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Associate Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assistant/Associate Engineer

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

There is currently one (1) vacancy in the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. This vacancy may be filled at the Assistant Engineer level or the Associate Engineer level, depending on ...

Overview Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and design firm based in California. We are seeking an Associate Engineer to join our Transportation Sector. The Associate Engineer provides ...

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Overview Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and design firm based in California. We are seeking an Associate Engineer to join our Transportation Sector. The Associate Engineer provides ...

Associate Engineer

Sonora, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $90/hr

About You We are looking for someone who is excited to help us to grow our engineering practice ... associate-level duties. * Five (5) years verifiable professional-level experience, as applicable to ...

Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and design firm based in California. We are seeking an Associate Engineer to join our Transportation Sector. The Associate Engineer provides entry-level ...

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Overview Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and design firm based in California. We are seeking an Associate Engineer to join our Transportation Sector. The Associate Engineer provides ...

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Overview Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and design firm based in California. We are seeking an Associate Engineer to join our Transportation Sector. The Associate Engineer provides ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Engineering information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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?

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 can I do with an associate engineering degree?

An associate engineering degree prepares individuals for technician, technologist, or support roles in fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Graduates can work in design, testing, maintenance, or manufacturing environments, often using tools like CAD software and adhering to safety standards. The degree can also serve as a stepping stone to further education or certifications in specialized engineering areas.

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 experience, location, and industry. 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 Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of 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:

Infographic showing various Associate Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Associate Engineering Director, Combination Drug Product/Device

Neurocrine Biosciences

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$177K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciencesis a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visitneurocrine.com, and follow the company onLinkedIn,X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)


About the Role:In partnership with the broader CMC organization, the Associate Director of Drug/Device Combination Products will lead the development and lifecycle strategy for drug/device combination products, including prefilled syringe and autoinjector presentations. This role will provide technical ownership for delivery devices and associated primary and secondary packaging from early development through commercialization and post approval lifecycle management.
The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in combination product development, design controls, device engineering, primary packaging, manufacturing readiness, and drug/device integration. This individual will work closely with cross-functional partners across CMC, Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and external development and manufacturing partners to advance a pipeline of injectable products.

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Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • Lead strategic planning and execution of drug/device combination product development for clinical and commercial presentations

  • Provide technical ownership for delivery devices, primary packaging, and related combination product elements across the product lifecycle

  • Develop and implement innovative delivery device solutions, including prefilled syringe, autoinjector, and other injectable delivery platforms

  • Serve as the device and combination product subject matter expert on cross-functional CMC and program teams

  • Lead technical decision-making, risk management, and issue resolution for drug/device integration, device performance, manufacturability, and lifecycle management

  • Ensure timely completion of development, verification, validation, manufacturing, and technology transfer deliverables

  • Partner with Quality, Regulatory, and external suppliers to ensure combination product strategies meet global regulatory, cGMP, safety, and quality expectations

  • Identify, evaluate, engage, and manage external partners for device development, manufacturing, testing, and commercialization activities

  • Monitor external innovation, emerging technologies, connected health solutions, and industry trends in injectable delivery systems

  • Support integration of delivery device and drug product strategies across multiple therapeutic modalities, including peptides, proteins, antibodies, and gene therapy products

Requirements:
  • BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of industry experience, OR

  • MS/MA in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of industry experience, OR

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of industry experience

  • Experience developing and commercializing drug/device combination products (e.g., pre-filled syringe systems, autoinjectors) is essential

  • Advanced knowledge of design controls, design verification and validation, risk management, design transfer, and lifecycle management

  • Experience with manufacturing scale-up, technology transfer, and external partner or supplier oversight

  • Thorough understanding of cGMP, quality systems, and global regulatory expectations for combination products and medical devices, including FDA, EMA, and applicable ISO standards

  • Current knowledge of drug delivery technologies, connected health solutions, human factors/usability engineering, and emerging trends in injectable product development

  • Proven ability to solve complex technical challenges, make sound risk-based decisions, and influence cross-functional teams

  • Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills in a matrixed environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting regulatory filings, health authority interactions, or commercial launch readiness for combination products

  • Experience working with external device developers, contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, or component suppliers

  • Familiarity with primary container closure systems, secondary packaging, human factors engineering, and device constituent part control strategies

  • Experience supporting products across multiple modalities, including peptides, proteins, antibodies, or gene therapy products

#LI-DM1

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.

We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

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The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $173,600.00-$237,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.