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Associate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$116K - $145K/yr

Associate Engineer (Water Resources & Planning) Associate Engineer (Water Distribution) Please review the recruitment brochure for the assignment(s) that interest you for detailed information and ...

Associate Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$116K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Engineer (Water Distribution) Please review the recruitment brochure for the assignment(s) that interest you for detailed information and application instructions. Depending on the ...

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Associate Engineer provides entry-level engineering and technical support for the transportation client in the construction office. Under the direction of senior engineering staff, the incumbent ...

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$85K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Associate Engineer provides entry-level engineering and technical support for the transportation client in the construction office. Under the direction of senior engineering staff, the incumbent ...

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Associate Engineer provides entry-level engineering and technical support for the transportation client in the construction office. Under the direction of senior engineering staff, the incumbent ...

Associate Engineer

Grover Beach, CA · On-site

$92K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Engineer) Discover Your Career with the City of Grover Beach Working for the City of Grover Beach means serving a vibrant, close-knit coastal community of over 13,000 residents. Located ...

New

Associate Engineer

Grover Beach, CA

$92K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Engineer) Discover Your Career with the City of Grover Beach Working for the City of Grover Beach means serving a vibrant, close-knit coastal community of over 13,000 residents. Located ...

New

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

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$120K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Fresno, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Associate Engineer utilizes Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to prepare and modify engineering drawings, supports engineering analyses, and assists with maintaining project documentation ...

Associate Engineer - Design

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$109K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

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/Senior Civil Engineer

Petaluma, CA

$122K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Associate Engineer: $122.304.00 - 148,657.60 annually (+2% COLA in July 2027) Senior Civil Engineer: $134,534.40 - $163,550.40 annually (+2% COLA in July 2027) FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING: MEDICAL ...

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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 Aug 14, 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 is an associate engineer?

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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% 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.

Associate Engineer

City of Pasadena

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$116K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The City of Pasadena has partnered with Koff & Associates to invite qualified candidates to apply for the position of Associate Engineer. The City is currently recruiting for two Associate Engineers within the Water and Power Department: Associate Engineer (Water Resources & Planning) Associate Engineer (Water Distribution) Please review the recruitment brochure for the assignment(s) that interest you for detailed information and application instructions. Depending on the assignment, the Associate Engineer performs a variety of professional engineering duties supporting the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of the City's water system.

Responsibilities may include water resources planning, engineering studies, capital improvement projects, water distribution infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and coordination with consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other City departments. For further questions or inquiries, please contact Koff & Associates recruiter Chelsea Freeman with any questions or inquiries at 510.570.3844 or by email at Chelsea_Freeman@ajg.com