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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Alabama

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$100 - $170/hr

Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience * Engineering degree required * Experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer for solid rocket motors * Experience with mechanical design integration of ...

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Showing results 41-60

Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See Alabama salary details

$41.2K

$93.2K

$150.9K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate in Alabama is $93,247.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $114,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical engineering associate?

Mechanical Engineering Associates are early-career professionals who support engineering teams in designing, testing, and improving mechanical systems and products. They typically assist with creating technical drawings, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and solving engineering problems under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is often a starting point for recent graduates in mechanical engineering, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to learn industry practices. Mechanical Engineering Associates may work in various sectors, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering associate?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Associate, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as exposure to industry standards like ASME, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and convey technical concepts clearly. These capabilities ensure high-quality project outcomes and efficient integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are the most common challenges faced by mechanical engineering associates when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering tasks?

One of the most common challenges Mechanical Engineering Associates encounter is adapting to the pace and complexity of real-world engineering projects compared to academic assignments. In industry, projects often involve tight deadlines, multidisciplinary teams, and the need to balance technical accuracy with practical constraints like budget and manufacturability. Associates must also become proficient in using industry-standard software and tools, and learn to interpret and apply company-specific standards. Effective communication with senior engineers and other departments is essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Associate vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering AssociateMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or equivalentBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting roles in design, testing, and manufacturingDesign, analysis, and project management responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, product development, and technical supportDesign firms, industrial companies, and R&D departments

The Mechanical Engineering Associate typically holds an associate's degree and performs support tasks in engineering projects, while the Mechanical Engineer has a bachelor's degree and takes on more complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles are essential in engineering teams, but the associate role is more entry-level and supportive in nature.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $93,247 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Prin Mechanical Engineer

General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems

New Market, AL โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company OverviewGeneral Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters. Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!Job SummaryWe are currently seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Solid Rocket Motor Engineering Team. The ideal candidate will have experience as Mechanical Design Engineer for solid rocket motors. That would include Mechanical Design Integration of Solid Propulsion Systems, mechanical system design, mass properties and integrating all sub-assemblies. They will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of mechanical components used in solid rocket motor systems. This role focuses on creating CAD models, engineering drawings, and specifications for critical hardware such as motor cases, nozzles, insulation systems, joints, and structural interfaces. This position can be remote or at our Huntsville, AL or Hampton, AR facility. Impact of the RoleGeneral Profile
  • Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field
  • Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
  • Leads others to solve complex problems
  • Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
  • May lead functional teams or projects
  • Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment
Essential Functions
  • Applies advanced engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.
  • Guides the interpretation of blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
  • Collaborates with engineers and other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information.
  • Researches and analyzes customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
  • Specifies system components or directs modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.
  • Investigates equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and makes recommendations to maintenance crew.
    • Required Qualifications
      • Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience
      • Discipline/Major: Engineering degree required
      • Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
      Preferred Qualifications
      • Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree
      • Knowledge, skills & abilities: Oral and written communication skills. Ability to meet deadlines. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Problem-solving skills. Analytical thinking skills. Applied mechanics. Design engineering. Design optimization. Design review. Mechanical engineering. Prototyping. Requirements engineering/analysis. CAD software. Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software.
      Physical Requirements
      • Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
      • Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
      • May need to stand for long periods of time.
      • Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.
      • Work may require employee to work inside and outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery.
      • May be requested to work a different shift.
      Travel RequirementsUp to 25% travel likely. _____________________________The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME