for process monitoring and operator interaction
    • Diagnose and resolve automation-related downtime in processing and packaging equipment
    • Support startup, commissioning, and validation of new automation systems and equipment
    • Program and troubleshoot servo motors and drives
  • Electrical & Instrumentation
    • Troubleshoot electrical control panels, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and field devices
    • Maintain and calibrate instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, level, pH, etc.)
    • Interpret and update electrical schematics, loop diagrams, and P&IDs
    • Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and plant LOTO procedures
  • Continuous Improvement & Projects
    • Identify opportunities to improve OEE, reliability, and process consistency through automation
    • Support capital projects involving new equipment, line upgrades, or controls modernization
    • Standardize controls architectures, programming practices, and documentation
    • Collaborate with vendors, integrators, and internal engineering teams
  • Food & Beverage Manufacturing Support
    • Ensure automation systems support 
  • Food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
    • Participate in CIP/SIP automation, batching, and recipe management systems
    • Support traceability, alarms, data logging, and process controls critical to food production

Required Qualifications
  • Technical Skills
    • Strong working knowledge of PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
    • Experience with HMI/SCADA development and troubleshooting
    • Solid understanding of industrial electrical systems (480V/240V/120V controls, MCCs, VFDs)
    • Experience with process instrumentation and field device integration
    • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, and control narratives
Experience
  • Automation Technician:
    • 3–5 years of hands-on industrial automation and controls experience
    • Automation Engineer:
    • 5+ years of automation/controls experience, including system design and project support
    • Preferred experience in food & beverage, CPG, or regulated manufacturing environments
Education (preferred, not mandatory depending on level)
  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
  • Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered in lieu of formal education

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with batching systems, recipe control, or continuous process automation
  • Familiarity with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
  • Experience supporting capital projects and equipment commissioning
  • Understanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirements
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment

Soft Skills & Attributes
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering
  • Clear communicator with operators, technicians, and management
  • Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
  • Comfortable supporting off-hours troubleshooting during critical production periods

Compensation
The salary for this role is $180,000-$200,000, depending heavily upon qualifications.
Benefits
Morning Star offers a top-tier, comprehensive health plan, including medical, dental, and vision, and we pay the full monthly premiums for the Colleague and all eligible family members. The company also contributes to Colleagues' Health Savings Accounts. Year-round Colleagues are eligible to enroll in our 401K plan, with 4% match. 

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