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Associate Engineer Jobs in Grafton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Launch Your Engineering Career With Us! Do you thrive on solving problems, managing projects, and working directly with customers? We're looking for a **Junior Applications & Project Engineer **to ...

Associate Project Engineer

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$26.44 - $31.25/hr

Launch Your Engineering Career With Us! Do you thrive on solving problems, managing projects, and working directly with customers? We're looking for a **Junior Applications & Project Engineer **to ...

This position is part of a job family (Associate Engineer, Engineer, and Senior Engineer) where experience will be the determining factor.If you are currently in this Job Family, it will be a lateral ...

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Associate Engineer information

See Grafton, WI salary details

$40.8K

$81.2K

$129.8K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Grafton, WI is $81,246.00, 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 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 Grafton, WI? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Grafton, WI are:
What cities near Grafton, WI are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Grafton, WI with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Grafton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,246 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Associate Engineer, Software

Columbus McKinnon Corporation

Menomonee Falls, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Summary/Overview
The Software Engineer designs and develops embedded software structures for use with new and existing products to include accurate functional design, planning, application, installation, operation, and maintenance. Supplies technical expertise in new methods and approaches to practical software engineering and product problems that ensure quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness, in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Modify existing software for new and existing applications.
  • Perform software design activities to include wireless data interfaces, electrical circuits, etc., working with customers to meet their specifications/requirements and to ensure the meeting of engineering standards.
  • Design software structures and control algorithms for company products and systems. Prepare proposals for new products for customer specific applications.
  • Supply technical expertise and direction to ensure the meeting of customer requirements.
  • Travel to customer sites for start-up of new products, supplying technical expertise (rare to never: <1%)
  • Respond to internal and external customer requests for technical information regarding company products and their application. Act as a technical resource to address and resolve inquiries or technical applications to ensure customer requirements are met.
  • Evaluate competitor products to determine technological advantages or concepts that can be applied to the organization's products.
  • Solve practical engineering problems and improve or develop new methods/approaches to product application, problems and solutions to ensure quality, efficeny, and cost effectiveness; in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Develop engineering manuals, standards, and methods for the department to include functional descriptions, sequence or operations, schematics, drawings, logic diagrams, supporting information on components, spare part recommendations, installation instructions, etc.
  • Participate on cross functional teams to ensure the continuous, on-going improvement of processes, methods, productivity and quality, while reducing costs.
  • Complete special projects as assigned.
  • Maintain technical competency and remain current in technology and changes in the industry.
  • Complete and maintain all required paperwork, records, documents, etc.
  • Follow and comply with all safety and work rules regulations. Maintain departmental housekeeping standards.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities
  • Requires mathematical competency and computer proficiency on MS Office, engineering, and other job-related software.
  • Requires the ability to operate a variety of electronic testing devices and small hand and power tools.
  • Requires the ability to operate a variety of standard business machines, such as a computer and the job-related software, a keyboard, calculator, telephone, FAX, photocopier, etc.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or Computer Science or related field.
  • 2 years' experience with embedded software programming
  • 2 years' experience with Industrial Controls and/or Material Handling products, simulation and systems are preferred.
  • Possess strong technical skills and the ability to be flexible and prioritize multiple projects concurrently.

About Columbus McKinnon:
Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives by efficiently and ergonomically moving, lifting, positioning and securing materials. Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations and digital power and motion control systems. We are focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by our superior design and engineering know-how. Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded company that has been in business for almost 150 years - proud of our heritage, where we come from, and where we're going. As Columbus McKinnon grows globally, so does our need for driven and inspired employees. Join our winning team!
Columbus McKinnon Corporation promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. We also value the safety of all associates and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.