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Associate Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

This position demands creativity, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to solve complex problems where complete information may not be available. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to ...

Associate Engineer Drafter

Reston, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

This position demands creativity, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to solve complex problems where complete information may not be available. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to ...

Senior Electrical Engineer-Aviation

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Develops solutions for larger and highly complex engineering projects. Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineers. Continues to develop ...

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward ...

Senior Electrical Engineer-Rail & Transit

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Develops solutions for larger and highly complex engineering projects. Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineers. Continues to develop ...

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Machine Learning Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: None Clearance Level Must Be Able to ...

AI Engineer Associate

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Machine Learning Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: None Clearance Level Must Be Able to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Engineering information

See Washington salary details

$47K

$93.6K

$149.5K

How much do associate engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineering in Washington 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An associate engineering role typically requires a degree, but some technical sales, project management, or specialized trades can earn $10,000 or more monthly through experience, certifications, and commissions. High-paying roles in these fields often involve strong technical knowledge, industry certifications, and a proven track record of performance.

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. Graduates can work in manufacturing, construction, or maintenance environments, often using tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB and may pursue certifications to advance their careers.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities within competitive industries.

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, testing, and analysis tasks. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, use tools like CAD software, and may need relevant technical certifications or degrees. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting, documentation, and ensuring project compliance with standards.

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 Washington? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineering jobs in Washington? For Associate Engineering jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Associate Engineering jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Associate Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineering job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,594 per year, or $45 per hour.
Associate Engineer Drafter

Associate Engineer Drafter

Leidos

Reston, VA

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 428 rated business services


Job description

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for an Engineer Drafter in Reston, Virginia. In this role, you will create and modify detailed part, assembly, installation, and facility engineering drawings using established references, standard data, and engineering best practices. Work is performed using computer-aided design and modeling tools, including CAD, CAM, CATIA, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.

The successful candidate will develop technical solutions that require collaboration with subject matter experts, in-depth analysis, and a thorough understanding of impacts to the final product or solution. This position demands creativity, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to solve complex problems where complete information may not be available. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality are essential.

You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of government and contractor personnel in a fast-paced, high-energy environment within a secure government facility.

Roles and Responsibilities
  • As part of a characterization team, integrate all-source intelligence, geotechnical data, topographical data, underground infrastructure expertise, and engineering principles to identify and model facility functions (missions) and physical configurations, including layouts, structures, mission systems, support systems, and associated components.
  • Develop detailed 3D BIM models and 2D CAD drawings across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Perform clash detection and coordination among engineering disciplines by reviewing models to identify and resolve conflicts before design completion.
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance project-specific and enterprise BIM libraries, including custom families, templates, metadata, and annotations.
  • Audit models to ensure data integrity, spatial accuracy, compliance with Level of Development (LOD) requirements, and adherence to organizational BIM, modeling, and simulation standards.
  • Generate customer-required documentation, including technical reports, detailed measurements, material schedules, cross-sections, and other deliverables directly from BIM models.
  • Participate in model coordination meetings with clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional project teams.
  • Execute detailed layout and design drawings in accordance with established engineering drafting standards and practices.
Required Education, Skills, and Experience
  • Active TS/SCI clearance, or an active Top Secret clearance with a current SSBI and eligibility to obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles, theories, concepts, and technical expertise within a specialized domain, with a broad understanding of related disciplines.
  • Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience in Civil, Structural, Protective Engineering, or another discipline directly applicable to Building Information Modeling (BIM).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief and interact effectively with senior government and organizational leaders.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of protective engineering principles and physical force protection measures.
  • Experience with Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, and BIM software, methodologies, and best practices.
  • Experience with VENTSIM, ETAP, or other infrastructure modeling and simulation tools.
  • Military, intelligence community, or defense-related experience.
  • Construction experience, particularly involving mission-critical facilities, tunneling, underground structures, or large-scale excavations.
  • Experience with design reviews, engineering modifications, specifications development, dimensioning, and document management.
  • Experience developing and implementing BIM-related workflows, standards, and processes.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 2, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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