1

Associate Engineer Jobs in Eden Prairie, MN (NOW HIRING)

EMA is looking for Early Career Engineers to play a key role in supporting our engineering projects from concept to completion. We'll provide mentorship, training, and opportunities to expand your ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Engineer information

See Eden Prairie, MN salary details

$42.3K

$84.3K

$134.6K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Eden Prairie, MN is $84,252.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $96,900.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Eden Prairie, MN? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Eden Prairie, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Eden Prairie, MN? For Associate Engineer jobs in Eden Prairie, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Eden Prairie, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Eden Prairie, MN are:
What cities near Eden Prairie, MN are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Eden Prairie, MN with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Eden Prairie, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,252 per year, or $40.5 per hour.
Associate Engineer or Engineer

Associate Engineer or Engineer

Metropolitan Council

Saint Paul, MN • Hybrid

$75K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Metropolitan Council rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

475th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

WHO WE ARE We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

The Environmental Services (ES) Division has three vacancies for either an Associate Engineer or Engineer (depending on qualifications) in the Plant Engineering group within the Capital Design and Delivery department. Associate Engineer - Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $75,774 - $86,008 Engineer - Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $84,053 - $97,698 *The starting salary will depend on the selected candidate's experience, skills, education, and internal salary equity. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment. The Environmental Services (ES) Division of the Metropolitan Council operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long-range water resources and supply planning, and air and water quality monitoring to meet future needs.

ES Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. ES received a Governor's Award as a Great Place to Work. To find out more about the Environmental Services Division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Plant Engineering group consists of 19 engineers, engineering support, and administrative staff. As an Associate Engineer or Engineer in the Plant Engineering group you will have an opportunity to work on all phases of capital project delivery - from planning, through design and construction support - at one or more of 9 ES Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) that treat municipal wastewater collected within the 7-county Twin Cities region. To start, the successful candidate will be assigned to a project delivery team led by a project manager in the Plant Engineering group.

Following is a partial list of current Plant Engineering projects: ES Wastewater Treatment Plant Capital Projects/Programs Estimated Construction Cost Metropolitan WRRF Fourth Incinerator $285M Metropolitan WRRF Effluent Pumping Station Rehabilitation $40M Seneca WRRF Piping and Site Rehabilitation $10M Hastings WRRF Renewal $30M New Crow River WRRF $180M System-Wide Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Replacement $20M If you are a civil engineer, an electrical engineer with interest in power distribution or instrumentation and controls, an environmental engineer or have a related engineering degree, with interest in wastewater treatment and you enjoy participating in high-functioning teams, then this position might be right for you. The best qualified candidates will have excellent communication skills and a passion for providing high-level customer service in fulfilling the ES mission of providing wastewater services and integrated planning to ensure sustainable water quality and water supply for the region. After an initial period of on-site work, this position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement.

The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. What you would do in this job Perform field evaluations and observation. Assist in the preparation of engineering studies, feasibility reports, engineering evaluations, technical memoranda, cost estimates, etc.

to develop alternative solutions and answer "what if" scenarios by gathering and analyzing data. Evaluate mechanical equipment, products and systems for wastewater treatment processes and facilities. Develop plans and specifications for construction projects under the direction of Plant Engineering Project Managers.

Establish and maintain appropriate facility and project files. Represent the Council with regulatory agencies, local interests, neighborhood groups, cities, metropolitan county, state, and federal governmental units, industrial user groups and other interested parties. Provide engineering assistance to wastewater treatment plant operations, ES maintenance, and the plant engineering staff.

Complete related duties as assigned. What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications) Associate Engineer Bachelor's degree in engineering or in a directly related area of discipline AND Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam within six months of hire. *Note: FE exam replaces the former Engineering in Training (EIT) exam Engineer Bachelor's degree in engineering or in a directly related area of discipline AND At least two years of related engineering experience AND Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam within six months of hire.

Note: FE exam replaces the former Engineering in Training (EIT) exam What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications): Experience or completed college-level coursework in wastewater treatment, water treatment, hydraulics, power distribution or instrumentation and controls. Experience writing and/or presenting technical concepts. Experience with or exposure to engineering work associated with capital projects or capital project management.

Basic computer skills using Microsoft Application software, BlueBeam, and/or E-Builder (Trimble Unity Construct). Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments. What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job: Knowledge of practical applications of engineering theories and principles.

Knowledge of ES water resource recovery facilities and practices. Ability to develop written problem statements and alternatives for the purpose of completing business case evaluations. Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports suited to the needs of the audience.

Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications from the owner perspective. Ability to effectively work in a team environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Increased proficiency in computer skills necessary to complete work, e.g., Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams, E-builder, Bluebeam, Oracle Work Asset Management (WAM), Microsoft SharePoint, Wonderware. What you can expect from us: We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement

We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance. More about why you should join us. Additional information Classification Level: Associate Engineer Union: AFSCME Grade F FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $75,774 - $88,008 Full Salary Range: $75,774 - $122,990 Classification Level: Engineer Union: AFSCME Grade G FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $84,053 - $97,698 Full Salary Range: $81,973 - $132,933 What your work environment would be: The majority of time, work is performed in a standard office setting and at various plant sites throughout the region.

Periodic construction or project site visits will be required. What steps the recruitment process involves: We review your minimum qualifications. We rate your education and experience.

We conduct a structured panel interview. We conduct a selection interview. Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then: If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history.

A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position. IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.


What Metropolitan Council employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom