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Associate Engineer Jobs in Valparaiso, IN (NOW HIRING)

AK Steel

Associate Quality Engineer

Burns Harbor, IN · On-site

The Associate Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting the daily quality activities including inspection, testing, ensuring quality system compliance, reduction of waste/non-conforming material ...

White Lodging Careers

Bench Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

Our Engineering teams play a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and high-quality environments that support exceptional guest and associate experiences. Summary The Bench Engineer serves as ...

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Project Engineer

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Mesa Associates, Inc. is seeking a motivated Project Engineer to join our team in delivering a wide range of projects. Experience with design, engineering, procurement, and construction processes in ...

E Tech Group

Operations Excellence Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

E Tech Group

Operations Excellence Engineer

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and ...

E Tech Group

Operations Excellence Engineer

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and ...

E Tech Group

Operations Excellence Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and ...

E Tech Group

Operations Excellence Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, youcan unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

E Tech Group

Operations Excellence Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

We're one of the largest engineering and system integration firms in the United States providing ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and ...

Mesa Accosiates

Project Engineer

Crown Point, IN · On-site

Mesa Associates, Inc. is seeking a motivated Project Engineer to join our team in delivering a wide range of projects. Experience with design, engineering, procurement, and construction processes in ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Valparaiso, IN

Associate Engineer information

See Valparaiso, IN salary details

$41.4K

$82.5K

$131.8K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Valparaiso, IN is $82,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $94,900.00 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.
More about Associate Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Valparaiso, IN?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Valparaiso, IN are:

What cities near Valparaiso, IN are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Valparaiso, IN with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Valparaiso, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,532 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Protection & Control Engineer/Specialist Job Family

NiSource, Inc.

Gary, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

NiSource rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Job Summary: This position is responsible for the design review, installation, testing, and maintenance of the protection and control systems that safeguard NIPSCO's electric transmission, distribution, and generation infrastructure. Performs P&C system troubleshooting and problem correction. Investigates electric system events and protection operations. Performs startup and commissioning of new T&D equipment. Performs NERC compliance activities. Documents and reviews compliance requirements. Performs fieldwork in an industrial setting with exposure to high voltage, electromagnetic fields, and hazardous materials. Work schedule can include extended hours or overnight stays out of the area. Personnel are subject to 24/7 emergency call out.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
  • Reviews project design drawings and verify field wiring to ensure strict adherence to proper relaying practices and NIPSCO standards.
  • Provides engineering support on site and directs various operating and construction personnel to ensure that all substation electrical equipment is installed, tested and operates properly.
  • Designs control scheme logic and originate protective relaying schematic diagrams for new substations or renovation projects.
  • Performs acceptance, calibration, functional testing and final load checks of protective relays and control schemes for new substations or renovation projects.
  • Performs field acceptance testing of new substation equipment (power transformers, high voltage circuit breakers, instrument transformers, voltage regulators, circuit reclosers, capacitor banks, and motor operated switches).
  • Performs scheduled inspection and functional test maintenance of protective relays and equipment control systems to ensure continued reliability.
  • Maintains, calibrates and repairs the system monitoring equipment (Digital Fault Recorders and Sequential Event Recorders) located at critical transmission substations.
  • Maintains, calibrates and repairs the electronic controls used in voltage regulating, power factor correction and circuit recloser equipment.
  • Provides technical assistance and engineering services to various departments within the company and to industrial and commercial customers.
  • Documents all equipment test data and maintain the most current version of substation electrical prints.
  • Provides the field-testing of the recommended grid installation to ensure adherence to design parameters.
  • Conducts substation power transformer loading and voltage surveys and maintains system distribution voltage levels in proper adjustment.
  • Provides training, assistance, and sets positive example for level 1 and 2 field engineers.
  • Respond anytime, day or night, to investigate and provide solutions to field problems with protective relaying control schemes or other substation equipment.
  • Must be able to carry test equipment up to 60 Ibs.

