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Associate Project Engineer Jobs in Cleveland, TN

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Associate Project Engineer information

See Cleveland, TN salary details

$34.7K

$69.1K

$110.4K

How much do associate project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate project engineer in Cleveland, TN is $69,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $79,500.00 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.

What is an associate project engineer?

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 Cleveland, TN? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Cleveland, TN are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Project Engineer jobs in Cleveland, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Project Engineer jobs in Cleveland, TN are:
Associate Project Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Project Engineer job openings in Cleveland, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,140 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Associate Project Implementation Engineer

Mars

Cleveland, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Mars Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 434 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Description:

The Associate Project Implementation Engineer ensures that all start-ups are safe, deliver high-quality products, and fulfill business objectives through effective leadership, collaboration, and technical expertise. This role executes the commissioning, validation, and start-up (CVS) process for capital projects, ensuring safe, high-quality project delivery that meets business objectives and critical success factors (CSFs).

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

  • 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing or associate's degree in engineering or other technical field of study and 2 years of experience in a TPM/technical, manufacturing environment.

  • Good communication, listening and influencing skills

  • Comprehensive understanding of the CVS (Commissioning, Validation, & Start-up) process, lean thinking methodology, and their application to the site environment

  • Demonstrate leadership skills and a strong ability to troubleshoot / problem solve

  • Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

  • Must be able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds

  • Must be able to work flexible hours and able to travel up to 25%

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering considered a plus

What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities?

  • Project Leadership:Integrate cross-functional teams to execute the CVS process for new products, equipment, and projects, from pre-engineering through project closure.

  • Planning & Execution:Manage execution plans, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to support project milestones. Ensure materials and resources are in the right place at the right time.

  • Problem Solving:Identify and address gaps using problem-solving methodologies; use data tracking to drive continuous improvement and operational effectiveness with cross-functional partners.

  • Cross-functional Partner Engagement:Support clear communication between operations, supporting site functions, and engineering; communicate project plans, status, and milestones using storytelling and visualization.

  • CVS Activities:Coordinate and drive execution planning meetings, de-risking workshops, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and cross-functional decision-making teams.

  • Handover Strategy and Tracking:Lead the team through the Handover process ensuring relevant items are completed with supporting evidence. Support site audits as needed.

  • Asset Readiness:Ensure asset-specific readiness, compliance with MSE Pillar design requirements, and that site processes and success criteria are in place at each milestone.

  • Performance Metrics:Ensure projects deliver the committed benefits, CSFs, and targets specified in the project charter and/or equipment specifications by tracking progress against KPIs and milestones.

  • Training Integration:Ensure Operations & Maintenance training plans are executed and identify any gaps proactively; ensure training plan is on track per execution plan agreements.

  • Continuous Improvement:Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement and risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle. Maintain a zero-waste mindset and ideate ways to reduce waste during execution.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration:Drive mutual accountability, identify resourcing gaps, and support other functions to achieve project milestones.

  • Risk Management:Proactively communicate site needs and requirements, identifying risks that could impact products, people, or sites.

  • Expand Beyond Projects:Depending on project workload, this role can support sites, R&D or engineering initiatives to drive value beyond projects.

What can you expect from Mars?

  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

  • Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University

  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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