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Associate Engineer Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

As a Associate Forward Deployed Engineer at Penumbra, you will play a critical role in determining the company's long term goals. You will support the deployment and operationalization of AI-driven ...

FPGA Engineer Associate (Fall 2026) Associate positions at Astranis typically last for twelve weeks, and are salaried roles designed for new grads who have who have graduated from a four-year ...

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Associate Engineer information

See Novato, CA salary details

$48.7K

$97K

$155K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Novato, CA is $97,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,900.00 and $111,500.00 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 Novato, CA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Novato, CA are:
What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Novato, CA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Technology Engineer - Associate (1041) - Systems Specialty - Citywide (C00089)

Technology Engineer - Associate (1041) - Systems Specialty - Citywide (C00089)

City and County of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


City And County Of San Francisco rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Company Description
THIS IS A CITYWIDE EXAM
San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.
Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below.
Application Opening: 5/25/2022
Application Reposted: 11/06/2023 - Announcement reposted to reflect changes in the minimum qualifications.
Application Reposted: 6/24/2026 - The announcement has been reposted to incorporate updates to the class specification. These updates include a job title change, from IS Engineer - Assistant to Technology Engineer - Associate and revisions to the minimum qualifications.
Application Deadline: Continuous
Job Description
Under general supervision, assists in analyzing, planning, implementing, maintaining, troubleshooting and enhancing technology. Serves as assistant technical contributor for systems or platforms.
The 1041 Technology Engineer Associate is the entry level in the Engineer series. The class is distinguished from the 1042 Technology Engineer by the complexity of the systems or networks supported. Positions at this level perform a significant portion of the work assigned to the journey level, but without the independence or full responsibility expected of positions at the journey level. Assignments are generally limited in scope and are set within procedural frameworks established by higher level positions. As experience accrues, the incumbent performs with increasing independence. Work requires incumbents to exercise some judgement in selecting appropriate established guidelines to follow. Significant deviations require prior approval. Interpretation of general administrative or operational policies is sometimes necessary.
The Technology Engineer series is distinguished from the Technology Analyst/Designer series as the Technology Engineers build, implement, and maintain core technology infrastructure, whereas the Technology Analyst/Designers analyze business needs, designs systems and services, and oversee implementation and ongoing improvement.
Supervision Exercised:
None
Essential Duties:
1. Assists in providing day-to-day operational support for software systems, services, and supporting infrastructure, including cloud-based and on-premises environments.
2. Builds, patches, tests (check for compatibility issues, conducts QA) and deploys systems and platforms across cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid environments meeting clients' needs and specifications.
3. Implements changes to software systems, services, and supporting infrastructure with the goal of enhancing performance, using established deployment and change management processes.
4. Assists with backup, data migration and disaster recovery operations.
5. Assists with software and operating system upgrades and track system licensing.
6. Assists with configuring security settings or access permissions for groups and individuals.
7. Provides technical support (help desk) to users by troubleshooting problems related to software platform and application performance.
8. Documents procedures and troubleshooting procedures related to software systems, platforms, and services.
9. Maintains software.
*This position may include additional duties as assigned.*
Qualifications
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Applications and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications.
Education:
An associate degree in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university OR its equivalent in terms of total course credits/units [i.e., at least sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter credits/units with a minimum of twenty (20) semester or thirty (30) quarter credits/units in one of the fields above or a closely-related field].
Substitution:
One year of experience in analyzing, installing, configuring, enhancing and/or maintaining the components of a system or platform may be substituted for the required degree.
Completion of the 1010 Information Systems Trainee Program may be substituted for the required degree.
Note: Any applicant whose application is deemed not qualified may reapply after 1 month upon successfully meeting the minimum qualifications for the given specialty area.
Additional Department Specific Requirements
Positions with the San Francisco Airport
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance: Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to provide a complete employment history for the past ten (10) years and an explanation of all gaps in employment during that period. The past ten (10) years of the candidate's employment will be verified. In addition, candidates will be required to undergo a criminal history check, including FBI fingerprints, in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.
Customs Clearance: This position with the San Francisco Airport Commission requires that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the San Francisco International Airport U.S. Customs Security Area. An application for a U.S. Custom Access Seal may be submitted to Customs ONLY after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a Customs Access Seal. Per Civil Service Commission Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain customs access, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission. Customs Access Seal requirements and procedures are located in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 19, Part 122, Sections 181 or 189.
Positions with the Sherriff's Department
Security clearance issued by the Sheriff's Department is required prior to appointment of positions with Jail Health Services and must be maintained for continued employment. Failure to demonstrate/show proof of security clearance may result in dismissal and/or termination of employment.
Positions with the Port
Positions with the San Francisco Port Commission require that incumbents are able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) certificate as a condition of employment. Additionally, candidates must be insurable under the Port's automobile liability insurance policy. Insurability must be maintained throughout employment.
Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Selection Procedures
Preliminary Questionnaire:

