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Associate Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Illuminate USA

IQC Associate Engineer

Pataskala, OH · On-site

IQC Associate Engineer Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture ...

Illuminateusa

IQC Associate Engineer

Pataskala, OH · On-site

IQC Associate Engineer Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture ...

Rittal LLC

Associate Design Engineer

Urbana, OH · On-site

Associate Design Engineer About Rittal Rittal is a leading global provider of solutions for industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control, and IT infrastructure, as well as software and ...

JumpMind, LLC

Associate AI Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

Associate AI Engineer The Role We're hiring an Associate AI Engineer to work across LLMs, agentic workflows, and advanced AI tooling, building solutions that streamline operations and eliminate ...

JumpMind, LLC

Associate AI Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$75 - $105/hr

Columbus, OH, US 4 days ago Requisition ID: 1058 The Role We're hiring an Associate AI Engineer to work across LLMs, agentic workflows, and advanced AI tooling, building solutions that streamline ...

Kleinfelder Inc

Pipeline Project Engineer

Dublin, OH · Hybrid

Assign tasks to and coordinate work of Associate Engineers and technicians or administrative staff within team * Provide guidance, instruction, and coaching to entry-level and other Engineers ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

Associate Engineer information

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$39.1K

$77.8K

$124.3K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Columbus, OH is $77,791.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $89,400.00 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 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 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.

How much does an associate engineer get paid?

An associate engineer's average salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with experience and additional responsibilities.

What can I do with an associate engineer's degree in engineering?

An associate engineer's degree prepares individuals for entry-level engineering roles such as technician, assistant engineer, or project support staff. These positions often involve tasks like drafting, testing, data analysis, and using tools like CAD software, with opportunities for on-the-job training and certification to advance in engineering fields.

What is the salary of an associate engineer?

The salary of an associate engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on factors such as industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.
More about Associate Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH are:

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For Associate Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH are:

What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Columbus, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,791 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

IQC Associate Engineer

Pataskala, OH • On-site

Illuminate USA
Clean Energy Semiconductors Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about Illuminate USAexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Description
IQC Associate Engineer
Illuminate USA, located in the heart of Central Ohio, is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we've rapidly grown to over 1,600 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.
This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We're not just building solar panels, we're building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you're looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.
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Job Summary:
The Associate IQC Engineer is responsible for supporting incoming quality control activities for solar module raw materials. This role ensures that all incoming materials meet engineering specifications, quality standards, and inspection criteria. The engineer will work closely with SQE, Process Engineering, and Production teams to identify material issues, perform data analysis, and drive continuous quality improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Incoming Inspection & Equipment Operation
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and material standards.
  • Read operating manuals and correctly operate IQC inspection and testing equipment.
  • Perform troubleshooting and basic maintenance of inspection equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and equipment uptime.
  • Create, update, and maintain SOPs, Work Instructions, and Control Plans related to IQC activities.
  • Understand inspection criteria and acceptance standards for solar module raw materials.
  • Clearly document inspection findings and escalate quality issues as required.
  • Create, update, and maintain SPC control charts for incoming material characteristics.
  • Perform trend analysis and monitor material quality performance over time.
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) using structured problem-solving tools and support corrective actions.
  • Monitor raw material quality issues impacting production lines, investigate root causes, and work closely with SQE, Process Engineering, and Production teams to resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education
Associate degree or above (major in Engineering, Materials, Mechanical, Electrical, or related fields preferred).
Technical Skills
  • Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.
  • Hands-on experience with inspection and measurement equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges, and testing instruments).
  • Basic knowledge of SPC, quality tools, and data analysis methods.
  • Familiarity with SOPs, Work Instructions, and Control Plans.

Soft Skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Good communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Detail-oriented with a strong sense of quality and accountability.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.
Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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