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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Bellingham, WA

Mechanical Estimator I

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$56K - $85K/yr

Associate's degree in mechanical engineering, construction management, or related preferred. Or 1-5 years of equivalent experience * 1+ years of estimating, engineering, or trade experience related ...

Mechanical Estimator I

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$56K - $85K/yr

Associate's degree in mechanical engineering, construction management, or related preferred. Or 1-5 years of equivalent experience * 1+ years of estimating, engineering, or trade experience related ...

Estimator I

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$56K - $85K/yr

Associate's degree in mechanical engineering, construction management, or related preferred. Or 1-5 years of equivalent experience * 1+ years of estimating, engineering, or trade experience related ...

Preparing architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drawings * Designing grading and drainage ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

Direct and assign work to engineering and maintenance associates, set performance objectives, and ... Fully competent in mechanical and basic electrical concepts with ability to work hands-on in ...

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Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$47.3K

$106.9K

$173.1K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate in Bellingham, WA is $106,931.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,700.00 and $131,500.00 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Bellingham, WA? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs? Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,931 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Mechanical Engineers and Mechanical Designers

Eichleay, Inc

Ferndale, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

We are accepting resumes of experienced Mechanical Engineers and Mechanical Designers with 5+ years of experience for anticipated upcoming positions in Ferndale, WA and across our Western U.S. locations. These roles are ideal for professionals who enjoy owning their work, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to projects that make a tangible impact in industrial and facility environments.


At Eichleay, you’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team supporting both new construction and complex retrofit/expansion projects, where your ability to problem-solve, adapt, and deliver practical engineering solutions is highly valued.


Our Mechanical team designs and delivers systems across industrial, facility, and utility environments. This includes supporting piping systems, equipment layouts, HVAC, and process support systems, focused on reliability, efficiency, and long-term performance.


Employment Type: Full-Time


Compensation and Benefits: We offer full-time employees’ competitive compensation and benefits that include Medical/Dental/Vision, HSA company contribution, company 401K match, and more.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in Refining, Chemicals, Power, Life Sciences, Food & Beverage, or related industrial industries

General Core Responsibilities (may vary based on position)

  • Demonstrate awareness and commitment to health, safety and environmental issues. Address issues as necessary to ensure zero harm to all employees, clients, and contractors with zero environmental incidents.
  • Consistently achieve goals, delivering quality and accurate work while meeting project schedules, including reviewing project documents for conformity and quality assurance.
  • Support development of mechanical engineering, drawing, and construction work packages for review and approval.
  • Develop mechanical system designs including piping systems, equipment layouts, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and rotating equipment.
  • Develop facility and utility mechanical systems including HVAC, ventilation, pressurization, and environmental control systems supporting industrial and facility environments.
  • Perform mechanical calculations such as pipe stress, hydraulic calculations, equipment sizing, fluid flow, and thermal system evaluations, independently or with guidance from more experienced engineering staff.
  • Perform scope development and create technical specifications for mechanical equipment and modifications.
  • Prepare material requisitions for bid and technical bid evaluations, review vendor submittals, and respond to construction RFIs.
  • Provide man-hour estimates and material quantity takeoffs to support proposals and cost estimates.
  • Attend and participate in Client and Eichleay project team meetings. May require in-person interactions including site visits.
  • Maintain schedule and budget commitments.
  • Ensure compliance with site, global, and industry standards including ASME, ANSI, API, and other applicable codes.
  • Support construction, commissioning, start-up, and client turnaround activities as required.

Preferred Requirements/Skills
Education:

  • For Engineering roles: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program. Licensed PE or working toward licensure is highly desired.
  • For Mechanical Designer roles: Associate’s degree in engineering discipline or technical training in drafting, AutoCAD, or related field.

Skills:

  • Ability to coordinate across disciplines and project teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools in engineering/design workflows while maintaining responsible charge, code compliance, and accountability for deliverables.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD; experience with Navisworks or 3D modeling tools preferred.
  • Ability to coordinate with vendors and clients and manage budgets and schedules.


Technical Competence

  • Experience in industrial mechanical systems design including piping and equipment layout.
  • Experience with fixed and rotating equipment including pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, and process equipment.
  • Experience with facility mechanical systems including HVAC, ventilation, pressurization, and environmental control systems.
  • Experience with utility systems such as compressed air, vacuum, hydronic, clean water, and high-purity gas systems.
  • Experience supporting regulated environments such as cGMP manufacturing, cleanrooms, or laboratory facilities is preferred.
  • Experience with central utility systems including chiller and boiler plants, pumping systems, and energy efficiency studies/design.
  • Familiarity with piping design, material selection, and specifications.
  • Experience with pipe stress analysis tools (e.g., AutoPIPE, CAESAR II) is desired.
  • Understanding of hydraulic systems, fluid flow, and thermal systems.
  • Familiarity with industry standards including ASME B31 (piping codes), API, ANSI, and other applicable codes.
  • Experience reviewing P&IDs and coordinating with process, electrical, and I&C disciplines.
  • Experience with 3D modeling and plant layout design tools.
  • Familiarity with mechanical code analysis, permitting support, and equipment inspection/testing.

Industry Requirements
Roles may require all or some of the following:

  • RSO/HHFT Safety Training or ability to obtain.
  • Client-specific safety training and badging;
  • TWIC card or ability to obtain.
  • Background screening (employment, education, criminal history, driving record).
  • Participation in random drug and alcohol programs.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing duties of this job, you would occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear (this includes being able to hear and talk on site based communication equipment), distinguish between various colors, be able to hear safety tones/notifications, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools, temperature or controls.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.
Overtime may be necessary as workload dictates. This may include weekdays and weekends.
Job duties will be performed at a client site, production facility or industrial/construction job site.
Conditions and/or schedule may vary, but the conditions listed above will generally apply.
Candidates will be required to follow our clients' site-based rules and protocols regarding infectious diseases.


All opportunities with Eichleay will require authorization to work in the US without the need for sponsorship. Positions will require in-person interactions and may require working on site in an office or field environment. This position is subject to federally mandated drug/alcohol testing. Candidates applying to Eichleay must have the ability to be badged and maintain a badge as a safety sensitive position and/or within the Building and Construction trade for process safety management governed facilities. This will require in-depth drug screening for all positions.


Move Forward with Eichleay
Eichleay, Inc. is a dynamic organization with over 150 years of experience delivering integrated project management and engineering solutions across energy and chemicals, power generation, life sciences, mining, and food & beverage industries. We are committed to innovation, safety, and building long-lasting relationships with our clients.


We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or other status protected by law or regulation.


Use of Artificial Intelligence: At Eichleay, we embrace the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and decision-making across our operations, including recruitment.


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About Eichleay

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Concord, CA, US

Year founded

1875