1

Associate Engineer Jobs in Olympia, WA (NOW HIRING)

Associate Civil Engineer

Lakewood, WA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

As an Associate Civil Engineer, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and expertise through review of public and private development projects, oversight of maintenance and operations ...

Be Seen First

Casework Engineer: $27.00-$32.00/hr DOE. Casework engineering experience is a plus, but candidates ... As an Express associate, you'll also be eligible for: * Medical coverage that meets ACA ...

New

Why Is This a Great Opportunity | One of the world's leading providers of specialty chemicals is seeking a Process Engineer for their state-of-the-art plant near Olympia WA. Olympia is the State ...

Why Is This a Great Opportunity | One of the world's leading providers of specialty chemicals is seeking a Process Engineer for their state-of-the-art plant near Olympia WA. Olympia is the State ...

Why Is This a Great Opportunity | One of the world's leading providers of specialty chemicals is seeking a Process Engineer for their state-of-the-art plant near Olympia WA. Olympia is the State ...

Engineer III

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$94K - $156K/yr

PSE's Engineering Operations team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Engineer III position! Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in ...

Senior Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$108K - $180K/yr

PSE's Engineering Operations team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Senior Engineer position! Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in ...

Our engineering teams are the driving force behind our business, constantly challenging and ... Associate's degree or equivalent in electronics, computer science or related technical discipline ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Engineer information

See Olympia, WA salary details

$44.5K

$88.6K

$141.5K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Olympia, WA is $88,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,200.00 and $101,900.00 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 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 Olympia, WA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Olympia, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Olympia, WA? For Associate Engineer jobs in Olympia, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Olympia, WA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Olympia, WA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Olympia, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,612 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


City Of Lakewood (Colorado) rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

JOB SUMMARY This is an AFSCME represented full-time regular position. The City of Lakewood participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Are you seeking an opportunity to work in a collaborative, diverse and dynamic Department focused on improving customer services and processes across several programs and services.

The City of Lakewood's Planning and Public Works Department is a diverse, dynamic and talented team of professionals working to improve the quality of life for all Lakewood residents. The Department is entrusted with a wide range of public services including community planning, building and maintaining transportation and stormwater infrastructure, managing the health of our lakes, building, site development and land use permitting, rental housing and rental assistance, economic development and much more. This position is part of the Engineering Services Division and will support both capital projects and engineering permit reviews within the City.

As an Associate Civil Engineer, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and expertise through review of public and private development projects, oversight of maintenance and operations contracts (traffic signals, street sweeping, etc.), and assistance with a variety of capital improvement projects. See the full job details below and apply today to join our great team. Under the direct supervision of the City Engineer or Capital Projects Division Manager perform civil engineering work in connection with a variety of Planning and Public Works projects and other assigned tasks

Plan and conduct engineering studies and projects; coordinate and direct outside engineering consultants and firms on assigned projects and studies. The Associate Civil Engineer performs design and project management; reviews and approves engineering drawings as assigned, and represents the City on projects and engineering reviews. Review and approve private development project plans and specifications.

Incumbents integrate numerous engineering and construction disciplines performing a variety of engineering tasks including analyzing, researching, planning and designing municipal structures and systems and/or leading technical engineering staff in the design of construction projects and/or system improvements. This position may supervise junior-level engineers, technicians, inspectors, or interns. Associate Civil Engineer - Performs work under the direction of a senior level project engineer/manager on complex projects.

Manages small to medium-sized projects independently. Civil Engineer - Designs and manages complex projects independently. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following: Attendance: Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Construction Management: Perform construction management and construction engineering duties including: contract administration, shop drawing and submittal reviews, coordination with utilities and contractors, change order development and cost analysis, progress payments, and on-site reviews. Engineering Calculations: Make complex calculations involving assigned engineering specialty including utilities, construction, transportation and others. Review calculations and designs to assure conformance with City engineering and professional engineering standards.

Grants: Apply for and administer grants and loans associated with public works projects. Plan Review: Review complex architectural and engineering plans and drawings to assure compliance with City ordinances, engineering standards and policies; Project Planning: Develop and/or manage the development of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for municipal construction projects, such as streets, traffic improvements, storm water improvements, and water and sewerage systems in compliance with professional engineering standards and procedures. Oversee in-house and/or consultant design team(s) to ensure compliance with scope, schedule, and budget.

Conduct and/or direct planning, studies and research in association with public works projects, planning documents, and operations. Reports: Compile and analyze statistical and technical information, maps and other data related to engineering projects and prepare reports concerning projects and related activities. Maintain various records and files as required.

Provide written and verbal reports as necessary on assigned projects and contracts; present reports to outside groups, City Council, Hearings Examiner, or others as requested. Safety: Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership. Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered. A typical combination is: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field AND three years progressively responsible public works engineering experience required. License and Certification Requirements: Engineer In Training (EIT) certificate desired.

A valid driver's license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES KNOWLEDGE OF: Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of civil engineering.

Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures. Modern engineering methods as applied to the design, project management and construction of public works, public utilities, transportation and general construction. Oral and written communication skills.

Correct English usage, grammar and vocabulary. Computer software such as; Excel, Word. Technical specialty within engineering discipline appropriate to assignment.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Principles of work direction and guidance of other technical personnel on project teams. Computer aided drafting and design software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Pavement Management Systems (PMS).

ABILITY TO: Design and evaluate engineering projects to assure objectives and codes are followed. Compile and analyze statistical and technical information, maps, and other pertinent data. Perform general computer duties using miscellaneous software such as Excel and Word.

Meet schedules, commitments and time lines. Perform difficult and complex engineering mathematical computations. Make verbal presentations and lead technical meetings.

Plan, organize and lead complex projects involving other technical personnel. Interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Observe legal and defensive driving practices.

Maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy with others. Effectively lead technical staff members in a team environment.

Conduct field evaluations to review actual systems. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work primarily in an office environment; however; must be able to work in the field gathering information and reviewing actual systems in all weather conditions and over rough terrain. May involve entering manholes, sewer lines, and/or lift stations. May be subject to loud noises, nearby traffic, and/or heavy construction equipment zones.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment, sitting and operating a keyboard for extended periods of time, hearing and speaking to exchange information. Walking at construction and outdoor sites, kneeling or crouching, bending, and seeing to perform inspections. Seeing to review blueprints, diagrams, maps, etc.

Driving a vehicle to conduct work. HAZARDS: Working in confined spaces. Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions.

Extremely loud noise level and potentially hazardous conditions in construction equipment zones and/or high traffic areas. FLSA DESIGNATION: Exempt, not eligible for overtime. UNION AFILIATION: AFSCME-represented EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all.

We welcome your contributions.


What City Of Lakewood (Colorado) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom