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Associate Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Anaheim

Associate Engineer - Design

Anaheim, CA

$109K - $164K/yr

This position will perform professional and technical engineering work including project management, contract administration, engineering design and related capital programs. An Associate Engineer ...

City of Anaheim, CA

Associate Engineer - Design

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$109K - $164K/yr

This position will perform professional and technical engineering work including project management, contract administration, engineering design and related capital programs. An Associate Engineer ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineering JobsAssociate Engineering Jobs in California

Associate Engineering information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as Petroleum Engineers, Software Engineering Managers, and certain specialized roles in investment banking or high-frequency trading can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities or working in high-stakes industries.

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 can you do with an Associate in engineering?

An associate degree in engineering prepares individuals for technical roles such as engineering technician, CAD drafter, or quality control inspector. These positions involve supporting engineering projects, performing testing, and using tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB, often requiring strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with industry standards.

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 work of Associate engineer?

An Associate Engineer supports engineering projects by assisting with design, analysis, testing, and documentation. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, using tools like CAD software and following technical standards to contribute to project development and problem-solving.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, aerospace, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in high-demand industries or leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and specialization, with some roles requiring advanced degrees or certifications.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.
Assembly, Integration, and Test Associate Engineer (Fall 2026)

Assembly, Integration, and Test Associate Engineer (Fall 2026)

Astranis

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Assembly, Integration and Test Associate Engineer Associate (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 challenging 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 on an interdisiciplinary team to design, build, and test satellite hardware and software.
  • Work with the Electrical, Mechanical, RF, Propulsion engineering teams to develop assembly and integration test plans and procedures based on concepts and designs
  • Learn to use various pieces of test equipment and instruments (thermal chambers, vibration tables, DAQs, oscilloscopes, etc.) to successfully execute test plans.
  • Coordinate assembly, integration and environmental test efforts
Requirements:
  • Have a four-year degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical degree)
  • A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize
  • Strong communication skills
  • Familiarity with spacecraft systems and operation
  • Must be onsite 5 days a week
Bonus:
  • Hands-on experience in designing, building, and testing 
  • Experience writing Python code to: Interface with test equipment, process large datasets, visualize data
  • Experience in CAD
  • Direct electrical or mechanical design experience
  • Demonstrated ability to debug hardware and software problems under time pressure

Apply