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Associate Engineer Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Ignite is currently seeking a driven, detail-oriented Associate Loads and Dynamics Engineer to join our team supporting the NGI Program in Huntsville, AL. As a Early Career Loads & Dynamics Engineer ...

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Senior Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Seabrook Solutions is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to provide contract support to our customer, MESA Associates. This position serves as a design lead with ...

Providing accurate, erectable, pre-engineered metal building solutions in a self-directed sales ... both customers and other associates. * Initiates and promotes teamwork within the company.

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Associate Engineer information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$38.9K

$77.5K

$123.7K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Decatur, AL is $77,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,400.00 and $89,100.00 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 competitive industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

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 assists in designing, developing, and testing engineering projects, often supporting senior engineers with technical tasks. They typically use engineering software, follow project specifications, and may need relevant certifications or training to perform their duties effectively.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,467 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
ASSOCIATES LOADS DYNAMICS ENGINEER

ASSOCIATES LOADS DYNAMICS ENGINEER

IGNITE

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Job Title
ASSOCIATES LOADS DYNAMICS ENGINEER
Location
Huntsville, AL 35806 US (Primary)
Category
Engineering
Job Type
Full-Time
Career Level
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Security Clearance Required
Secret
Job Description
Igniters operate in the world's most demanding environment. Igniters are self-motivated, mission-driven, and relentless in solving the Warfighters' hardest problems. We move fast, think differently, and execute with precision to tackle high-stakes challenges across AI/ML, space and missile defense intelligence, EMSO, advanced analytics, and programmatic domains. As an employee-owned SDVOSB headquartered in Huntsville, AL, our team delivers mission-critical impact for the Army, Air Force, Space Force, MDA, NASA, DIA, and FBI.
Ignite exists to outpace the threat and deliver results that matter in the moments that count.
Ignite is currently seeking a driven, detail-oriented Associate Loads and Dynamics Engineer to join our team supporting the NGI Program in Huntsville, AL. As a Early Career Loads & Dynamics Engineer supporting the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program, you will play a critical role in ensuring spacecraft and flight hardware can withstand the extreme environments of launch and spaceflight.
Job Requirements
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Perform structural dynamics analysis for spacecraft flight hardware operating in demanding launch and space environments • Develop and maintain analytical models using in-house and commercial software to simulate vibration, shock, and mechanical loading conditions • Conduct loads development at the component, subsystem, and system level • Evaluate dynamic environments including shock, vibration, and mechanism motion • Support component and system-level testing, including vibration, modal, static, separation dynamics, and shock tests • Analyze test data and document results in clear technical reports and presentations • Define and integrate structural and dynamic requirements into the system baseline • Present technical findings at design reviews, technical interchange meetings, engineering review boards, and test readiness reviews
Job Requirements and Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering or similar technical field • Experience performing structural dynamics analyses, loads, or environments development • Experience in finite element modeling and analysis using NX Simcenter, NASTRAN, LS-Dyna, Wave6, or equivalent • Experience in programming and use of MATLAB (or equivalent) for analysis and data manipulation • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, US citizenship is required
Desired Skills: • Master's degree in Aerospace, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering with structural dynamics and loads/environments development experience • Expertise in vibroacoustic and shock analyses on spacecraft/launch vehicles using Wave6 • Experience in the planning and execution of static, vibration, acoustic, modal, and shock testing for aerospace flight hardware
• Experience with structural dynamics rigid body and flexible body analyses of composite structures, metallic structures, and mechanisms • Experience in Finite Element Modeling, modal analysis, Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA), and model correlation/verification • Excellent communication skills-both written and verbal, self-motivated, and able and willing to support multiple projects
Security Clearance Requirements:
ACTIVE SECRET
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in a STEM Discipline
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.
Accommodation Request: If you are a qualified individual with a disability or are a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our Careers sites as a result of your disability, you have the right to receive assistance in completing the application process. Please send your request to IgniteHR@IgniteNow.Net