Applicants are required to complete a Preliminary Questionnaire as part of the online application process. The purpose of the Preliminary Questionnaire is to allow candidates to self-certify their qualifications for the position.
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:
Tech Engineer - Systems Core Exam (Weight: 100%)
Candidates self-certifying meeting the Minimum Qualifications will be invited to participate in the online Tech Engineer - Systems Core Exam. Candidates will be sent a web link via email that will allow them to take the online Tech Engineer - Systems Core Exam that is designed to measure basic analytical and technical abilities associated with the target job, which may include but not be limited to:
• Knowledge of physical (e.g., Linux) and virtual servers (e.g., VMware)
• Knowledge of various software applications (e.g., CMIS-Primavera)
• Knowledge of antivirus software (e.g., McAfee)
• Knowledge of systems security & ability to implement system security protocols
• Knowledge of storage technologies and backup systems (e.g., NetApp)
• Knowledge of various operating systems (e.g., Windows 7 XP)
• Ability to configure multifunction devices
• Ability to document developed procedures and protocols
• Knowledge of active directory
• Ability to troubleshoot server, storage and network connectivity problems
• Analytical thinking
This computer-administered test can be taken at home or at a time and location of one's convenience, but only within a two week period specified on the test notification. Candidates must have access to a computer and reliable internet connection to participate in this exam. The test consists of 25 questions and it must be completed within 60 minutes. Questions are presented one at a time on the computer screen. There is no penalty for guessing. Candidates may not return to questions presented earlier in the exam; they can only move forward. A passing score must be attained on this test in order to continue further in the selection process. Test questions and answers are not available for public inspection or review.
Note: A passing score must be achieved on all examination components in order to be placed on the Eligible List. The hiring department may administer additional position-specific procedures to make final hiring decisions. Achieving a passing score in one class does not guarantee placement on eligible lists for the other classes. You must apply to each class you would like to be considered. There are different exams for each of the SF Civic Tech specialty areas (Applications, Networks, Security and Systems), and each class (1041, 1042, 1043 and 1044) has a different passing score for each exam.
Candidates' scores on the Tech Engineer - Systems Core Exam may also be applied to other announcements involving other job titles, when directed by the Human Resources Director.
Score Banking: Scores attained on the Tech Engineer - Systems Core Exam will be 'banked' for three years, starting from the date of the examination. This means that, during this three-year time period, candidates need not take this test again. Rather, if another announcement you applied to and are deemed qualified for requires the Tech Engineer - Systems Core Exam and is held within one year of your Tech Engineer - Systems Core Exam date your score will be automatically applied to that announcement. However, after one year, a candidate has the option to either (a) apply his/her test score to the other announcement or (b) re-take the test. Re-testing is permitted no sooner than one year from the date of the test and only in association with a candidate's eligibility for another announcement to which the candidate has applied and is deemed qualified. If a candidate opts to re-test, the re-test score becomes the candidate's official score since it is the most recent.
If a significant modification is made to this exam in the future, the application of "banked" scores may no longer be appropriate. In such a rare circumstance, candidates with "banked" scores would be required to re-take the exam sooner than the three-year period specified above should they apply to another job opportunity where the modified exam is used.
Additional Information
Eligible List/Score Report: A confidential eligible list of applicant names that have passed the civil service examination process will be created and used for certification purposes only. An examination score report will be established, so applicants can view the ranks, final scores and number of eligible candidates. Applicant information, including names of applicants on the eligible list, shall not be made public unless required by law. However, an eligible list shall be made available for public inspection, upon request, once the eligible list is exhausted or expired and referrals resolved. The eligible list/score report resulting from this civil service examination process is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.
Upon passing the exam, candidates will be placed on the eligible list for a period of 12 months.
Certification: The certification rule for the eligible list resulting from this examination will be Rule of the List.
To find Departments which use this classification, please see the city's Position Counts by Job Codes and Departments.
Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.]
The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Comm

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