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Associate Engineer Jobs in Pacifica, 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 ...

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Associate Engineer information

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$47.8K

$95.2K

$152.1K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Pacifica, CA is $95,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $109,500.00 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 Pacifica, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

X-ray Spectroscopy Electrical Engineer Associate

Stanford University

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Stanford University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview:
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Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), is a Department of Energy national scientific user facility. SSRL operates ~30 experimental stations (beam lines) that enable research in areas such as chemistry, catalysis, biology, medical, environmental, and materials sciences. Each beam line is tailored to specific techniques, spanning a specific x-ray energy range, to study materials from atomic to mm size level and over different time scales, necessitating a highly varied approach to instrumentation, sample environment and data acquisition. The beamline facilities are made available to an international scientific user community, with SSRL staff providing scientific and technical support in their use.
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SSRL is seeking a Science and Engineering Associate to be part of a dynamic scientific research environment. In this position, you will provide technical support and operational oversight for the X-ray spectroscopy beam lines and associated experimental equipment. You will provide support for visiting scientific users as well as scientific and engineering staff. In this role you will contribute to day-to-day operations and continuous improvement of beamline electrical and electromechanical systems.
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Your specific responsibilities include:
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  • Design, assemble, fabricate, test, troubleshoot, and maintain electronic and electro-mechanical systems.
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  • Fabricate and assemble mechanical systems, electronic enclosures, and fixtures based on 3D CAD models, technical drawings, or sketches.
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  • Design, build, label and install custom cable assemblies for specialized applications.
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  • Conduct electrical and mechanical repairs and implement preventive maintenance on equipment.
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  • Create and maintain schematics and wiring diagrams using ECAD software. Document operational and safety procedures in compliance with laboratory and industry standards.
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  • Collaborate with engineers, physicists, chemists, technicians and other teams to design, install, and modify various systems.
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To be successful in this position you will bring:
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  • Associate degree or certificate of completion in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, related fields or three years of equivalent work experience in electronics and instrumentation or combination of education and relevant experience
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  • Experience with design, and development of prototypes, equipment, and/or systems related to area of specialization.
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  • Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, and research protocol maintenance related to research studies and/or scientific/engineering projects.
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  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as work unsupervised within strict procedural guidelines.
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  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate, liaise, and work with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
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  • Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and verify own work.
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  • Solid understanding of Ohms law, simple digital and analog electrical circuits.
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  • Proficiency in using commercial test equipment for voltage, current, frequency, and other electrical measurements.
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  • Skilled use of hand tools, including electric drills, hole punches, saws, sanders, and other small power tools.
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  • Ability to provide guidance and coordinate with other team members effectively.
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  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to discuss technical challenges with senior engineers, operators, technical support personnel, vendors, and other stakeholders in a diverse, multicultural environment.
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In addition, preferred requirements include:
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  • Experience with 3-D printing using Markforged and Formlabs printers.
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  • Experience with microcontrollers (e.g. Microchip AVR ATmega and ATxmega), single board computers (e.g. Raspberry Pi 4 and 5) and PLCs (e.g. Galil RIO, CLICK).
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  • Experience with mechanical 3D CAD software (e.g. Solid Edge) and electronics CAD software (e.g. Easy EDA, Altium).
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  • Experience with multi-layer PCB design.
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SLAC employee competencies:
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  • Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
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  • Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
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  • Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
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  • Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
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  • Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
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  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
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  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
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Job-Specific Competencies
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  • Customer Focus: Builds strong customer relationships and deliver customer centric solutions.
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  • Tech Savvy: Anticipates and adopts innovations in technology applications.
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  • Manage Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quality and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
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  • Action Oriented: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm.
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Physical requirements and working conditions:
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  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
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Work standards:
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  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
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  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1General Policy and Responsibilities:
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  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,
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  • As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
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  • Classification Title: Science and Engineering Associate 1
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  • Job code: 4991 Grade: I
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  • Duration: Regular continuing
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The expected pay range for this position is $91,339 - $119,362 per annum
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SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
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At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

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