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Associate Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Engineering information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineering in California is $81,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Associate Engineer do?

An Associate Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists in designing, developing, and maintaining engineering projects. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping with technical tasks such as drafting plans, conducting tests, and collecting data. Their responsibilities may also include troubleshooting issues, preparing reports, and ensuring projects comply with industry standards. Associate Engineers typically work in fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering.

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 understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB, and sometimes certifications like EIT (Engineer-in-Training), are commonly required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for successfully executing technical tasks, collaborating on projects, and supporting senior engineers in achieving organizational goals.

What are some typical challenges Associate Engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering teams?

Associate Engineers often find that moving from academic projects to professional engineering teams involves adapting to faster-paced timelines, working within established processes, and collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines. Unlike academic work, where projects might be more theoretical or self-directed, real-world engineering requires balancing multiple tasks, following industry standards, and communicating effectively to ensure project success. Over time, most associate engineers develop strong problem-solving and teamwork skills, which are essential for advancement and continued success in the field.

What is the difference between Associate Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectAssociate EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or diploma, some certificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, licensure often not required initially
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, technical support, manufacturing, constructionDesign, analysis, research, manufacturing, often more autonomous
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, manufacturing companies, government agenciesEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries

Associate Engineering roles typically require an associate degree and focus on technical support and implementation tasks. Mechanical Engineering positions usually demand a bachelor's degree and involve design, analysis, and problem-solving responsibilities. Both roles are essential in engineering projects but differ in education level, scope, and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineering jobs in California? For Associate Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Engineering job openings:
Associate Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineering job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer - Associate Program (Fall 2026)

Mechanical Engineer - Associate Program (Fall 2026)

Astranis

San Francisco, CA

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Associate Program (Fall 2026)Associate Engineer positions typically last for twelve weeks, and are salaried roles designed for students who have already received a bachelor's degree (or who will have done so before working at Astranis). 
 
As an Associate Engineer, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems - we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on complex projects, and our Associate Engineers work on projects that are of equal importance and difficulty to the projects we give our full-time employees. Many past Associate Engineers have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first satellite, and many now work at Astranis full-time. 
 
If you are still a college student, please apply to join us as an Intern. 
Role
  • Work together with the engineering team to design, build, and test satellite hardware and/or software
Requirements
  • Have a four-year degree in mechanical, aerospace, or equivalent technical degree (e.g. physics or applied math)
  • A passion and enthusiasm for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development
  • Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from scratch
  • Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.
Bonus
  • Experience with CAD
  • Experience with analytical software such as stress or thermal analysis
  • Experience with electromechanical system design and specification
  • Experience with control system modeling and design

Apply