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Associate Production Engineer Jobs in North Carolina

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Associates (2-5 years of experience) or BS in Mechanical Engineering (0-3 years of experience) or equivalent in a related discipline. * Experience in System assembly/Production roles. Background in ...

Production Engineer

Lexington, NC · On-site

$83K - $98K/yr

Position Overview: This Production Engineer role in Lexington, NC provides direct engineering ... Associate degree in related field with 5 or more years of similar work experience. * Experience ...

Production Engineer

Lexington, NC · On-site

$125 - $146/hr

Position Overview: This Production Engineer role in Lexington, NC provides direct engineering ... Associate degree in related field with 5 or more years of similar work experience. * Experience ...

Role Purpose The Associate Production Manager will support manufacturing operations departments to ... Engineering or technical discipline preferred * Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or operations ...

Role Purpose The Associate Production Manager will support manufacturing operations departments to ... Engineering or technical discipline preferred * Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or operations ...

Role Purpose The Associate Production Manager will support manufacturing operations departments to ... Engineering or technical discipline preferred * Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or operations ...

Role Purpose The Associate Production Manager will support manufacturing operations departments to ... Engineering or technical discipline preferred * Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or operations ...

Whether you're an early-career developer or a seasoned architect, you'll help shape a next ... Collaborate with product managers, compliance experts, and clients to solve high-impact problems.

Whether you're an early-career developer or a seasoned architect, you'll help shape a next ... product managers, compliance experts, and clients to solve high-impact problems. • Apply AI and ...

... Engineering: turning real bank data and customer feedback into product improvements and ensuring ... WHAT YOU'LL DO As an Associate Product Manager you will: * You will support early-adopter and ...

... Engineering: turning real bank data and customer feedback into product improvements and ensuring ... WHAT YOU'LL DO As an Associate Product Manager you will: * You will support early-adopter and ...

Description Associate Product Manager SUCCESS PROFILE We're seeking a highly organized and ... This position works cross-functionally with Product Management, Sales, Engineering, Marketing, and ...

New

Description Associate Product Manager SUCCESS PROFILE We're seeking a highly organized and ... This position works cross-functionally with Product Management, Sales, Engineering, Marketing, and ...

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Associate Production Engineer information

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How much do associate production engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate production engineer in North Carolina is $15.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate production engineer?

Associate Production Engineers are entry-level professionals who support the design, implementation, and maintenance of production systems in manufacturing or technology environments. They work closely with senior engineers to troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and ensure efficient production operations. Their responsibilities often include monitoring equipment, analyzing data, and assisting with process improvements. This role serves as a foundational step for those seeking to advance to higher engineering positions in production or operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate production engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Production Engineer, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, production management systems, and quality control tools is typically required, along with knowledge of safety standards. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help in coordinating effectively with cross-functional teams and addressing production challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate production engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Production Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, maintaining production schedules, and ensuring product quality under tight deadlines. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong problem-solving skills, collaborating closely with maintenance teams, and leveraging data analysis to identify recurring issues. Effective communication with operators and supervisors is also essential to quickly resolve production bottlenecks and maintain smooth workflow. Continuous learning and staying updated on new manufacturing technologies can further help in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Associate Production Engineer vs Production Engineer?

AspectAssociate Production EngineerProduction Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-level certificationsBachelor's degree in engineering; some roles may prefer professional certifications
Work EnvironmentAssists in daily production activities, quality checks, and process monitoringOversees production processes, implements improvements, and manages teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, oil & gas, chemical industriesManufacturing, oil & gas, chemical industries

The Associate Production Engineer typically performs support and assistant roles in production environments, focusing on learning and executing tasks under supervision. In contrast, the Production Engineer takes on more responsibility for process optimization and decision-making. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and industrial sectors, with the associate position serving as a stepping stone to a full production engineering role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Engineer jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Production Engineer jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Associate Production Engineer jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Associate Production Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Production Engineer job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,804 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Associate Production Engineer

Opto-Alignment Technology

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

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Job description

Opto-Alignment Technology, Inc. (OATI), a world leader in the development and sales of precision optical alignment and metrology systems, is seeking a talented, enthusiastic and hands-on Associate Production Engineer to join our growing business in Charlotte, NC. This position is based in our Charlotte, NC HQ. Opto-Alignment is highly recognized as a quality developer and supplier of state-of-the-art laser-based systems for precision optics alignment, assembly, and inspection. The successful candidate will work within the Production team to build, align, qualify our subsystems and full products. The candidate is expected to be hands on, organized, detail oriented, have a high sense of quality, and be capable of multi-tasking. Alignment with our core values of Integrity, Engagement, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, and Respect is crucial for success in this role.


Job responsibilities:

  • Work with the production team on assembly and testing of all products, with heavy emphasis on electronic and mechanical components.
  • Carefully follow work instructions and help maintain and create documentation, including but not limited to, wiring schematics and diagrams, work procedures and quality control.
  • CAD (SolidWorks) support for production activities, such as BOM creation and drawing updates
  • Support the R&D team with new product development.
  • Help with packing, crating, and shipping products. Carpentry experience a plus.


Requirements:

  • Associates (2-5 years of experience) or BS in Mechanical Engineering (0-3 years of experience) or equivalent in a related discipline.
  • Experience in System assembly/Production roles. Background in optics and optical assembly preferred.
  • Must have hands-on experience with Electrical and Systems manufacturing tools (soldering, voltmeters, crimper, etc. ).
  • SolidWorks CAD experience, including drawing creation and assembly modeling.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • US citizenship or Permanent Residency is required for compliance with ITAR regulations.
  • Ability to occasionally travel domestically and internationally (less than 15%)

Note that this job is on-site in Charlotte, NC.

Company Description

Opto Alignment, located in Charlotte NC, is a leading manufacturer of ultra precision alignment, assembly and inspection optical systems. Our flagship product, the Laser Alignment & Assembly Station (LAS), employs latest generation illumination and vision technologies, along with computer automation, to achieve sub-micron centering precision. For more than 30 years, Opto Alignment is a recognized leader in the field of optical instrumentation where we offer complete solutions for opto-mechanical design, ultra precision machining, system manufacturing and assembly services ranging from the visible to the infrared spectrum.