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Associate Project Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer II

Hilmar, CA ยท On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Assists on projects as technical resource for OT * Collaborate with members of IT and OT ... High School Diploma and 7 years experience or Associates Degree in related field and 5 years ...

New

Reading and interpreting blueprints and preparing sketches for projects * Making estimates of ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

BUILDER

Merced, CA ยท On-site

... engineers with construction plans * Interpret blueprints and prepare sketches for projects * Build ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

Maintenance Planner Scheduler

Turlock, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $92K/yr

... capital projects. Safety & Compliance Ensure maintenance activities comply with food safety (SQF ... Associate's or bachelor's degree in engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or related field preferred ...

Electrician I

Firebaugh, CA

$25.75 - $35.25/hr

Located in California's Central Valley, our nuts are Non-GMO Project Verified and sustainably ... Able to interpret control panel schematics provided by engineers with assistance. * Participate in ...

Electrician I

Firebaugh, CA ยท On-site

$25.75 - $35.25/hr

Located in California's Central Valley, our nuts are Non-GMO Project Verified and sustainably ... Able to interpret control panel schematics provided by engineers with assistance. * Participate in ...

Electrician I

Firebaugh, CA ยท On-site

$25.75 - $35.25/hr

Located in California's Central Valley, our nuts are Non-GMO Project Verified and sustainably ... Able to interpret control panel schematics provided by engineers with assistance. * Participate in ...

Leads or supports special projects and plant improvements. * Operates powered industrial vehicles ... Work closely with engineers, production teams, and other technicians to address complex issues and ...

New

Leads or supports special projects and plant improvements. * Operates powered industrial vehicles ... Work closely with engineers, production teams, and other technicians to address complex issues and ...

New

Leads or supports special projects and plant improvements. * Operates powered industrial vehicles ... Work closely with engineers, production teams, and other technicians to address complex issues and ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Associate Project Engineer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$43.8K

$87.3K

$139.4K

How much do associate project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate project engineer in Merced, CA is $87,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $100,300.00 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 Merced, CA? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Merced, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Project Engineer jobs in Merced, CA? For Associate Project Engineer jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Project Engineer jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Project Engineer jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Associate Project Engineer jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Associate Project Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Project Engineer job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,266 per year, or $42 per hour.

Controls Engineer II

Hilmar Cheese Company

Hilmar, CA โ€ข On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

At Hilmar Cheese Company we improve lives around the world through wholesome dairy products. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the art production facilities convert an abundance of locally sourced high-quality milk into a variety of nutritious cheeses, whey protein and lactose. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and food service products from sliced and shredded cheeses, to protein supplements and infant formula. We are a trusted partner to premier food and beverage brands in more than fifty countries helping bring their vision into reality.

Throughout our decades of success and growth we have remained committed to our mission and values and these principles unite our people and guide all that we do.

A Typical Day

The Controls Engineer II, OT works under moderate supervision and is responsible for the automation controls development of HMI and PLC applications in a process manufacturing environment. ย Engineer will lead small to medium-sized projects and collaborate with other members of the IT and OT departments on the analysis, design, troubleshooting, problem resolution, maintenance, and documentation of manufacturing solutions.
ย 

Job Responsibilities
  • Develop/modify PLC and HMI from support requests as directed by managerย 
  • Provide 24/7 support while on call for designated time frame
  • Prepare functional and technical reviews
  • Assists on projects as technical resource for OT
  • Collaborate with members of IT and OT departments as needed
  • Gather and translate business requirements into controls specifications
  • Programming of PLC and SCADA from a variety of manufactures
  • Collaborate with manufacturing clients to identify solutions to problems
What You Will Need
  • High School Diploma and 7 years experience or Associates Degree in related field and 5 years experience or Bachelors Degree in related field and 3 years of experience
  • Ability to communicate effectively with non-technical staff and with members of interdisciplinary team
  • Strong trouble-shooting, analytical, and critical thinking skills
  • Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills (both technical and non-technical)
  • Effectively manages multiple priorities
  • Ability to understand simple to moderate business processes, rules, and gain business acumen to become subject matter experts
What Will Put You Ahead
  • Bachelors degree in related field and 6 years related experience or Masters degree in related field and 4 years related experience
  • MES experience
Physical Demands & Work Environment

The work is primarily performed in an office environment and the physical demands are characteristic of a mostly sedentary role. ย Specific details of the essential functions of the position is available in the Job Safety Analysis, made available on request.

Food safety is a companywide responsibility and each employee must know their role in the manufacture and distribution of safe, wholesome, and high quality products.

This description is a general statement and does not include other duties as assigned

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/EEO. We participate in E-Verify.

English Informationย |ย Spanish Information

Salary Range: USD ($87,865.00 - $131,798.00) ANNย 

The final compensation offered within this range will depend on factors including the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.