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Associate Engineer Jobs in Kirkland, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Engineer information

See Kirkland, WA salary details

$47.2K

$94K

$150.1K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Kirkland, WA is $93,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $108,000.00 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.
More about Associate Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Kirkland, WA?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Kirkland, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Kirkland, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Kirkland, WA are:

What cities near Kirkland, WA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Kirkland, WA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Kirkland, WA 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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,954 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Associate Engineer - Instrumentation & Controls

kennedyjc

Federal Way, WA • Hybrid

$117K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to join our growing team in Federal Way, Washington. We are looking for a motivated professional with5-8 years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering for municipal pump stations, water treatment, and wastewater facilities. 

Key Responsibilities 

As a member of our Instrumentation & Controls team, you will take an active role in the planning, design, and delivery of automation and control system solutions for municipal and industrial clients. 

  • Lead the design and implementation of instrumentation and control systems for water, wastewater, recycled water, and industrial infrastructure projects. 

  • Develop control strategies, instrumentation layouts, network architectures, and SCADA system designs for treatment facilities and pump stations. 

  • Prepare and review technical deliverables including control narratives, P&IDs, instrumentation specifications, I/O lists, and control system architecture diagrams. 

  • Collaborate with electrical, process, mechanical, and civil engineers to develop integrated, high-quality project solutions. 

  • Support planning studies, condition assessments, alternatives analyses, and engineering reports related to automation and controls systems. 

  • Develop project cost estimates and support project scope development. 

  • Coordinate with clients, system integrators, contractors, equipment vendors, and internal project teams throughout project delivery. 

  • Provide engineering support during construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities. 

  • Perform QA/QC reviews and support the continued development of engineering standards, best practices, and technical excellence. 

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team. 

Qualifications 

  • 5-8 years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering, preferably in consulting engineering for water, wastewater, or industrial infrastructure projects 

  • Experience designing instrumentation and control systems for pump stations, treatment facilities, or similar infrastructure projects 

  • Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, control strategies, and instrumentation systems 

  • Experience developing and reviewing P&IDs and control system documentation 

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering field 

  • Professional Engineering (PE) license strongly preferred; candidates with the ability to obtain licensure within six months of hire will also be considered 

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment 

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work to empower our people to thrive and achieve their full potential. 

 

Salary Range: The anticipated salary range for this position is $117,000–$160,000 annually and may vary based on education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location. 

Benefits Summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, a competitive PTO and holiday plan, and additional employee benefits and wellness programs. 

#LI-Hybrid

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