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Associate Engineer Jobs in Fallbrook, CA (NOW HIRING)

NV5

Associate Water/Wastewater Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Overview NV5's Southern California Water/Wastewater Practice has an exciting opportunity for an associate engineer. Our practice focuses on the planning and design of water, wastewater, and recycled ...

RICK

Associate Engineering Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$38.50 - $48.50/hr

As an Associate Civil Engineering Designer in San Diego, CA, you will have an opportunity to work ... Engineer-in-Training Certificate is required * Experience calculating earthwork take-offs and other ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Fallbrook, CA

Associate Engineer information

See Fallbrook, CA salary details

$43.5K

$86.6K

$138.4K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Fallbrook, CA is $86,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,700.00 and $99,600.00 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

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For Associate Engineer jobs in Fallbrook, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Fallbrook, CA are:

What cities near Fallbrook, CA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fallbrook, CA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Fallbrook, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,613 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

2027 Associate Engineer GNC / Engineer GNC - CA

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman's MQ-4C Triton Program is seeking an Associate Engineer Guidance Navigation Control / Engineer Aeronautical to support the VMS team in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Vehicle Engineering group. In Vehicle Engineering, we develop manned and unmanned aircraft platforms for all programs in the Aeronautics Systems Sector.

The selected candidate will perform various Guidance & Control (G&C) tasks for the Triton Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) Program.

Essential Functions

The selected candidate will perform the following, including, but not limited to:

  • Non-linear 6DOF Simulation analysis (including stress testing, trade studies, mission analysis, etc).

  • Linear MATLAB analysis (gain/phase margin determination, gain/filter determination, etc).

  • Embedded flight control software designing, coding and testing.

  • Support flight testing (pre-flight predictions, real-time support, post flight analysis, parameter identification, etc).

  • Maintain or develop current state-of-the-art tools for the department by keeping abreast of new or improved G&C methods or processes.

  • Support proposal preparation efforts and new project activities, including technical, cost, and schedule.

This requisition may be filled at either an Associate Engineer GNC (level 1) or Engineer GNC (level 2).

Basic Qualifications for an Associate Engineer GNC (level 1)

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026.

  • Be majoring in or having majored in: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a similar STEM degree.

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access may be required to start.

Basic Qualifications for an Engineer GNC (level 2)

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their Master's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026 or is completing their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of Aeronautical engineering experience (or similar engineering experience) by August 2026.

  • Be majoring in or having majored in: Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a similar STEM degree.

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access may be required to start.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.25/4.0 or higher

  • Previous internship/co-op or other work experience, leadership & teamwork capabilities, interpersonal communication skills, and activities (professional/community/extracurricular).

  • Experience in Matlab and Simulink

  • Knowledge of C/C++ and Python

  • Knowledge of flight sciences, control law development, or control system analysis.

  • Excellent communication, analysis and problem-solving skills

Pay Range CA

  • Associate Engineer GNC (T01): $76,200 - $114,400

  • Engineer GNC (T02): $91,800 - $137,600

Campusjobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $62,300.00 - $114,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $75,100.00 - $137,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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