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Associate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

II-VI Incorporated

Associate Engineer

Fremont, CA

Communicate effectively with the Program Manager, Design Engineer, and other team members. * Identify and solve problems that arise during the testing and characterization process. * Maintain ...

County of Mono

Associate Engineer

Bridgeport, CA · On-site

$105K - $128K/yr

Job Summary This is a professional level Civil Engineering Position that operates with minimal supervision to develop projects. Tasks range from obtaining funding, gaining environmental and community ...

Coherent Corp.

Associate Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Communicate effectively with the Program Manager, Design Engineer, and other team members. * Identify and solve problems that arise during the testing and characterization process. * Maintain ...

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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 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.
More about Associate Engineer jobs
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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:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
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.
Associate Engineer (JP11647) - Hybrid

Associate Engineer (JP11647) - Hybrid

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA • Hybrid

$30 - $35/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Associate Engineer (JP11647)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320 - Hybrid
Business Unit: Final Product Technologies
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: 18+ months with possible extensions or conversion to FTE
Rate: $30 - $35/hour W2
Posting Date: 07/31/2023
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply. Role is expected to be onsite 2-3 times a week. Must be local or willing to relocate. Contract is 18 months.
3 Key Consulting is recruiting an Associate Engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biotechnology company.
Job Description:
Candidates must have a bioscience or engineering degree. Candidates should have schedule flexibility. OT may be needed at times. Candidates should also be ready to prepare some sample writing and presenting data. in this role they will be expected to present data to the team on a regular basis.
  • Support of senior staff in the initiation, design, and delivery of projects, particularly for primary containers (vials, stoppers, and syringes) and medical device related scope.
  • Employ basic scientific and engineering skills and practices to gather user requirements and translate them into technical documentation for execution.
  • Assist with project definition by performing engineering studies and assessment.

Top Must Have Skill Sets:
  • Technical writing skill
  • Strong ability to analyze data generated from a variety of analytical techniques and system is preferred
  • Previous lab experience in engineering lab or Biochem or is helpful but not required

Day to Day Responsibilities:
Assist senior engineers with the following:
  • Designing the study and drafting protocols.
  • Compiling historical data from different analytical systems.
  • Analyzing the data and presenting the results
  • Writing summery reports.
  • Executing of the protocols includes testing in the lab using vacuum decay leak tester, Instron force tester, balance, microscope, pressure chamber, analytical measurement equipment's like caliper, optical comparator, bore gauges, automated stoppering unit, pipits, and de-crimpers.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Previous lab experience.
  • Strong oral and verbal communication and presentation skill.
  • Experience in analysis of data generated from a variety of analytical techniques is preferred.

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team
Red Flags:
Candidate with a schedule that is not flexible, possible OVT
Bachelors degree not in Bioscience or engineering degree
Interview Process:
One phone and one virtual panel interview.
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume toresumes@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to sharethis opportunity withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

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