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Associate Engineer Jobs in Elk Point, SD (NOW HIRING)

Cargill

Associate Engineer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Job Purpose and Impact As an Engineer I, you'll play an active, day-to-day role in improving how all aspects of a soybean processing plant operate together-working continuously alongside operators ...

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Associate Engineer information

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$40.8K

$81.2K

$129.8K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Elk Point, SD is $81,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $93,400.00 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 cities near Elk Point, SD are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Elk Point, SD with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Elk Point, SD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,228 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Associate Engineer

Sioux City, IA • On-site

Cargill
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 225 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about Cargillexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life's essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

This position is in our Ag & Trading enterprise, where we connect producers and users of grains and oilseeds around the globe through origination, trading, processing, and distribution. We also offer a range of farmer services and risk management solutions. 

Job Purpose and Impact

As an Engineer I, you'll play an active, day-to-day role in improving how all aspects of a soybean processing plant operate together-working continuously alongside operators, maintenance teams, and supervisors to optimize how soybeans are crushed into meal and oil. This role is rooted in ongoing, hands-on collaboration, where you'll help identify opportunities, troubleshoot real-world challenges, and implement practical improvements that make the operation safer, smoother, and more efficient.

You'll build a strong foundation by applying engineering standards in a live production environment, learning directly from front-line teams and experienced engineers. Your work will include supporting process improvements, reliability efforts, and small-to-medium capital projects-helping plan, design, and evaluate timelines and costs-while contributing to the upkeep and performance of the systems and equipment that keep the plant running every day.

Key Accountabilities
  • Follow prescribed guidelines or policies to analyze and resolve problems.
  • Continue to build knowledge of the organization, processes and customers.
  • Contribute to designing and improving manufacturing processes, instruments and equipment, testing manufactured products to maintain quality.
  • Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Prefered Qualifications 

  • Degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering
  • Previous industrial co-op or internship experience in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
  • Experience of continuous processes
  • Manufacturing industry work experience
Position Information
  • Location: Sioux City, Iowa
  • Relocation assistance may be available for this role
  • Work Schedule: Day shift

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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