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Associate Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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. * Maintain ...

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. * Maintain ...

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. * Maintain ...

Quality Engineer

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

ASQ CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) and / or CQIA (Certified Quality Improvement Associate) desired * 3+ years of relevant Manufacturing experience in the Aerospace and/or Semiconductor industry ...

Engineers at McKinstry are unsurpassed in their ability to combine innovative problem solving with common sense design applications. Because of our design, build, operate, and maintain (DBOM) process ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Quality Engineer

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

ASQ CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) and / or CQIA (Certified Quality Improvement Associate) desired * 3+ years of relevant Manufacturing experience in the Aerospace and/or Semiconductor industry ...

Quality Engineer

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

ASQ CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) and / or CQIA (Certified Quality Improvement Associate) desired * 3+ years of relevant Manufacturing experience in the Aerospace and/or Semiconductor industry ...

Project Engineer

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

... associate's success • Additional duties as assigned Qualifications: • Must comply with GMP ... Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture will also be considered • Good ...

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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 14, 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.
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:
Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


PacifiCorp rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POWER YOUR GREATNESS
PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.
General Purpose
The position is available at Engineer II and Sr. Levels
If you ever dreamed of working with large dams and have heavy civil design, construction, and/or civil project management experience...have we got an opportunity for you. PacifiCorp is seeking a civil engineer/project manager to join our hydroelectric team. On our team you will have the opportunity to not only stretch your current engineering knowledge into multiple facets of civil engineering (i.e. structural, geotechnical, hydrology, and hydraulics) but also regularly interact with national experts on those disciplines. In addition, your work will potentially take you into the remote and scenic areas of our hydroelectric projects in six different states and be responsible for managing large scale dam rehabilitation, fish passage, and other fascinating projects. Our office is located on the east side of Portland, Oregon, was fully remodeled in 2019 to provide a collaborative open floor plan and has spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.
The work is fast paced, varied, challenging, and rewarding. PacifiCorp also offers a full benefits package, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and participation in the employee Annual Incentive Plan which for this position can be up to 12%-15% advertised annual salary. So...if you are looking for a change into an exciting and ever evolving field, have an inquisitive nature, a desire for continuous learning, and are an excellent communicator, please consider applying.
In general, this position applies prescribed methods and standard practices in performing specific tasks within projects and assists other engineering staff on more complex projects. Develops engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design documents, and performance assessments associated with the planning, design, licensing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Company's hydroelectric facilities/systems.
Responsibilities
The Engineer II responsibilities include:
  • Manage heavy civil capital improvement projects .
  • Perform field inspections on assigned hydroelectric projects. Hydroelectric projects are generally located in remote areas with rugged unimproved terrain. This position will have significant involvement with dams.
  • Communicate in writing and verbally, technical information to regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
  • Design, develop, modify, and evaluate systems, process, or facilities to support Company objectives, utilizing engineering methods.
  • Develop moderately complex engineering studies, plans, specifications, calculations, evaluations, design documents, and performance assessments.
  • Determine methods and techniques for obtaining results.
  • 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 on commitments and manage outside engineering services to accomplish the assigned work.
  • Maintain project timelines and budgets.
  • Analyze and design engineering methods.

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer
    • Act as a lead/expert in the work group; train and mentor associate and career level engineers, technicians and drafters.

Requirements
Requirements for the Engineer II requirements include:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college/university.
  • A minimum of two or more years of directly related experience in the applicable civil engineering field.
  • A minimum of two or more years' experience in heavy civil infrastructure projects or related professional experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of principles in area of engineering specialty.
  • Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness.
  • Ability to provide timely assessments with limited information and/or assumptions.

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer requirements include:
  • A minimum of five or more years' experience in heavy civil infrastructure, or related professional experience.
  • Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work as a team member, to maintain project timelines, budgets, and deliver on commitments.

Preferences
Preferences for the Engineer II position include the following:
  • Registration as a professional engineer
  • Engineering experience specific to industrial hydropower systems.

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineer preferences include:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.
  • Advanced degree in civil engineering or closely related field.

Benefits
Additional Information
Req Id: 114588
Company Code: Pacificorp #PM25
Primary Location: Portland
Department: Power Supply
Schedule: Days
Personnel Subarea: Exempt
Hiring Range: $88,800-$140,250
This position is eligible for an annual discretionary performance incentive bonus of up to 12.00% of salary.
Benefits: Health care, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance, paid short-term and long-term disability, paid bereavement leave. For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.
PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.
Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
#PM25

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