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Associate Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Mariposa County

County Engineer

Mariposa, CA · On-site

$123K - $149K/yr

Description Mariposa County has a vacancy for one (1) County Engineer. Only Online applications will be accepted. DEFINITION To perform responsible administrative work by planning, organizing ...

Transdev

Test Engineer L3

Atwater, CA · On-site

Systems Test Engineer Lead shall be responsible for the evaluation of systems and or features, as well as developing and maintaining evaluation methods. Test Engineer Lead shall manage and execute ...

Transdev

Test Engineer L3

Atwater, CA

Systems Test Engineer Lead shall be responsible for the evaluation of systems and or features, as well as developing and maintaining evaluation methods. Test Engineer Lead shall manage and execute ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Merced, CA · On-site

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Merced, CA

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

Transdev

Test Engineer L1

Atwater, CA · On-site

$104K - $116K/yr

Systems Test Engineer shall be responsible for the evaluation of systems and or features, as well as developing and maintaining evaluation methods. Test Engineers shall manage and execute test ...

Transdev

Test Engineer L1

Atwater, CA

$104K - $116K/yr

Systems Test Engineer shall be responsible for the evaluation of systems and or features, as well as developing and maintaining evaluation methods. Test Engineers shall manage and execute test ...

Transdev

L1 - Test Engineer

Atwater, CA · On-site

$104K - $116K/yr

Systems Test Engineer shall be responsible for the evaluation of systems and or features, as well as developing and maintaining evaluation methods. Test Engineers shall manage and execute test ...

Hilmar Cheese Company

Senior Research Engineer

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Good knowledge of engineering science and technology as applied to dairy processes and food ingredient manufacturing. Good knowledge of experimental design, methods of data analysis, and basic ...

Transdev

L1 - Test Engineer

Atwater, CA

$104K - $116K/yr

Systems Test Engineer shall be responsible for the evaluation of systems and or features, as well as developing and maintaining evaluation methods. Test Engineers shall manage and execute test ...

Maximus

Appian Developer

Merced, CA · Remote

Appian Certified Associate or Senior Developer required. * Proficiency in SQL, Relational Databases. Key Competencies * Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Proactive approach to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA

Associate Engineer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$43.8K

$87.3K

$139.4K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Merced, CA is $87,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $100,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Associate Engineers?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.

What can you do with an Associate in engineering?

An associate degree in engineering prepares individuals for technical roles such as engineering technician, CAD drafter, or quality control inspector. These positions often involve supporting engineering projects, using tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB, and may require certification or on-the-job training to develop specialized skills.

What Is an Associate Engineer?

An associate engineer is a lower level engineer in many fields of engineering, including environmental, civil, and mechanical. The title denotes rank and experience level. As an associate engineer, your typical job duties involve analyzing project plans, designing products, maintaining equipment, closely following specifications and procedures, and writing reports. The specific duties vary widely depending upon your field and employer. This career usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and obtaining a license in your state. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience, strong technical skills, and a familiarity with your specific industry.

What is the work of an Associate engineer?

An Associate Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in the design, development, testing, and implementation of engineering projects. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, utilize tools like CAD software, and may need relevant certifications or technical skills to perform tasks effectively.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most associate engineers do not earn this level of salary, senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, petroleum, or aerospace engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries. Achieving this income typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures.

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.
More about Associate Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Merced, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Merced, CA? For Associate Engineer jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Merced, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,266 per year, or $42 per hour.
Automation Technician / Automation Engineer

Automation Technician / Automation Engineer

The Morning Star Company

Los Banos, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Automation Technician / Automation Engineer
Location
Liberty Packing Company, LLC
About the Company
The Morning Star Company and its affiliates operate three tomato processing facilities in Central California, processing about 40% of the California processing tomato crop, in addition to tomato growing, transplanting, farming, harvesting and trucking operations. The company employs approximately 500 year-round and over 3,000 seasonal colleagues, with annual sales of about $1 billion.
The Morning Star Company is the largest producer of bulk tomato ingredient products (tomato paste and diced tomatoes) in the world. We also produce canned tomatoes, tomato products and specialty sauces in pouches for customers in the retail and food service markets. The company is known worldwide for its innovation and integrity.
We are organizationally structured through a system we term Mission Focused Self-Management™. Our company is operated by Colleagues without titles or an appointed hierarchy of authority. Authority relative to other Colleagues' activities is lateral, with our Mission as our guiding principle of action, and respect, influence and success built based on each Colleague's integrity, competency, effort, persistence and straightforward persuasiveness. Although we have grown significantly, we intend to maintain a culture of individual responsibility and Mission Focused Self-Management.
Role Summary
The Automation Technician / Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of industrial automation systems across processing and packaging operations. This role supports reliable plant operation by maintaining PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and electrical control systems while driving continuous improvement, troubleshooting, and automation upgrades in a food and beverage manufacturing environment.
The position works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and external vendors to ensure safe, robust, and efficient automation systems that meet production, quality, and food safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
  • Automation & Controls
    • Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, including logic, I/O, and communications
    • Develop and support HMI/SCADA systems for process monitoring and operator interaction
    • Diagnose and resolve automation-related downtime in processing and packaging equipment
    • Support startup, commissioning, and validation of new automation systems and equipment
    • Program and troubleshoot servo motors and drives
  • Electrical & Instrumentation
    • Troubleshoot electrical control panels, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and field devices
    • Maintain and calibrate instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, level, pH, etc.)
    • Interpret and update electrical schematics, loop diagrams, and P&IDs
    • Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and plant LOTO procedures
  • Continuous Improvement & Projects
    • Identify opportunities to improve OEE, reliability, and process consistency through automation
    • Support capital projects involving new equipment, line upgrades, or controls modernization
    • Standardize controls architectures, programming practices, and documentation
    • Collaborate with vendors, integrators, and internal engineering teams
  • Food & Beverage Manufacturing Support
    • Ensure automation systems support
  • Food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
    • Participate in CIP/SIP automation, batching, and recipe management systems
    • Support traceability, alarms, data logging, and process controls critical to food production

Required Qualifications
  • Technical Skills
    • Strong working knowledge of PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
    • Experience with HMI/SCADA development and troubleshooting
    • Solid understanding of industrial electrical systems (480V/240V/120V controls, MCCs, VFDs)
    • Experience with process instrumentation and field device integration
    • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, and control narratives
Experience
  • Automation Technician:
    • 3-5 years of hands-on industrial automation and controls experience
    • Automation Engineer:
    • 5+ years of automation/controls experience, including system design and project support
    • Preferred experience in food & beverage, CPG, or regulated manufacturing environments

Education (preferred, not mandatory depending on level)
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
  • Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered in lieu of formal education

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with batching systems, recipe control, or continuous process automation
  • Familiarity with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
  • Experience supporting capital projects and equipment commissioning
  • Understanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirements
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment

Soft Skills & Attributes
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering
  • Clear communicator with operators, technicians, and management
  • Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
  • Comfortable supporting off-hours troubleshooting during critical production periods

Compensation
The salary for this role is $180,000-$200,000, depending heavily upon qualifications.
Benefits
Morning Star offers a top-tier, comprehensive health plan, including medical, dental, and vision, and we pay the full monthly premiums for the Colleague and all eligible family members. The company also contributes to Colleagues' Health Savings Accounts. Year-round Colleagues are eligible to enroll in our 401K plan, with 4% match.

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