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Programming Associate Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Infrastructure Engineer - Cloud

Wexford, PA ยท On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Azure certifications (e.g., Azure Administrator, Azure Network Engineer Associate, AWS Associate-level) * Proficiency in scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, or Bash. * Experience ...

Highway Engineer

Cranberry Township, PA ยท On-site

$73K - $109K/yr

Provides guidance, training, and support to engineering associates and interns, helping them develop technical skills, design intuition, and professional growth. Education and Experience * Education:

Highway Engineer

Cranberry Township, PA ยท On-site

$73K - $109K/yr

Provides guidance, training, and support to engineering associates and interns, helping them develop technical skills, design intuition, and professional growth. Education and Experience * Education:

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Programming Associate information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

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How much do programming associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for programming associate in Pittsburgh, PA is $22.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $30.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Programming Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Programming Associate, you need strong coding abilities in languages such as Python, Java, or C++, along with a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and sometimes certifications like CompTIA or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure high-quality code development, efficient problem-solving, and effective collaboration within software projects.

What are Programming Associates?

Programming Associates are professionals who assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of programs or projects within an organization. They often work in various industries such as arts, media, education, or non-profits, supporting program managers or directors to ensure successful execution of events, initiatives, or schedules. Their duties can include administrative tasks, data management, research, and communication with stakeholders. Programming Associates play a key role in making sure projects run smoothly and meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Programming Associate vs Software Developer?

AspectProgramming Associate
Required Credentials
Typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; certifications like Microsoft or Cisco may be preferred
Work Environment
Often in corporate or government settings, supporting IT teams or software projects
Employer & Industry Usage
Used by companies in tech, finance, and government sectors for entry to mid-level support roles
Comparison Summary

Programming Associates typically focus on supporting software development through coding, testing, and troubleshooting, often in team environments. Software Developers usually take on more complex design and development tasks, with a broader scope of responsibilities. While both roles require programming skills and similar educational backgrounds, Software Developers often have more experience and autonomy in project execution.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Programming Associate and how do they contribute to the overall success of a project?

Programming Associates are often responsible for assisting in the development, testing, and maintenance of software applications. Their daily tasks may include writing and reviewing code, debugging issues, documenting processes, and collaborating with senior developers and cross-functional teams. By effectively managing these tasks, Programming Associates help ensure that projects stay on schedule, code quality is maintained, and software releases run smoothly. Their attention to detail and teamwork are key factors in the success of any software development project.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programming jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? The most popular types of Programming jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Programming Associate jobs? Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Programming Associate job openings:
Senior Systems Engineering Specialist

Senior Systems Engineering Specialist

Burns

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

About Burns:
Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help our clients attain their strategic goals and initiatives through successful large-scale infrastructure projects. Burns' full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering.
Recently voted a Top Workplace by Philly.com, we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team. Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm, and has been named an MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig. We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients' successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world. We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to "write their own story" with us.
Burns is currently seeking a licensed Senior Systems Engineering Specialist to join our Signals, Communications & Train Control team in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, Pa.
SUMMARY
The Senior System Engineering Specialist provides technical leadership for the development, integration, and verification of complex train control and signaling systems. This role leads systems engineering activities across the project lifecycle, with a focus on requirements management, system architecture, interface coordination, and system integration.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead systems engineering activities for complex rail train control and signaling projects, including requirements development, system design, system verification, and integration.
  • Develop and manage system requirements throughout the project lifecycle, including traceability, change control, and stakeholder alignment.
  • Develop system architecture and define functional allocations to support implementation of train control solutions.
  • Author technical papers to document potential system functionality enhancements, balancing railroad operational objectives (such as train performance and capacity) with safety-critical requirements.
  • Lead interface identification, definition, and coordination across subsystems, disciplines and internal/external stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain interface control documentation and lead collaboration efforts to resolve interface issues throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Coordinate system integration activities with internal teams, contractors and suppliers, and clients to ensure system components function as an integrated solution.
  • Support development of verification and validation plans, procedures, and reports to demonstrate compliance with requirements and safety-critical design principles.
  • Provide technical leadership on assigned projects, determine discipline work tasks and flow, and delegate design elements to less senior Engineers and Designers while retaining most complex, high value tasks as appropriate.
  • Serve as the primary subject matter expert and technical resource for clients and external partners, including participation in technical workshops, design reviews, and coordination meetings.
  • Support Project Managers by providing technical input to project planning, resource allocation, and risk management.
  • Support system safety efforts by evaluating designs against fail-safe and safety-critical principles, assisting with hazard identification and resolution related to system requirements, design, interfaces, and integration.
  • Mentor early and mid-career work through on-the-job training. When requested, partner with a Learning & Development Lead to create and deliver training content.
  • Perform all tasks in compliance with Burns (and, when applicable, a client's) standards, policies, procedures, and engineering codes.
  • Perform all tasks efficiently, accurately, within the allotted project hours, and complete tasks on or before the due date.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No formal supervisory responsibilities. Under the oversight of the Project Manager, the Engineer I may provide direction to CAD Operators, CAD Technicians, Designers, Co-Ops, Interns, Engineering Design Associates, and Engineering Associates.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's (B.S.) Engineering degree.
  • A minimum of 10 years of progressive discipline specific engineering experience in the railroad industry, with at least 6 of those years in the field of system engineering.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
No certifications or licenses required; however, a Professional Engineer (PE) license, or similar, is considered a plus
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Experience with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems, including Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES) and/or Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS).
  • Experience with modern train control systems, such as Automatic Train Control (ATC) and/or Communications Based Train Control (CBTC).
  • Experience working on large-scale train control projects, especially those within the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
  • Experience testing and commissioning complex large-scale systems.
  • Proficient with system engineering software and requirements management tools such as DevOps or DOORS.
  • Proficient knowledge of railroad operations and maintenance practices.
  • Proficient knowledge of federal regulations related to train control systems.
  • Experience developing and maintaining client relationships, especially those within the rail industry.
  • Experience providing technical guidance, training, and feedback to early career employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.