Qualifications
This role is part of the Protection & Control Engineer job family and may be filled at Associate Engineer, Engineer 1, Engineer 2, Engineer 3 or Senior Engineer level. The successful candidate will be selected at a level commensurate with education, experience, and demonstrated competencies.
Associate Engineer or Engineer 1
  • Graduate from a four-year ABET accredited college or university program with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering OR Engineering Technology
  • Less than 1 year of experience for Associate Engineer & 1+ years of relevant job experience for Engineer 1
  • Knowledge of Electric Engineering
  • Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft 365 skills
  • Understanding of basic engineering/technical theories and principles.
  • Understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations
  • Ability to read/interpret drawings/standards to analyze/solve problems
  • Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Ability to perform duties under close supervision
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • Valid Driver's License

Desired Qualifications
  • Understanding of basic principles of project management
  • PMP Certification
  • Experience in the electric utility industry

Engineer 2
  • 2+ years of Protection & control experience and a graduate from a four-year ABET accredited college or university program with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering OR Engineering Technology
  • All the qualifications for Engineer 1 including:
    • Increased understanding of basic engineering/technical theories and principles.
    • Increased understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations
    • Ability to analyze troubleshoot protection & control schemes under limited supervision
    • Ability to execute moderate capital projects with limited supervision, which includes the ability to provide on-site technical support and direction of field personnel to ensure that all substation and line electrical equipment and P&C systems are installed, tested and operated properly.
    • Ability to perform scheduled maintenance of P&C systems to ensure reliability and compliance with NERC requirements with limited supervision.
    • Specific ability to use engineering PC applications (AutoCAD, AcSELerator QuickSet & RTAC, RTS, PowerBase).

Desired Qualifications
  • Understanding of basic principles of project management
  • PMP Certification
  • Experience in the electric utility industry

Engineer 3
  • 4+ years of Protection & control experience and a graduate from a four-year ABET accredited college or university program with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering OR Engineering Technology
  • All the qualifications for Engineer 2 including:
    • Proficient in written and oral communication skills
    • Ability to train level 1 & Level 2 engineers
    • Proficient in dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
    • Proficient in engineering/technical theories and principles
    • Proficient understanding in protection & control principles
    • Proficient ability to analyze and troubleshoot P&C schemes independently
    • Ability to analyze system events and provide summary reports to operational teams
    • Ability to devise and apply specific test procedures related to protective relay control systems
    • Proficient in basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations
    • Ability to work with customers or contractors on major projects and explain complex technical issues
    • Ability to complete complex P&C system modernizations & capital projects independently
    • Ability to operate complex electrical test equipment and accurately interpret results
    • Ability to perform P&C scoping for basic capital improvement projects
    • Specific ability to use engineering PC applications (AutoCAD, SEL AcSELerator, RTS, PowerBase)

Desired Qualifications
  • Proficient in principles of project management
  • PMP Certification
  • Experience in the electric utility industry

Senior Engineer
  • 7+ years of protection & control experience and a graduate from a four-year ABET accredited college or university program with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering OR Engineering Technology
  • All the qualifications for Engineer 3 including:
    • Skilled in written and oral communication skills
    • Skilled in engineering/technical theories and principles
    • Skilled in basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations
    • Skilled in dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
  • Ability to perform duties with increased latitude for un-reviewed work
  • Ability to design complex protection & control schemes for new substations or renovation projects. Performs detailed drawings reviews to ensure strict adherence to NIPSCO P&S standards. Provides guidance and support to external design firms.

Desired Qualifications
  • Demonstrated leadership
  • Skilled in principles of project management
  • PMP Certification
  • PE Certification
  • Experience in the electric utility industry
  • Ability to perform P&C scoping for complex capital improvement projects

Associate Engineer or Engineer 1: $69,900 - $105,000
Engineer 2: $82,200 - $123,200
Engineer 3: $96,600 - $144,900
Senior Engineer: $113,500 - $170,300
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.
As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.
We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.
Veteran Hiring & Inclusion
NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.
By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.
ADA Accommodations
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320
Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.
E-Verify
NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
  • Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*:
$113,500.00 - $170,300.00
*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.
Posting Start Date:
2026-08-19
Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-09-02Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

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