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Associate Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Associate DevOps Developer

Seal Beach, CA · Hybrid

$98K - $133K/yr

Associate DevOps Developer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) Space, Intelligence and Weapon Systems (SI&WS) Ground and Mission Systems Engineering (GMSE) is looking ...

Associate DevOps Developer

Seal Beach, CA · Hybrid

$98K - $133K/yr

Associate DevOps Developer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) Space, Intelligence and Weapon Systems (SI&WS) Ground and Mission Systems Engineering (GMSE) is looking ...

Associate DevOps Developer

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

Associate DevOps Developer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) Space, Intelligence and Weapon Systems (SI&WS) Ground and Mission Systems Engineering (GMSE) is looking ...

Associate Developer I

Irvine, CA · On-site

$45 - $58/hr

Associate Developer I ( Temp- Hire) at Tevora Irvine, CA If you haven't heard of Tevora, it ... engineer on a real, production product. A day in the life could include: * Build, test, and ship ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$44.5K

$88.7K

$141.7K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Irvine, CA is $88,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $102,000.00 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 Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,701 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Systems Integration Engineer (I/II) (Weekend Shift)

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Systems Integration Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Manager, Systems Integration & Test the Systems Integration Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team to build, integrate, and test space vehicles at both the sub-system and system levels.

This role is on our Weekend Shift (Friday-Sunday) from 6:00AM – 7:00PM. We are open to a level I (Associate Engineer) or level II (Engineer) for this position.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Design vehicle assembly process and procedures
  • Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle assembly and ensure vehicle testing abilities
  • Develop full testing campaigns ensuring vehicle integrity of electronic and mechanical systems
  • Vehicle integration build flow and test concept of operations
  • Evaluate proposed designs for manufacturability and integration into sub-systems
  • Interface with engineers and technicians to advance to larger-scale manufacturing and automation
  • Develop and refine manufacturing assembly procedures based on lessons learned to mature status
  • Responsible for enabling day-to-day execution of the vehicle integration and test flow
  • Manage work orders and drive non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements
  • Resolve Electrical and Mechanical issue debugging at the satellite system and sub-system level
  • The position will require being hands-on and will require standing for extended periods

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
  • 0+ years (Associate Engineer - level I) of relevant experience
  • 2+ years (Engineer - level II) of relevant experience
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Additional Differentiators

  • Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
  • Experience with build integration and testing of propulsion, thermal, electrical, and structural systems, including, but not limited to, vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum, and radiation testing
  • Experience with electrical debugging of PCB Assemblies, including the ability to read electrical schematics
  • Documentation and configuration management experience
  • Experience writing test plans and procedures and providing go/no-go judgment
  • Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry
  • Experience working in a laboratory setting, particularly a cleanroom with ESD precautions
  • The ability to read and write basic code in any primary programming language
  • Experience using Linux-based operating systems

Salary Ranges

Associate Systems Integration Engineer (Level I) - $80k to $95k

Systems Integration Engineer (Level II) - $85k to $125k

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range
$80,000—$125,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.