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Associate Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Regulus Group

Associate Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $180K/yr

Provide systems engineering support and perform required engineering activities for government clients in the aviation industry * Record and track system requirements and provide assistance in the ...

VTG

Associate Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Overview The Systems Engineer (SE) will support a customer organization and serve as a trusted agent across several SE disciplines. You will facilitate collaboration across organizations necessary to ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Design Engineer Associate 1

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

The Engineer provides system programming and management support for large scale networking infrastructures. The responsibilities include the administration and maintenance of high performance ...

Aprio

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Pair with Mid and Associate engineers, run design reviews, give substantive code/config review, and grow the next tier. Quality of output from less senior engineers is part of your scope.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Associate Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$47K

$93.6K

$149.5K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Washington, DC is $93,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $107,600.00 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.
More about Associate Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Associate Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,594 per year, or $45 per hour.

2026 Space Flight Operations - Associate Engineer - Linthicum MD (AHT)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Linthicum, MD • On-site

$72K - $109K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Monitor, trend, and analyze satellite and payload telemetry during operational shifts.

  • Support system testing with on-orbit payloads and lab assets, including coding and developing scripts for data analysis and troubleshooting.

  • Assist with discrepancy report adjudication and anomaly resolution related to satellite operations.

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: NoDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is a strategic partner specializing in delivering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions for classified and unclassified missions in space. As part of Eastern Region Systems Engineering, Integration and Test (ER-SEIT), you will have the opportunity to experience the entire space design lifecycle. We do it all here, on-site, from sensors to payloads to full up spacecraft, supporting Class A to Class D missions. All the way from early mission and concept design to on-orbit operational support.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Linthicum, Maryland is seeking an early-career engineer to support on-orbit operations and maintenance (O&M) for a constellation of Space RADAR satellites.

Responsibilities include monitoring, trending, and analyzing satellite and payload telemetry during ops shifts. When not on-shift, responsibilities include system test with on-orbit payloads and/or lab assets (e.g., engineering development units and/or simulators), coding/script development to analyze and interpret payload data for debug/troubleshooting and system performance evaluation, develop/improve/operate custom SW tools during trending, testing, analysis, and operational workflow, and help with discrepancy report adjudication and anomaly resolution.

This position can be staffed at a level 1 on the basic qualifications below.

Basic Requirements:

  • Level 1: BS in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) with any work experience in Aerospace or Defense industry development or test
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
  • Coding skills, preferably MATLAB and/or Python
  • Willingness to support shift work

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
  • Proficiency coding in MATLAB and/or Python
  • Familiarity with RF test environments
  • Familiarity with RADAR operation
  • Experience with RADAR integration and test
  • Experience conducting on-orbit mission operations and resolving satellite and ground system anomalies
  • Active SCI clearance

Associate Salary: $72,700 - $109,100

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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