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Associate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Join us. AECOM is seeking an Associate Engineer for one of our offices in Sacramento, CA . This role will assist with engineering design, CAD drafting, construction documentation, and project ...

AECOM

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Join us. AECOM is seeking an Associate Engineer for one of our offices in Sacramento, CA . This role will assist with engineering design, CAD drafting, construction documentation, and project ...

AECOM

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA

Join us. AECOM is seeking an Associate Engineer for one of our offices in Sacramento, CA . This role will assist with engineering design, CAD drafting, construction documentation, and project ...

City of Indio, CA

Associate Engineer

Indio, CA · On-site

$101K - $149K/yr

The Associate Engineer is the journey level class in the professional engineering series in which incumbents are expected to work of average difficulty. It differs from the Assistant Engineer class ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Engineer information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 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.
More about Associate Engineer jobs
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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:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.
Civil Associate Engineer in Land Development

Civil Associate Engineer in Land Development

Cannon Corp

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$95K - $140K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description

You'll Come for a Job...But You'll Stay for an Exciting Career!Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions.


SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative solutions to clients in the energy industry, water resources, public infrastructure, and commercial and residential development. We work hard. We play hard. We have fun.


JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL ASSOCIATE ENGINEER LAND DEVELOPMENT  in WEST LOS ANGELES. West Los Angeles is known for its many popular recreational opportunities, and our office is conveniently located adjacent to the Expo MetroLink Commuter line.  


CIVIL ASSOCIATE ENGINEER LAND DEVELOPMENT JOB SUMMARY

The Civil Associate Engineer - Land Development, assists team members with a variety of tasks on a wide range of complex land development projects including residential, commercial, mixed-use developments and institutional projects. Assignments include project management, design, reporting, supervising, and mentoring less-experienced team members, and representing the company in coordinating with agencies, clients, and other consultants.



CIVIL ASSOCIATE ENGINEER LAND DEVELOPMENT JOB DUTIES

  • Manages a variety of complex civil engineering land development projects.
  • Develops and maintains budgets, schedules, scopes, and work plans.
  • Ensures the projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and on budget.
  • Works independently on engineering design for projects.
  • Performs complex calculations for earthwork, drainage, and grading.
  • Uses technical knowledge to design plans for grading, drainage, utility, street improvements, storm drains, sanitary sewers, and water lines.
  • Oversees portions of large projects, supervising a team of engineers and technicians.
  • Analyzes and recommends solutions to complex drainage problems.
  • Checks routine designs developed by engineers and technicians.
  • Communicates effectively with various departments, clients, and agencies.

Requirements

  • Requires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college.
  • Requires 7+ years' experience in civil engineering and design specifically pertaining to land development projects.
  • Requires a California P.E. license.
  • Requires current and recent experience with various public agencies in Southern California.
  • Requires current and recent experience with large residential and commercial developers in Southern California.
  • Proficient in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
  • Highly proficient with code principles and able to convey them to others.
  • Proven expertise in land development and public works design.
  • Experience in management of client relationships.
  • Capable of managing a project from start through construction administration and handling multiple assignments concurrently.
  • Experience in hydrologic and hydraulic analyses a plus.

WE OFFER competitive salaries, excellent benefits package, a hybrid work schedule, and an active and positive team building, work environment.


Cannon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age.

Apply