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Associate Engineer Jobs in Montclair, CA (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced an Associate, Mechanical Engineer to support our growing property and government portfolio in the West geography. The candidate would work on various projects in the ...

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Associate Engineer information

See Montclair, CA salary details

$41.9K

$83.4K

$133.3K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Montclair, CA is $83,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $95,900.00 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 Montclair, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Montclair, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,437 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Structural Analysis Engineer (I/II)

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Structural Analysis Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Structural Analysis Engineering Manager, the Structural Analysis Engineer will support spacecraft structural system/sub-system design from the concept level through design reviews, prototype testing, manufacturing, and design verification/testing. In addition to predictive and analytical work, Structural Engineers may serve on-console during spacecraft test activities and operations, including periods of off-hours or on-call work.

We are open to Level I (Associate Engineer) or Level II (Engineer) for this position. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work with a multidisciplinary team to reduce risks by identifying the constraining elements of the structure design and recommend mitigation strategies from concept level to design, prototyping, production, testing, and launch integration.
  • Creating detailed finite element models of satellite structures (systems & sub-systems level) and conducting analyses including but not limited to static, dynamic, buckling, thermal, linear, non-linear, and transient for complex spacecraft systems and sub-systems composed of various materials (isotropic, orthotropic, composites, honeycomb and non-linear) used in the space industry.
  • Ownership of mechanical test projects from start to finish, including but not limited to obtaining quotations from the test house, resolving schedule conflicts internally and externally, planning logistics of the test with the test house if testing is out-sourced, designing and analyzing test fixtures, assessment of tools/ hardware required for each test, transportation of the test item to the test house and documentation of all the decision and changes.
  • Developing test plans, procedures, and reports for mechanical analyses and tests, including but not limited to vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance tests.
  • Interfacing with outside vendors/test facilities to coordinate mechanical testing logistics and requirements.
  • Participating in team discussions involving vehicle arrangement and design/ analysis for ongoing and future projects.
  • Design and analysis of testing fixtures suitable for conducting mechanical tests.

Qualifications and Skills

  • BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or equivalent degree required.
  • 0+ years of direct experience (Associate Engineer - level I) working on structural analyses utilizing a mixture of numerical and analytical techniques in space/ aerospace or similar sector.
  • 2+ years of direct experience (Engineer - level II) working on structural analyses utilizing a mixture of numerical and analytical techniques in space/ aerospace or similar sector.
  • Experience working with Nastran/Patran.
  • Must understand solid mechanics and material science principles in conjunction with static and dynamic launch environment loads.
  • Experience with Solidworks or other equivalent CAD software.
  • Previous experience interfacing with internal and external customers.
  • Must possess good presentation and communication skills.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Additional Differentiators

  • Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering with a solid mechanics focus or similar desired.
  • Previous experience developing detailed and simplified structural models for spacecraft systems, sub-systems, and components.
  • Experience with vibration (random, sine, SRS) and static load testing of components and complex systems, along with data acquisition/ processing.
  • Experience in a production environment within the space/ aerospace industry.
  • Experience with MSC software package (MSC Apex, NASTRAN, PATRAN, ADAMS, MARC) is a plus.

Salary Ranges

Associate Structural Analysis Engineer (Level I) - $75k to $95k

Structural Analysis Engineer (Level II) - $85k to $120k