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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Dillon Product Manager

NM · Remote

$80K - $121K/yr

This position requires troubleshooting aptitude in mechanical engineering or electronics. This ... Associate's degree and/or equivalent ITW experience * 2+ years in Product Management, Product ...

Senior Structural Test Engineering Lead

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Engineer or Senior Scientist to lead Energetics Effects Phenomenology Testing programs within our Hard Target Mechanics Group in ...

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Southwest Division (SWD) is looking for an experienced ... Must have a bachelor's degree in the field of Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related ...

Safety We hold paramount the safety and health of our associates, our customers, the public, and ... Lead Engineering Projects : Direct the design, implementation, testing, and lifecycle validation of ...

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Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$42.8K

$96.8K

$156.6K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate in Rio Rancho, NM is $96,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,700.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Mechanical Engineering Associates?

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, and why are they important?

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 Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,768 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
Field Engineer I - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Field Engineer I - Albuquerque, New Mexico

QuidelOrtho Corporation

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


QuidelOrtho rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

The Opportunity
QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most - home to hospital, lab to clinic.
Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.
The Role
At QuidelOrtho, we're advancing the power of diagnostics for a healthier future for all. Join our mission as our next Field Engineer I in Albuquerque, NM. This is a field based position that offers a company car, gas card, cell phone and laptop, and all vehicle maintenance will be covered by QuidelOrtho. This field based position serves customers across Albuquerque and the Four Corners region, including New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.
The Responsibilities
  • We are seeking a qualified individual who has experience installing, operating, maintaining, repairing, and modifying electromechanical equipment, preferably in the field. Troubleshoot technical problems and systems issues.
  • Determine technical solution in accordance with product and customer specifications and recommends actions to company or customer representatives for coordinative product solution.
  • Conducts technical analysis of product implementations, modifications, and enhancements to product in accordance with specific customer specifications and implementations.
  • This position will also require the individual to assess Customer needs and recommends solutions in accordance with product specifications and Customer Specifications.
  • Conducts technical training and product briefing with customers, vendors and company representatives as needed. Act as local on-site representative to customer's organization. Manage all territory responsibilities including Preventive Maintenance & upgrades including software & hardware. This position requires the individual to provide service support in the hospital/clinic laboratory environment.
  • Responsible for individual parts management, online training, and administrative expense reporting.
  • Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

The Individual
Candidates should be aware that the Company currently requires customer-facing workers to meet Customer Credentialing requirements which may include but are not limited to, up to date immunizations. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and will provide reasonable accommodation to those unable to be vaccinated where it is not an undue hardship to the company to do so as provided under federal, state, and local law.
Required:
  • Education: Minimum of an Associate's degree in Electronics or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent 4 years of military or field service experience required.
  • Experience: Minimum 4 years experience installing, operating, maintaining, repairing, and modifying electromechanical equipment, preferably in the field, required.
  • A team player that is self-motivated & interacts appropriately with peers, sales counterparts, and customers is required.
  • The ability to organize and express ideas clearly, verbal and written, in individual or group situations.
  • Possess appropriate technical knowledge and have the ability to utilize that knowledge to effectively perform required job functions with an effective level of competence demonstrating a high degree of knowledge in electro-mechanical, chemistry, computer and/or other related disciplines.
  • Ability to effectively manage assigned workload within allotted time constraints.
  • Must have the ability to lift 75 lbs.
  • A valid driver's license is always required.
  • Extended hours may be required
  • Travel: Ability to travel overnight 50-75% to Rochester, NY, in the first few months of training. Post-training must be able to travel up to 75% around territory, with occasional overnight travel (1-2 nights per week).
  • This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.

Preferred:
  • Experience within Healthcare or Medical Device industry

The Key Working Relationships
Internal Partners:
  • Field Service: Field Engineer I, Senior Field Engineers, Area Service Engineers, Regional Service Managers, Area Service Directors
  • Sales: Area Sales Directors, Account Managers, Strategic Account Executives, Business Development Managers, Channel Sales Managers
  • Technical Specialists, Field Application Specialists, Area Technical Specialists, Technical Support Specialists
  • Interacts with other aspects of the organization as required (e.g., Finance, HR, IT, Customer Service, etc.)

External Partners:
  • Customers including but not limited to Laboratory Managers, Supervisors.

The Work Environment
Typical work hours with overtime required in a outside field engineer environment. Must have the discipline, organization skills and self-motivation to work autonomously in a home office environment. Must maintain a valid driver's license and must own and maintain an automobile suitable for travel to customer sites, airport, etc. Travel includes airplane, train, automobile, and overnights. On a typical workday, 80% of time meeting with people, 20% of the time on computer, doing paperwork, or on phone.
The Physical Demands
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, twist, reach and sit. Occasionally required to reach, kneel, squat, or balance. Must be physically able to travel up to 75%. Must maintain a valid driver's license and must own and maintain an automobile suitable for travel to customer sites, airport, etc. Travel includes airplane, train, automobile, and overnights. Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.
Salary Transparency
The salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. At QuidelOrtho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on that facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000 and is bonus eligible. QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time) and paid Holidays. All benefits are non-contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate.
Equal Opportunity
QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@quidelortho.com
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