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Associate Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salas O'Brien

Associate Project Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

Associate Project Manager At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That ...

RICK

Be Seen First

Civil Engineer Project Manager Associate

Riverside, CA · On-site

As an Associate Project Engineer/Manager in Inland Empire, CA you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the Inland Empire region. As a ...

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All JobsAssociate Project Engineer JobsAssociate Project Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Project Engineer information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate project engineer 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 are some common challenges faced by Associate Project Engineers in coordinating with cross-functional teams?

Associate Project Engineers often work with various departments such as design, procurement, and construction. A common challenge is ensuring clear and consistent communication among these teams, as miscommunication can lead to project delays or budget overruns. Additionally, balancing competing priorities and managing timelines requires strong organizational skills. Adapting to different team dynamics and resolving conflicts diplomatically are also important for keeping projects on track and maintaining positive working relationships.

Is an associate a friend?

An associate in a professional context, such as an associate project engineer, is a colleague or team member, not a friend. While workplace relationships can be friendly, the role primarily involves collaboration on projects and tasks within a company environment.

What does it mean to be an associate?

An associate in a job context typically refers to an entry-level or junior employee who supports more experienced staff and performs specific tasks within a team. For roles like Associate Project Engineer, it involves assisting with project planning, coordination, and technical tasks under supervision, often requiring relevant education or certifications. The position offers opportunities for skill development and career growth in engineering or project management environments.

What is the synonym of associate?

In the context of an Associate Project Engineer, the term 'associate' is often used interchangeably with 'assistant,' 'junior,' or 'collaborator,' indicating a supporting or entry-level role within engineering projects. These synonyms reflect the position's focus on supporting project tasks, learning, and collaboration with senior engineers. The specific term used can vary depending on company terminology and job responsibilities.

What is an associate employee?

An associate employee is an entry-level or junior staff member within a company or department, often involved in supporting project teams and performing specific tasks under supervision. In roles like Associate Project Engineer, they typically assist with project planning, documentation, and coordination, often requiring foundational technical skills and relevant certifications. This position usually offers opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

What are Associate Project Engineers?

Associate Project Engineers are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist in planning, coordinating, and overseeing engineering projects. They work under the supervision of senior engineers or project managers, helping to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documentation, monitoring project progress, conducting site inspections, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This role serves as a foundational step for engineers seeking to advance to more senior project management or technical positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Project Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Project Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management fundamentals, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and possibly an EIT certification is often expected. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you effectively coordinate with cross-functional teams and manage project tasks. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring projects are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.

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

AspectAssociate Project EngineerProject Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's degree in engineering; often more experience and certifications
Work EnvironmentSupport role in construction or engineering projects, often under supervisionLead role in planning, coordinating, and executing projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering firmsUsed across similar industries, often with more responsibility

The main difference between an Associate Project Engineer and a Project Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. The Associate typically supports project activities and gains experience, while the Project Engineer manages project execution. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Project Engineer holds a more senior position with greater accountability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Project Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Project Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Project Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Project Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Project Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Project Engineer job openings:
Associate Project Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Project Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Civil Project Engineer

Civil Project Engineer

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

West Sacramento, CA • Hybrid

$115K - $175K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Requisition ID # 167377 

Job Category: Engineering / Science 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Electric Engineering

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: West Sacramento

Department Overview

The Electric Engineering team ensures the delivery of safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Electric Engineering is responsible for PG&E's electric distribution and transmission operations, including planning, engineering, maintenance and construction, asset management, business planning, restoration, and emergency response.

The Substation Civil Engineering department is responsible for civil work for all PG&E substations. This includes the design of foundations, structures, grading, equipment seismic qualification, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans and modifications, and seismic retrofit of buildings and equipment support structures.

Position Summary

This position is represented by Engineers and Scientists of California (ESC) subject to collective bargaining.

This is a journey-level engineer job that requires mastery of the Associate level engineer skills and duties and is responsible for leading the engineering and design of more complex projects. Uses independent judgment in applying engineering principles, working with minimal supervision. Works with engineers, project managers, construction personnel, and other business partners in assessing project needs. Responsibilities beyond those of associate Project engineer include, but are not limited to, the following: develop technical studies and reports, and provide guidance to contractors and outside vendors.

This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location based on business need. The assigned work location will be within the PG&E Service Territory.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.

The salary range is:

CA Minimum, $115,128

CA Maximum, $175,080

Job Responsibilities

  • Assists with or conducts project walkdowns and works with project team, including both internal and external clients, to establish scope of work, schedule, and cost commitments. Gathers technical information from field data and project team.
  • Prepares cost estimates.
  • Investigates resources required to complete engineering and project-related tasks
  • Establishes engineering schedule.
  • Prepares project forecast for engineering, tracks progress, updates as needed, and provides periodic updates.
  • Provides guidance to design and contractor team members, and reviews design and technical documents. Coordinating with other lines of business, ensures designs and technical documents meet appropriate criteria, quality, and job scope.
  • Approves revisions to existing drawings for routine projects.
  • Procures long-lead time material for assigned projects.
  • Under direction, reviews and approves project material procurement list, vendor drawings, equipment specification updates, and engineering material requests.
  • Participates in periodic design review meetings.
  • Coordinates project activities with other disciplines for routine projects.
  • Under direction, provides construction support and evaluates and makes recommendations to resolve field construction problems.
  • May perform functions of Associate level Engineer and in addition:
  • Provides technical expertise and performs engineering analyses, studies, and develops conceptual designs.
  • Presents findings to internal organizations, contractors, and outside vendors.
  • Conducts walkdowns and design review meetings.
  • Prepares written technical documents such as design criteria, specifications, and reports.
  • Develops, evaluates, and recommends alternative project proposals
  • Solicits, prepares, and evaluates contracts and proposals from engineering consultants. Reviews consultant contracts for technical compliance.
  • Interprets and applies applicable codes and regulations.
  • Participates in the development of effective restoration plans. Assists in root cause analysis.
  • Approves reports, new drawings, and revisions to existing drawings for projects.
  • In emergencies, promptly responds to facility failures.
  • Represents PG&E to government bodies as required for assigned projects.

Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US
  • Active California PE license, Civil or Structural
  • 3 years of experience in civil or structural engineering and design

Desired:

  • Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Interprets applicable codes, industry standards and regulations and educates others.
  • Familiar with ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360 and California Building Code
  • Familiar with SAP2000 or similar structural analysis program

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