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Associate Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Contraline, Inc.

Associate Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

About the role The Associate Product Development Engineer will support the design, prototyping, testing, and refinement of implantable medical devices, delivery systems, and manufacturing fixtures.

New

Instant Systems Inc

Associate Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Associate Engineer (AE). The AE will apply engineering principles to acquire, implement, design and develop in order to drive innovation and manufacturability to fulfill client needs as well as the ...

Instant Systems Inc

Associate Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Associate Engineer (AE). The AE will apply engineering principles to acquire, implement, design and develop in order to drive innovation and manufacturability to fulfill client needs as well as the ...

Instant Systems Inc

Associate Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Description Associate Engineer (AE). The AE will apply engineering principles to acquire, implement, design and develop in order to drive innovation and manufacturability to fulfill client needs as ...

Leidos

Associate Engineer Drafter

Reston, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for an Engineer Drafter in Reston, Virginia. In this role, you will create and modify detailed part, assembly, installation, and facility engineering drawings using ...

Leidos

Associate Engineer Drafter

Reston, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for an Engineer Drafter in Reston, Virginia. In this role, you will create and modify detailed part, assembly, installation, and facility engineering drawings using ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Design Engineer, Associate

Tysons, VA · On-site

$65K - $104K/yr

Responsibilities Design Engineer, Associate Essential responsibilities and activities include but are not limited to: * Uses the electrical engineering web site to access department guides and ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Design Engineer Associate

VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Responsibilities Design Engineer, Associate Essential responsibilities and activities include but are not limited to: * Uses the electrical engineering web site to access department guides and ...

McKinstry

Associate DER Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Opportunity with McKinstry We're looking for an experienced Associate Electrical Engineer to join our growing Engineering and Design team in Richmond, VA. In this role, you'll play a key part in ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Associate Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$81.9K

$130.9K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Virginia is $81,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $94,200.00 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Associate Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in VA? For Associate Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,927 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Associate Engineer

Associate Engineer

Contraline, Inc.

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

New

Job description

About Contraline Inc.
Contraline is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on innovation in male reproductive health. The company is advancing both hormonal and non-hormonal approaches to expand contraceptive options for men and couples globally.
Following its recently completed Series B financing, Contraline is entering a pivotal stage of growth as it advances toward late-stage clinical development, regulatory milestones, expanded manufacturing, and future product launch.
About the role
The Associate Product Development Engineer will support the design, prototyping, testing, and refinement of implantable medical devices, delivery systems, and manufacturing fixtures. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys designing and building hardware, conducting laboratory experiments, and working hands-on with rapid prototyping and manufacturing equipment. Working closely with senior engineering staff, the Associate Engineer will contribute to product development through mechanical design, prototype fabrication, benchtop testing, and laboratory operations in a collaborative startup environment. This is a full-time, on-site position.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Support the design and development of implantable medical devices, delivery systems, manufacturing fixtures, and laboratory tooling.
  • Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using company drafting standards and best engineering practices.
  • Design, fabricate, assemble, and troubleshoot prototypes using additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and other rapid prototyping methods.
  • Plan, execute, document, and analyze benchtop experiments to evaluate device performance, manufacturing processes, and engineering concepts to support engineering decisions and process improvements.
  • Support preclinical studies by preparing devices, fixtures, and test equipment and assisting with engineering activities before, during, and after studies.
  • Maintain the engineering prototyping workshop, including organization, equipment maintenance, consumable inventory, calibration coordination, and implementation of safe operating practices.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory and prototyping equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, microscopes, and other engineering equipment.
  • Identify opportunities to improve prototype fabrication methods, laboratory organization, engineering workflows, and testing efficiency.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and external vendors to support successful product development activities.
  • Support aseptic manufacturing activities for preclinical and clinical builds, including material preparation, equipment setup, process execution, and adherence to cleanroom and contamination control procedures.
  • Assist the R&D team with broader company objectives and projects as they come up.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline
  • 0-2 years of engineering experience (internships, undergraduate research, or co-op experience encouraged)
  • Experience with CAD software (Fusion360 preferred)
  • Familiarity with engineering drawings and mechanical design principles
  • Experience with 3D printing, machining, fabrication, or other hands-on engineering projects
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
  • Experience designing and conducting laboratory or engineering experiments
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced startup environment
  • Ability to work on-site in laboratory and controlled manufacturing environments, including standing for extended periods, performing hands-on benchtop work, using PPE/cleanroom gowning as required, and lifting to 25 lbs.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Contraline is a Charlottesville-based company working at the forefront of reproductive medicine. We believe that we go further when we go together. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. All backgrounds, identities, and voices are welcomed!
The pay range for this role is:
57,000 - 75,000 USD per year (Charlottesville)

Apply