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Associate Engineer Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Systems Test Engineer Associate Shall be responsible for the evaluation of software or hardware systems that meet requirements and specifications through various testing methods. Test Engineers shall ...

Test Engineer Associate

Atwater, CA · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Systems Test Engineer Associate Shall be responsible for the evaluation of software or hardware systems that meet requirements and specifications through various testing methods. Test Engineers shall ...

Systems Engineer

Tracy, CA · Hybrid

$105K/yr

The Systems Engineer is responsible for the provisioning, configuration, operation, and maintenance ... Azure Administrator Associate * NetApp Certified Data Administrator (ONTAP) * NetApp Certified ...

The Systems Engineer is responsible for the provisioning, configuration, operation, and maintenance ... Azure Administrator Associate * NetApp Certified Data Administrator (ONTAP) * NetApp Certified ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, youcan unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and ...

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Associate Engineer information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$43.8K

$87.2K

$139.3K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Modesto, CA is $87,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $100,200.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA? For Associate Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Modesto, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,182 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER/SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER/SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER

City of Manteca

Manteca, CA

$102K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION Assistant/Associate/Associate Civil Engineer: DEFINITION Under immediate (Assistant Engineer) to general (Associate/Associate Civil Engineer) supervision, performs various professional field and office engineering work related to: the City's engineering, and capital improvement projects from initiation, design, funding, construction, and completion; land development including review of entitlements, improvement plans, agreements, and construction; encroachment and transportation permit review and approval; provides professional staff assistance to engineering management, other departments, and the public in areas of expertise; confers with developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies regarding facility and infrastructure development; conducts a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives immediate (Assistant Engineer) or general (Associate/Associate Civil Engineer) supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Associate/Associate Civil Engineer may exercise direct supervision over subordinate staff.

Senior Civil Engineer: CLASS DESCRIPTION DEFINITION Under general direction, leads, oversees, reviews, and participates in the work of staff performing professional engineering activities including design, construction, land development engineering, traffic engineering, and other programs; ensures functions meet all applicable laws, regulations, and City policies related to the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), land development, traffic and transportation, and infrastructure; provides complex staff assistance to departmental management staff in areas of expertise; performs and takes lead role in coordinating assignments involving a highly-developed area of expertise within the CIP; performs related duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general direction from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to subordinate staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is the advanced journey and/or lead level classification in the Engineer series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment, and, for lead positions, provide lead direction to a work unit of subordinate staff. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform duties.

Assignments are given with general guidelines, and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. Positions at this level may serve as the Engineer of Record for assigned projects.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Assistant/Associate/Associate Civil Engineer: CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Assistant Engineer: This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional and technical engineering work for City-wide systems, operations, practices, and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult.

Close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Engineer level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.

Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Associate Engineer: This is the journey-level classification in the professional Engineer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Engineer level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working fairly independently, and exercising good judgment and initiative.

Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Associate Civil Engineer: This is an advanced journey-level classification in the professional Engineer series which requires incumbents to possess a Professional Engineer Registration in the State of California. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Associate Engineer level by the performance of complex engineering duties as assigned and may guide others.

Positions at this level are expected to be able to accurately and concisely define a project scope, review and analyze project alternatives, and design project solutions with minimal instructions or assistance. Positions in the Engineer class series are flexibly staffed. Positions at the Associate/Associate Civil Engineer level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant Engineer level; progression to the Associate/Associate Civil Engineer level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Associate/Associate Civil Engineer level.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Essential Duties: Management may amend duties pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Positions at the Assistant Engineer level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity. Develops, plans, reviews, and coordinates an assigned area of public works engineering including management and oversight of design and construction for infrastructure improvement projects, the review and approval of development plans, and the issuance of permits including grading, encroachment, and transportation permits.

