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Associate Engineer Jobs in Milpitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

Qnity

Associate Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Associate Engineer Qnity's SVTC is seeking an early career scientist or engineer to join our leveraged R&D organization, where we do customer-facing applications engineering work focused on enabling ...

II-VI Incorporated

Associate Engineer

Fremont, CA

Communicate effectively with the Program Manager, Design Engineer, and other team members. * Identify and solve problems that arise during the testing and characterization process. * Maintain ...

Coherent

Associate Engineer

Fremont, CA

Communicate effectively with the Program Manager, Design Engineer, and other team members. * Identify and solve problems that arise during the testing and characterization process. * Maintain ...

Coherent Corp.

Associate Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Communicate effectively with the Program Manager, Design Engineer, and other team members. * Identify and solve problems that arise during the testing and characterization process. * Maintain ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89K - $127K/yr

Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Associate Engineer or Development Engineer ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89K - $127K/yr

Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Associate Engineer or Development Engineer ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Milpitas, CA

Associate Engineer information

See Milpitas, CA salary details

$48.4K

$96.3K

$153.8K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Milpitas, CA is $96,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,300.00 and $110,700.00 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 Milpitas, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA? For Associate Engineer jobs in Milpitas, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Milpitas, CA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Milpitas, CA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Milpitas, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,302 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Associate Engineer

Associate Engineer

Qnity

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics.

At Qnity, we're more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries - we're a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

Qnity's Silicon Valley Technology Center

The Qnity Silicon Valley Technology Center (SVTC) is a place where customers find end-to-end support solving their most critical and complicated electronic materials challenges. SVTC is Qnity's premier applications development & engineering center of excellence located in the heart of Silicon Valley, with more than 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art application laboratories spanning rapid prototyping, reliability testing, process development, and advanced analytical characterization, the team of engineers working at SVTC has all the resources they need to help customers solve their problems. As a leverage research & development organization, engineers at SVTC get to work with all of Qnity's vast materials portfolio, with a local market focus in emerging domains such as consumer electronics, humanoid robotics, aerospace & defense, next gen automotive, and semiconductor industries.

Associate Engineer

Qnity's SVTC is seeking an early career scientist or engineer to join our leveraged R&D organization, where we do customer-facing applications engineering work focused on enabling the next generation of technology for local Silicon Valley OEMs. The Senior Technical Associates is expected to lead characterization aspects of critical projects spanning chemical, mechanical, thermal, and optical characterization platforms. The Associate will work closely with local Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the laboratories with the shared common goal of working closely with Silicon Valley customers and delivering solutions to their materials challenges.

Primary Responsibilitiesinclude, but are not limited to:

  • Independently drive routine material characterization including data analysis and interpretation/presentation of key results
  • Ability to own and operate a diverse range of characterization equipment
  • Work closely with other technical support engineers and SMEs at SVTC to form a close-knit engineering team capable of rapidly solving any customer problem
  • Respond rapidly and with high motivation to customer needs and opportunities as they arise; be comfortable with changing priorities as customer needs evolve


Required Qualifications:

  • B.S. degree or higher in Material Science or closely related field, with
  • 1-3 years of directly applicable engineering work experience
  • Demonstrated capability in characterization and reliability testing
  • Experience with a wide range of characterization tools including TGA, TMA, Mass Spec, SEM, FTIR, DSC, DMA, LFA, rheometer, optical microscopes, Cross Section Preparation, stress-strain testers, etc.
  • Curiosity and excitement to learn beyond assignments
  • Ability to learn quickly
  • Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills

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Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit ourAccessibility Page for Contact Information.

Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.

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