ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Engineer Associate Degree Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEngineer Associate Degree JobsEngineer Associate Degree Jobs in California

Engineer Associate Degree information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do engineer associate degree jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer associate degree 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 typical projects or tasks an engineer with an associate degree might handle in their first year on the job?

Engineers with an Associate Degree often start their careers supporting senior engineers on technical projects such as drafting CAD drawings, assisting with equipment installation, performing quality control tests, or maintaining documentation. You may also be involved in troubleshooting machinery, collecting and analyzing data, or preparing project reports. These responsibilities help you build practical skills and an understanding of industry standards while working closely with experienced team members, offering a great foundation for career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineer with an associate degree, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineer with an Associate Degree, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, and technical drawing, typically gained through an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and basic project management systems is often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project needs. These skills and qualifications are essential for contributing to engineering projects, ensuring accuracy, and supporting senior engineers in diverse technical environments.

What is an engineer associate degree?

An Engineer Associate Degree is a two-year undergraduate program that provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in engineering. It prepares students for entry-level technician or technologist roles in fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Graduates can enter the workforce directly or transfer credits to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering. The curriculum typically includes math, science, and introductory engineering courses, along with hands-on laboratory work.

What can I do with an engineering associate degree?

An engineering associate degree prepares individuals for technician, technologist, or support roles in fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Graduates can work in design, testing, maintenance, or manufacturing environments, often using tools like CAD software and adhering to safety standards. Advancement may require additional certifications or further education.

What is the difference between Engineer Associate Degree vs Civil Engineering Technician?

CriteriaEngineer Associate DegreeCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree in engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and project planning in offices or labsFieldwork, site inspections, and construction support
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesCivil engineering firms, construction companies, public works departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding educational requirements and job rolesClarifying job duties and qualifications in civil engineering support

The Engineer Associate Degree typically prepares individuals for design and analysis roles within engineering firms, focusing on technical skills and project planning. Civil Engineering Technicians often work on-site supporting civil projects, with a focus on fieldwork and technical assistance. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and responsibilities differ, making this comparison useful for those exploring careers or job requirements in civil engineering.

Is an engineer associate degree worth it?

An engineer associate degree provides foundational technical skills and can lead to entry-level engineering technician or support roles. It is often a cost-effective alternative to a bachelor's degree and can be a stepping stone for further education or certification in engineering fields.
What are popular job titles related to Engineer Associate Degree jobs in California? For Engineer Associate Degree jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Associate Degree jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Associate Degree jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Engineer Associate Degree jobs? Cities in California with the most Engineer Associate Degree job openings:
Engineer Associate Degree jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineer Associate Degree job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - Associate Program (Fall 2026)

Astranis

San Francisco, CA

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Associate Program (Fall 2026)Associate Engineer positions typically last for twelve weeks, and are salaried roles designed for students who have already received a bachelor's degree (or who will have done so before working at Astranis). 
 
As an Associate Engineer, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems - we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on complex projects, and our Associate Engineers work on projects that are of equal importance and difficulty to the projects we give our full-time employees. Many past Associate Engineers have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first satellite, and many now work at Astranis full-time. 
 
If you are still a college student, please apply to join us as an Intern. 
Role
  • Work together with the engineering team to design, build, and test satellite hardware and/or software
Requirements
  • Have a four-year degree in mechanical, aerospace, or equivalent technical degree (e.g. physics or applied math)
  • A passion and enthusiasm for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development
  • Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from scratch
  • Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.
Bonus
  • Experience with CAD
  • Experience with analytical software such as stress or thermal analysis
  • Experience with electromechanical system design and specification
  • Experience with control system modeling and design

Apply