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Associate Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

MELE Associates, Inc. is seeking to add an experienced Engineer/Scientist to support the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in the execution of its mission, including providing technical ...

MELE Associates, Inc. is seeking to add an experienced Engineer/Scientist to support the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in the execution of its mission, including providing technical ...

MELE Associates, Inc. is seeking to add an experienced Engineer/Scientist to support the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in the execution of its mission, including providing technical ...

Are you ready to take your engineering expertise to the next level in a dynamic hospitality ... Participate in recruiting, onboarding, and developing maintenance associates. * Oversee daily ...

MELE Associates, Inc. is seeking to add an experienced Software Engineer to support the Office of Personnel and Facility Clearances and Classification (OPFCC), NA-74. The OPFCC is responsible for ...

Software Engineer III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$55.75 - $74.75/hr

MELE Associates, Inc. is seeking to add an experienced Software Engineer to support the Office of Personnel and Facility Clearances and Classification (OPFCC), NA-74. The OPFCC is responsible for ...

Software Engineer III

Albuquerque, NM

$55.75 - $75/hr

MELE Associates, Inc. is seeking to add an experienced Software Engineer to support the Office of Personnel and Facility Clearances and Classification (OPFCC), NA-74. The OPFCC is responsible for ...

Software Engineer II

Albuquerque, NM

$94K - $129K/yr

MELE Associates, Inc. is seeking to add an experienced Software Engineer to support the Office of Personnel and Facility Clearances and Classification (OPFCC), NA-74. The OPFCC is responsible for ...

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Associate Engineer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$39K

$77.7K

$124.2K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Rio Rancho, NM is $77,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,600.00 and $89,400.00 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 competitive industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

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 assists in designing, developing, and testing engineering projects, often supporting senior engineers with technical tasks. They typically use engineering software, follow project specifications, and may need relevant certifications or training to perform their duties effectively.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,728 per year, or $37.4 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer (Associate or Experienced)

Mechanical Design Engineer (Associate or Experienced)

Boeing

Albuquerque, NM

$103K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 594 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 519 rated manufacturers


Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer (Associate or Experienced)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security has an exciting opportunity for an innovative, self-reliant, people-friendly, and highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer (Associate or Experienced) to join our Rapid Space Capability (RSC) Laser and Electro Optical Systems (LEOS) group in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The selected engineer will be part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting the development of both directed energy and electro-optical systems.

RSC LEOS supports a variety of government customers across multiple technology domains and operates in an extremely fast-paced, responsive development environment focused on delivering new capabilities rapidly and affordably. The RSC LEOS portfolio includes a diverse range of platforms and technologies spanning ground, air, sea, and space-based domains.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Use CAD for mechanical packaging

  • Assist and Collaborate with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

  • Collaborating with peers on design

  • Presenting designs to management, senior leaders, and customers

  • Hands on hardware integration

  • Support the development and documentation of mechanical and fluid system and thermal environment requirements to establish the system design

  • Support the development, maintenance or modification of system, component, and installation designs/proposals to provide design documentation to downstream groups

  • Perform and documents analyses to validate and verify systems and components meet requirements and specifications

  • Contribute to supplier development, test and production activities and directs the supplier to optimize integration and achieve program goals

  • Support system components' designs/proposals standards to provide installation and detailed documentation

  • Work under general direction

  • Willing to travel domestically as needed

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)

  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance required (U.S. Citizenship mandatory)

  • Level 2: 1+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Level 3: 3+ years of related systems design and integration experience, or equivalent education and experience

  • Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active.)

  • Experience with electro-optic development programs

  • Experience with systems engineering and integration of complex systems

  • Experience with Finite Element Analysis tools such as Hypermesh, Inspire, FEMAP, ANSYS and other industry FEA tools

  • Experience with technical analysis (i.e., Structural, Thermal, Dynamics, etc.)

  • Experience working with Solid Works, NX, Creo, Teamcenter or other standard industry CAD and PDM tools

  • Experience with harness design and construction and associated CAD routing tools and be familiar with the concepts of SAE AS50881, Wiring Aerospace Vehicle and NASA-STD 8739.4, Crimping, interconnecting cables, harnesses, and wiring

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range for Associate (Level 2): $85,000.00 - $115,000.00

Summary pay range for Experienced (Level 3): $103,700.00 - $140,300.00

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

The position is contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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