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Entry Level Associate Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

The Associate Engineer provides entry-level engineering and technical support for the transportation client in the construction office. Under the direction of senior engineering staff, the incumbent ...

Associate Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

The Associate Engineer provides entry-level engineering and technical support for the transportation client in the construction office. Under the direction of senior engineering staff, the incumbent ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Associate Engineer information

See California salary details

$21.7K

$44.5K

$64.1K

How much do entry level associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level associate engineer in California is $44,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $49,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I get into entry level associate engineering with no experience?

Entry level associate engineering positions often require a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Gaining practical skills through internships, certifications, or hands-on projects can improve your chances, even without prior work experience. Demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities and familiarity with engineering tools or software can also be beneficial during the application process.

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

Strong analytical skills, a bachelor’s degree in engineering (such as mechanical, electrical, or civil), and a basic understanding of engineering principles are essential for an Entry Level Associate Engineer. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB, as well as foundational knowledge of project management tools, is often required. Effective communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are key soft skills that set candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for contributing to project goals, integrating quickly into engineering teams, and developing professionally within a technical work environment.

What do entry level associate engineers do?

As an Entry Level Associate Engineer, you'll typically assist with research, data analysis, drafting technical drawings, testing prototypes, and preparing reports under the guidance of more senior engineers. You may participate in team meetings, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and contribute to ongoing engineering projects. The workplace may be a traditional office, plant, or lab, depending on the industry, and you'll often work on a variety of projects to broaden your technical skills. This role is designed to help you build foundational experience while supporting larger engineering objectives.

What is an entry level associate engineer?

An Entry Level Associate Engineer is a junior engineering professional who assists in designing, analyzing, testing, and supporting engineering projects within a company. They work under the guidance of senior engineers to develop technical solutions, conduct research, and ensure compliance with industry standards. This role helps new graduates or early-career professionals gain hands-on experience in their respective engineering fields. Responsibilities vary by industry but often include problem-solving, documentation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. It serves as a stepping stone toward more specialized or advanced engineering roles.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Associate Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Associate Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Associate Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Associate Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,456 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Associate Engineer

Cordoba Corporation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview

Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and design firm based in California. We are seeking an Associate Engineer to join our Transportation Sector. The Associate Engineer provides entry-level engineering and technical support for the transportation client in the construction office. Under the direction of senior engineering staff, the incumbent assists with engineering maintenance, drafting, construction documentation, and project coordination activities. The Associate Engineer utilizes Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to prepare and modify track charts, maps, standard drawings, supports engineering analyses, and assists with maintaining project documentation while gaining practical experience in transportation infrastructure delivery.

Responsibilities
  • Prepare, revise, and maintain engineering drawings, sketches, exhibits, and construction support documents using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, or other approved CAD software
  • Assist engineers with maintenance, drafting, and construction support activities for transportation infrastructure projects
  • Review engineering drawings, plans, specifications, and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy under the guidance of senior staff
  • Incorporate redline markups and revisions into engineering drawings and maintain drawing files in accordance with established project standards
  • Support field engineering staff by preparing construction sketches, record drawings, and as-built documentation
  • Assist with engineering calculations, quantity takeoffs, technical reports, and preparation of project exhibits and presentations
  • Coordinate with maintenance, designers, surveyors, construction managers, contractors, and other project team members to support project delivery
  • Maintain organized electronic engineering files and assist with document management and version control processes
  • Participate in design reviews, as-builts, project meetings, and coordination activities
  • Perform other engineering and technical duties as assigned in support of the operation
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a closely related engineering field
  • Minimum of one (1) year of relevant engineering, drafting, design, or construction support experience; or in lieu of a degree, five (5) years of relevant engineering, drafting, design, or construction support experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation
  • Working knowledge of engineering drawings, track charts, standard drawings, drafting principles, and construction documentation
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting transportation, rail, highway, bridge, or other infrastructure maintenance and projects
  • Experience using Autodesk AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, or OpenRoads
  • Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu, ProjectWise, or electronic document management systems
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or progress toward obtaining EIT is preferred
  • Familiarity with Caltrans standards and transportation engineering practices
  • Internship or academic project experience involving engineering design, CAD drafting, or construction support

Salary range: $85,000 to $125,000 yearly

Location: Sacramento, CA

Work Environment: Onsite

Our Company

Cordoba Corporation, Making a Difference

Cordoba Corporation is a nationally recognized civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including education and facilities, transportation, water, and energy. Collaborating closely with our clients, we have successfully delivered complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across California.

National Recognition - Cordoba's efforts have garnered national acclaim. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked us as a "top 100 construction management firm" and a "top 50 program management firm." Additionally, ENR recognized Cordoba as a "top 100 design firm" in California in 2018. Our business model emphasizes efficiency, fostering a dynamic work environment. We approach projects with multifaceted strategies, ensuring successful outcomes.

Statewide Presence - With headquarters in Los Angeles, Cordoba maintains a strong statewide presence. Our offices extend to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, Ontario, and San Diego.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being

Benefits and PerksWe offer multiple medical and dental insurance plans, as well as vision insurance. Plans are subsidized for both employees and dependents with coverage effective the first month after hire.  Additionally, Cordoba provides employees with paid AD&D and life insurance, a 401k with an industry leading employer match, generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 9 paid holidays, and other forms of paid time off.  We also offer flexible spending accounts (FSA's) including medical care reimbursement, dependent care reimbursement, and commuter benefit plans. Employees are also eligible for our  employee assistance program and well-being benefits that include stress management, nutrition, and financial well-being.

 

Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Harassment-Free Workplace: We strictly prohibit workplace harassment based on any factor, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Cordoba is committed to fostering a healthy and happy lifestyle for our employees, both within and beyond the workplace.

For inquiries or accommodations, please contact our HR Department at: (213) 895-0224.

Join Cordoba Corporation and be part of shaping California's future!

#LI-Onsite

Employment Type: FULL_TIME