1

Associate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Engineers possess the applicable educational and training background required for the professional engineering series, including appropriate certificates and licenses in the field, as well ...

An Associate Engineer will also assist higher level engineers on large and complex public works projects. The Associate Engineer position under the Public Works Design Services Section is a critical ...

Associate Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$115K - $147K/yr

Associate Engineers possess the applicable educational and training background required for the professional engineering series, including appropriate certificates and licenses in the field, as well ...

Associate Engineer - Design

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$109K - $164K/yr

An Associate Engineer will also assist higher level engineers on large and complex public works projects. The Associate Engineer position under the Public Works Design Services Section is a critical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Engineer information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in California is $81,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Associate Engineers?

Associate Engineers are entry-level engineering professionals who support more experienced engineers in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining various projects in their field. They typically work under supervision and assist with tasks such as drafting technical documents, conducting research, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Associate Engineers often gain practical experience and training to advance to higher-level engineering roles as they develop their skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.

What can you do with an Associate in engineering?

An associate degree in engineering prepares individuals for technical roles such as engineering technician, CAD drafter, or quality control inspector. These positions often involve supporting engineering projects, using tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB, and may require certification or on-the-job training to develop specialized skills.

What Is an Associate Engineer?

An associate engineer is a lower level engineer in many fields of engineering, including environmental, civil, and mechanical. The title denotes rank and experience level. As an associate engineer, your typical job duties involve analyzing project plans, designing products, maintaining equipment, closely following specifications and procedures, and writing reports. The specific duties vary widely depending upon your field and employer. This career usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and obtaining a license in your state. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience, strong technical skills, and a familiarity with your specific industry.

What is the work of an Associate engineer?

An Associate Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in the design, development, testing, and implementation of engineering projects. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, utilize tools like CAD software, and may need relevant certifications or technical skills to perform tasks effectively.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most associate engineers do not earn this level of salary, senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, petroleum, or aerospace engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries. Achieving this income typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures.

What is the difference between Associate Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssociate EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-level certificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; professional licensure (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and support roles in engineering teams; often in office or lab settingsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing in industrial or construction settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position across various industries like manufacturing, construction, and techDesign and development roles primarily in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

The main difference between an Associate Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting engineering tasks, while Mechanical Engineers have more experience and handle complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but Mechanical Engineers often pursue licensure for advanced roles. The choice depends on your experience level and career goals within engineering fields.

What are some typical challenges Associate Engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Associate Engineers often find the transition from academic projects to industry roles challenging due to differences in project scope, teamwork dynamics, and pace. In industry, you’ll likely work on larger, multi-disciplinary teams where effective communication and collaboration are crucial. Additionally, projects often have stricter deadlines and require adherence to established processes and standards, which may be less emphasized in academic settings. Embracing continuous learning and seeking mentorship from senior engineers can help ease this transition and set you up for success.

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

To thrive as an Associate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate technical solutions and contributing effectively to engineering projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in CA? For Associate Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Assistant Engineer / Associate Engineer

Assistant Engineer / Associate Engineer

Helix Water District

La Mesa, CA • On-site

$107K - $158K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Position PLEASE NOTE: Helix Water District is seeking one individual to join our engineering team. Successful candidate will be placed in either the Assistant Engineer or Associate Engineer position, depending on qualifications. OPEN UNTIL FILLED Any applications received after Sunday, April 19, 2026, will only be considered if the position is not filled.

This is your opportunity to join a team that is shaping the future of water. While this position is based out of La Mesa, California, we deliver reliable water to the cities of La Mesa, Lemon Grove and El Cajon, and to unincorporated areas of the county including Spring Valley and Lakeside. We are a progressive public water agency dedicated to innovation, sustainability and supporting the communities we serve.

Our design section is looking for a motivated engineering professional - at the Assistant Engineer or Associate Engineer level, depending on experience - to help develop forward-thinking solutions that keep our systems resilient and reliable. WHY CHOOSE HELIX. At Helix, people come first.

We are committed to our values, invested in our employees and proud of a culture where collaboration, growth and meaningful work go hand in hand. If you are excited to contribute to impactful projects and advance your engineering career in a supportive, mission-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you. EXCELLENT SALARY & BENEFITS PACKAGE.

Not only do we foster an atmosphere of team spirit and open communication, but we are also committed to providing compensation that is equitable and competitive. Whether you are just beginning your journey as an inspector or have years of experience, we have a great opportunity for you. Assistant Engineer: $107,598 - $137,280/annually Associate Engineer: $124,550 - $158,954/annually We offer employees: 100% employee premiums paid for all health benefits Annual Merit Increases.

Full-time employees are eligible for 5% merit increases on an annual basis until they reach the top of their pay range. CalPERS membership Deferred Compensation. Up to $3,500 matching on 457 plans 24 annual days of accrued leave (Increases to 29 after 5 years of service, max 37 annual days of accrued leave) Educational Reimbursement of up to $4,000 annually for qualifying coursework after one year of employment 12 paid holidays per year including 2 floating holidays The Assistant Engineer / Associate Engineer classes are both exempt positions.

The Assistant Engineer is our entry- to journey-level professional class while the Associate Engineer is our advanced journey-level professional class. Overview of Responsibilities Our Assistant Engineers / Associate Engineers in the design section help plan, design, and deliver water infrastructure projects by performing a variety of engineering tasks including in-house design, construction administration, plan checks, development reviews, hydraulic modeling, engineering calculations, and preparing or overseeing plans, specifications, studies, and cost estimates. They support projects from planning through construction by coordinating with contractors, consultants, district staff, and outside agencies; providing field and construction support; reviewing change orders and submittals; and maintaining project records.

At the Associate Engineer level, responsibilities expand to supervising staff, leading major capital projects, managing consultant procurement and budgets, developing district standards and board-level reports, and representing the district in higher-level coordination and technical assignments such as annexations and emergency interconnections. To see the full job description for the Assistant Engineer / Associate Engineer position, visit our Careers page at www.hwd.com/Careers. There you will find detailed information about the responsibilities, qualifications and expectations for this role

Qualifications Qualified candidates will have the following: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in civil engineering or another engineering discipline acceptable to the district; a master's degree in engineering can substitute for one year of engineering experience. Candidates must have a valid Class C California driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the district's vehicle insurance policy. Assistant Engineer: A minimum of two years of related civil engineering experience.

Possession of an Engineer-in-Training certificate from the State of California. Associate Engineer: A minimum of three years of responsible civil engineering experience, preferably in a water industry, including a minimum of one year of project management responsibility. A certificate of registration as a professional engineer issued by the State of California.

Registration must be maintained while in this job classification. Application Process To be considered for the Assistant Engineer / Associate Engineer, please select the APPLY button to complete the online application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an online application.

For a complete list of job responsibilities, please visit our careers page. Recruitment Steps: Submit Application Skills Exercise 1st Interview Final Interview