Develops, reviews, and processes plans and specifications for City capital improvement projects; interprets the application of design criteria; ensures compliance with professional and City standards and practices; coordinates reviews with other departments and agencies. Coordinates the bidding process for assigned projects; develops, oversees, and participates in the assembly and preparation of a variety of bid documents including drawings, calculations, plan specifications, and support materials; ensures bid documents, notifications, awards, and related materials are distributed to appropriate contractors, outside agencies, and personnel according to established processes and timelines. Develops, reviews, and prepares contract documents for consultant services and contractor bids; prepares Requests for Proposals and solicits responses; evaluates consultant proposal statements of qualification and contract specification compliance; administers and processes contract documents.

Performs engineering functions related to the maintenance and operation of engineering and construction projects; monitors and identifies system deficiencies, prepares technical reports addressing those deficiencies, and implements corrective action. Communicates information and provides guidance to the public and other agencies regarding various engineering design elements and codes. Performs engineering calculations and makes engineering decisions in coordination with City departments, funding agencies, regulatory bodies, and the general public.

Develops, prepares, and monitors detailed project budgets; reviews, tracks, and approves invoices from consultants and contractors. Trains and provides work direction and guidance to assigned personnel including the review and oversight of work and workflow management; oversees budgets and schedules; provides technical consultation to City staff, administrators, and outside contractors. Investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.

Tracks, applies for reimbursements, and monitors grant funds; ensures project activities comply with funding requirements and approved budget expenditures. Performs plan checks of development plans for consistency with City municipal code, standards, master plans and policies; assists in the preparation of and reviews conditions of approval; reviews and processes engineering permit applications. Coordinates and communicates with developers, outside engineers, contractors, other department staff, and city inspection staff relative to development projects including preparation and review of various development related documents.

Monitors and keeps abreast of changes to standards, codes, and regulations relevant to City engineering projects. Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs other duties as assigned.

Senior Civil Engineer: REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Essential Duties: Management may amend duties pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Leads, oversees, reviews, and participates in the work of staff performing professional engineering project planning and coordination; assumes responsibility for the workflow of an assigned work unit by making work assignments, ensuring work is consistent with quality standards, and timeline expectations are met. Performs the more complex work assignments for the classification series for which there are little or no directly related policies, procedures, or past practice which requires the exercise of independent judgment and discretion in establishing work plans, identifying resources, and completing assignments.

Performs and/or provides input for personnel decisions such as performance evaluations, promotions, hiring, and disciplinary actions. Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposal for professional and/or construction services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends contract award; negotiates and administers contracts after award; ensures contractor compliance with City standards and specifications, schedules, and budgets; analyzes and resolves complex problems that may arise; recommends and approves field changes as required. Conducts Capital Improvement Project (CIP) planning activities; provides oversight and prepares designs of engineering projects; investigates and resolves problems with scope of work or cost issues of major facility upgrade and replacement projects; ensures projects are completed on time and within budget.

Analyzes civil engineering plan designs, specifications, consultants, and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends approval or additional engineering conditions and changes. Confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements. Responds to and resolves various issues with residents, other department representatives, and outside agencies in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.

May serve as a liaison for an assigned functional area with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings, as necessary; participates on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and task forces; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations. Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; assists in developing policies and procedures such as procedure guidelines, design standards, and standard plans and specifications while ensuring operation and maintenance, financial, regulatory, and legal requirements are met. Develops and reviews staff reports related to engineering activities and services; presents information to the City Council and various commissions, committees, and boards as directed; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.

Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs other duties as assigned. TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS Assistant/Associate/Associate Civil Engineer: TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATIONS Positions at the Assistant Engineer level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, procedures, and standards related to the City's public works, engineering infrastructure development and maintenance, and surveying functions. All components and aspects of project delivery to either deliver projects or oversee consultant teams. Design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as complex roads, bridges, drainage, grading, landscaping, and other facilities and structures.

Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.?. Methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects, including water and wastewater systems, storm water, street, and traffic systems design.?. Principles and practices of Capital Improvement Program budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and grant and contract administration.?

Right-of-way acquisition and road abandonment procedures. Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports. City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, projects, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to: Design engineering plans and prepare specifications for flood control, drainage structures, water quality systems, sewer treatment facilities, roads, bridges, and/or other facilitie...