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Associate Engineer Jobs in Tustin, CA (NOW HIRING)

Associate Systems Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS), Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems (SI&WS), is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer (Level 2) to ...

Assistant Engineer

South Gate, CA · On-site

$86K - $105K/yr

Incumbents are distinguished from the Associate Engineer in that the Assistant does not supervise staff. Supervision Received Works under the direct supervision of higher level professional ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Engineer information

See Tustin, CA salary details

$43.5K

$86.6K

$138.3K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Tustin, CA is $86,602.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $99,600.00 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 Tustin, CA?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Tustin, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,602 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Associate Systems Engineer

Boeing

Seal Beach, CA • On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 616 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Associate Systems Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS), Space, Intelligence & Weapons Systems (SI&WS), is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer (Level 2) to support the team in Seal Beach, CA or El Segundo, CA.

The Space & Mission Systems (SMS) team creates the next generation products and services for the BDS business unit. We work with proprietary customers in the development of the next-generation technologies in space. Our teamfocuses on rapid prototyping to demonstrate a host of mission-focused technologies for a variety of customers. Our group works all facets of engineering from technology investment, concept development, proposal writing, requirements and design, build, integration, test, and demonstration of products in their relevant environments.

The Associate Systems Engineer will be a part of a high-performing team that is immersed in high intensity development/integration projects. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with a multi-discipline team on cutting-edge space technologies.


Position Responsibilities:

  • Develop Ground Segment Operational Products in support of Space based systems

  • Support complex system level threads required to run missions in space

  • Ground and System Level Integration& Test

  • Develop detailed test procedures and conduct verification tests

  • Support ConOps development and product design, development, and test

  • Performs various analyses to optimize total system of systems and/or system architecture

  • Resolves cross-functional technical issues

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • This position requires an active Top Secret/ SCI U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active.)

  • 2+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience in space systems and working with multi-discipline teams

  • Experience with Ops Product architecture, design, development, and test

  • Experience with software requirements verification testing

  • Experience with scripting languages (i.e. Python, Tcl/Tk)

  • Experience with Configuration Management tools and processes

  • Experience with Agile processes and tools

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: $98,600.00 - $133,400.00

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 an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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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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About Boeing

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US