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Associate Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

McKinstry

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

We are currently seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our growing New Construction team in the Pacific Northwest. In this role, you'll focus on engineering, design, and coordination of ...

Pwc

Data Engineer - Senior Associate

Portland, OR

$77K - $202K/yr

Industry/Sector Not Applicable Specialism Data, Analytics & AI Management Level Senior Associate & Summary The Opportunity As a Data Engineer - Senior Associate, you will focus on designing and ...

GRI

Geological Engineer, Senior-Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

GRI is seeking a Senior to Associate level Geotechnical Engineer, Geological Engineer, or Engineering Geologist with 10+ years of experience in landslide and rockfall evaluations. A qualified ...

Boeing

Environmental Engineer (Associate)

Portland, OR · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

Environmental Engineer (Associate) Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking an Associate Environmental Engineer to join our team in Portland, OR . The selected candidate ...

Boeing

Environmental Engineer (Associate)

Portland, OR · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

Environmental Engineer (Associate) Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking an Associate Environmental Engineer to join our team in Portland, OR . The selected candidate ...

Boeing

Environmental Engineer (Associate)

Portland, OR · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

Environmental Engineer (Associate) Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is currently seeking an Associate Environmental Engineer to join our team in Portland, OR . The selected candidate ...

PacifiCorp

Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site +1

Guide and direct associate level engineers, technicians and drafters. * Recommend alternative solutions to management in area of specialty on engineering solutions to meet business needs. * Deliver ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Associate Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$43.8K

$87.3K

$139.5K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Portland, OR is $87,310.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $100,400.00 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.
More about Associate Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Associate Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer

Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer

GRI

Portland, OR • On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer
GRI is seeking an Associate to Principal-level Pavement Engineer to join our growing team and provide technical leadership, project oversight, and strategic growth in our pavement engineering practice. This senior-level position will lead projects involving pavement management, pavement rehabilitation and design, airfield pavements, forensic investigations, and construction management, while also playing a key role in business development, client relationships, and staff mentoring. GRI is an employee-owned, full-service geotechnical, pavement, geological, and environmental engineering consulting firm based in the Portland, Oregon area with satellite offices in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. We are an ambitious and highly trained team of engineers and geologists. GRI promotes a collaborative work culture, supports professional growth, and encourages work-life integration, resulting in a highly desirable work environment.
Key Responsibilities Technical & Project Leadership
  • Serve as technical lead and project manager for pavement engineering projects, including roadway and airfield pavement evaluations, rehabilitation, and new design.
  • Lead pavement management programs, including PCI data collection, analysis, and long-term capital planning.
  • Oversee and perform pavement design using AASHTO 1993, Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) methodologies, FAA pavement design standards, and UFC pavement design standards.
  • Review and interpret FWD backcalculation, GPR survey, and other advanced pavement evaluation data.
  • Provide expert input on forensic pavement investigations and rehabilitation strategies.
  • Oversee field investigations, data collection, and quality assurance.
  • Oversee construction administration services for pavements including; construction observations, material selection and testing, collaboration with contractors to confirm compliance with plans and specifications, and post construction testing to evaluate the efficiency of applied methods

Business Development & Client Management
  • Lead and support business development efforts, including proposal strategy, scope development, fee estimates, and client interviews.
  • Maintain and grow long-term client relationships with public agencies, airports, and civil primes.
  • Attend and present at AEC conferences to support business development.
  • Identify market opportunities and contribute to the strategic growth of GRI's pavement practice.

Staff Management & Mentorship
  • Manage and mentor engineering staff, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development support.
  • Review technical work products for quality, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Promote a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Communication & Deliverables
  • Prepare, review, and approve technical reports, memoranda, and presentations.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to clients, stakeholders, and staff.

Minimum Required Qualifications
  • M.S. in Civil Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (Oregon or ability to obtain by comity).
  • 15+ years of experience in pavement engineering.
  • Proven experience managing projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Experience in construction administration including; construction observations, responding to RFI's, and review of submittals.
  • Extensive experience in:
    • Pavement management systems (e.g., PAVER, StreetSaver)
    • Roadway and airfield pavement design and rehabilitation
    • AASHTO 1993 and MEPDG pavement design

Preferred Skills & Experience
  • Experience with ESRI ArcGIS.
  • Extensive experience with FAA pavement design standards and airfield pavement management.
  • Experience overseeing field and laboratory testing programs.
  • Strong leadership skills with a collaborative management style.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to use computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
  • Perform site visits that may include walking, standing, climbing, or crawling for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally. • Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Compensation & Benefits GRI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience and role.
  • Generous PTO accrual and 9 paid holidays.
  • 401(k) with immediate company contribution.
  • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance.
  • Eligibility for annual bonuses.
  • Continuing education and professional development reimbursement.
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About GRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Tigard, OR, US

Year founded

1984

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