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Associate Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

Candidates with no prior applicable industry experience may be considered at the Associate Project Engineer level. The anticipated compensation for this position is $36-$48/hr, depending on ...

Project Engineer

Spokane Valley, WA · On-site

$36 - $48/hr

Candidates with no prior applicable industry experience may be considered at the Associate Project Engineer level. The anticipated compensation for this position is $36-$48/hr, depending on ...

Die-Casting Engineer 2

Spokane, WA · On-site

$43.74 - $72.89/hr

The Southwest Division (SWD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an experienced Die-Casting Engineer to join our team in Spokane, WA. This position supports advanced manufacturing ...

The Southwest Division (SWD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an experienced Die-Casting Engineer to join our team in Spokane, WA. This position supports advanced manufacturing ...

Sr R&D Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$40K/yr

The engineer will collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, operations, quality, and ... Our associates are dedicated to bringing beauty and security to the spaces that touch our lives ...

The engineer will collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, operations, quality, and ... Our associates are dedicated to bringing beauty and security to the spaces that touch our lives ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Engineer information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$42K

$83.6K

$133.5K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Spokane, WA is $83,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $96,100.00 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 Spokane, WA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA? For Associate Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:
What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Spokane, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,555 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Project Engineer

Potelco, Inc.

Spokane Valley, WA • On-site

$36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Potelco rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Us
Potelco, Inc., a subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR), was founded in 1965. We specialize in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, which include designing, estimating, material acquisition, project management, construction, emergency power restoration, system maintenance, and similar services. Our expertise is in power, transmission, distribution, and substation projects. We are a leading full-service provider of power infrastructure, construction, and support services in utility and energy contracting throughout the Pacific Northwest and neighboring states.
We are proud to be working with some of the region's largest energy companies as we continue to modernize their electric systems, move towards de-carbonization, and maintain thousands of miles of overhead and underground lines serving millions of residential and commercial customers. We uphold high safety, productivity, and reliability standards as we work with our customers to provide both current and strategic, forward-thinking energy infrastructure, delivery, and solutions.
About this Role
If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals, are accurate, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy using your engineering and organizational skills, then we have a role for you!
Potelco, Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer to join our Transmission Engineering Team in Spokane, WA. This position supports various clients' transmission analysis and design utilizing PLS-CADD, with a focus on serving clients in proximity to Spokane. As a Project Engineer I, this position requires at least one year of directly applicable experience within an electric utility or telecommunications position, preferably using PLS-CADD. Candidates with no prior applicable industry experience may be considered at the Associate Project Engineer level.
The anticipated compensation for this position is $36-$48/hr, depending on experience and qualifications.
What You'll Do
  • Work primarily independently on individual projects, collaborating with other group members and departments as needed.
  • Review customer application documents, notifications, and scopes of work, and work collaboratively with customers to resolve inconsistencies.
  • Perform field site visits to gather and verify project and existing equipment information.
  • Read and interpret utility standards, the National Electrical Safety Code, Washington Administrative Code, and county and city jurisdictional requirements to analyze transmission structures, evaluate clearances, and design replacements.
  • Utilize field notes, LiDAR, mapping software, records, photos, and other pertinent resources to complete 3D modeling for analysis and reporting.
  • Apply critical thinking and deductive reasoning to solve complex problems where only limited standardization exists.
  • Communicate project status, concerns, obstacles, and make-ready work clearly and tactfully with technical and non-technical individuals, including customers, coworkers, construction crews, and other stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
  • Manage numerous concurrent projects with flexibility to shifting priorities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited university; or three-plus years of related experience and/or training in lieu of education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Proficiency in PLS-CADD is required; familiarity with O-Calc or other power industry-specific CAD software is a plus.
  • Experience utilizing AutoCAD or other CAD/3D modeling programs.
  • Ability to apply basic principles of mathematics and physics to solve problems by hand.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and quality of work.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information, technical procedures, and data in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Ability to write business correspondence and communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in the electric utility, telecommunications, or related field.
  • Understanding of the electric grid, including the basic purpose of common transmission and distribution system equipment.
  • Knowledge of or experience using the NESC.

What You'll Get
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Compensation Range
The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $36.00/Hr. - USD $48.00/Hr. depending on experience and qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

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