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Associate Engineer Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI (NOW HIRING)

Associate Packaging Engineer II Posting Start Date: 8/13/26 Posting Location: Ada (Grand Rapids), MI Requisition ID: 43346 Job Title: Associate Packaging Engineer II - Nutrition Department / Division:

Associate Packaging Engineer II - Nutrition Department / Division: Nutrition West Center of Excellence - Research & Development Salary Range: $73,508/yr - $90,000 per year, plus bonus Location: Ada ...

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Associate Engineer information

See Grand Rapids, MI salary details

$39.9K

$79.4K

$126.8K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Grand Rapids, MI is $79,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $91,200.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Grand Rapids, MI?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Grand Rapids, MI are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Grand Rapids, MI?

For Associate Engineer jobs in Grand Rapids, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Grand Rapids, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Grand Rapids, MI are:

What cities near Grand Rapids, MI are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Grand Rapids, MI with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Grand Rapids, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,164 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Senior Analyst / Senior Engineer

Marvel Refrigeration

Greenville, MI • On-site

$92K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Now Hiring
Senior Analyst / Senior Engineer
Location: Greenville, MI
Reports to: Director of Product Development and Engineering Execution
Department: Engineering / Product Development
Composition Brands, renowned leaders in premium refrigeration products including Marvel, U-Line, and Viking Refrigeration, is seeking a Senior Analyst / Senior Engineer to serve as the technical authority for complete thermal and refrigeration subsystems. This role leads advanced product engineering work, systemic verification and validation strategy, and platform performance optimization across NPI stage-gate programs.
As a Senior Analyst / Senior Engineer, you will resolve complex performance trade-offs, drive product robustness, lead rigorous reliability testing, and mentor engineering talent. This position is ideal for an experienced product engineer who is passionate about refrigeration systems, disciplined problem-solving, and delivering reliable products from concept through mass production.
Perks you can expect from us:
  • A competitive benefits package including 401(k) matching
  • Company provided life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance
  • Paid time off at start
  • Paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee referral program.

Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position. General scheduled workdays are Monday through Friday, with overtime as required.
Position Overview:
The Senior Analyst / Senior Engineer serves as the technical authority for complete thermal and refrigeration subsystems. This position leads systemic V&V strategy, drives advanced DFSS, DFM, and DFA integration, executes rigorous Test-to-Fail reliability matrices, and optimizes platform performance across NPI stage-gate programs.
Responsibilities:
  • System Integration & Architecture: Define subsystem design criteria and resolve complex performance trade-offs between energy efficiency, thermal stability, acoustic limits, manufacturing complexity, and long-term reliability.
  • Advanced V&V Testing: Author comprehensive system-level V&V strategies and oversee the development of advanced testing matrices to stress components under extreme environmental conditions, including high ambient temperatures and door-ajar moisture loading.
  • Robustness & Process Rigor: Drive systemic DFSS implementation across projects. Review and approve DFMEAs, 3D tolerance stack-ups, DFM/DFA guidelines, and supplier tooling validations.
  • NPI Governance & ERP Execution: Lead major NPI milestone deliverables and ensure proper configuration management within SolidWorks PDM and ERP system routings and BOMs.
  • Problem Solving & Escalations: Lead cross-functional tiger teams to resolve high-priority quality, manufacturing, or field performance issues using A3, 8D, and DMAIC root-cause tools.
  • Mentorship: Guide Associate Engineers and Analysts in technical execution, SolidWorks modeling standards, V&V best practices, and organizational navigation.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Sciences.
Experience: Seven or more years of hands-on product engineering experience in thermal or refrigeration systems, or five or more years with a relevant master's degree.
Technical Skills: Mastery of vapor-compression refrigeration systems, thermal-fluid dynamics, SolidWorks CAD/PDM, ERP systems, and advanced V&V testing methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC-R, Thermal-Fluid Sciences, or System Reliability.
  • Certified DFSS Green Belt or Black Belt with a focus on product robustness and variation reduction.
  • Proven track record of delivering multi-variable NPI projects from concept to mass production.
  • Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, including sheet metal forming, plastic injection molding, thermoforming, vacuum insulated panels, and dynamic foam insulation.

Working Conditions:
  • Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments; this is a hands-on engineering role.
  • Eight-hour shifts.
  • Monday through Friday, with overtime as required.
  • Frequent walking and standing in engineering and manufacturing areas.
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, and other plant-required equipment.