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Project Associate Jobs in Chattanooga, TN (NOW HIRING)

Mesa Associates, Inc. is a woman/minority-owned full service engineering, procurement ... The Project Manager leads cross-functional teams, coordinates with internal departments and ...

These associates learn about products using our tools, and provide information to customers in order to sell an entire project. Associates in this position will learn how to greet, qualify, recommend ...

These associates learn about products using our tools, and provide information to customers in order to sell an entire project. Associates in this position will learn how to greet, qualify, recommend ...

These associates learn about products using our tools, and provide information to customers in order to sell an entire project. Associates in this position will learn how to greet, qualify, recommend ...

These associates learn about products using our tools, and provide information to customers in order to sell an entire project. Associates in this position will learn how to greet, qualify, recommend ...

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Project Associate information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$13

$27

$46

How much do project associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for project associate in Chattanooga, TN is $27.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Project Associate vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject AssociateProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, relevant certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, project management certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentSupportive team roles, often in research, development, or nonprofit sectorsOrganizational roles, coordinating project activities across teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research, NGOs, government, and corporate projectsCommon in corporate, IT, construction, and healthcare projects

While both roles support project execution, a Project Associate typically focuses on assisting with research and administrative tasks, whereas a Project Coordinator manages project schedules, resources, and communication to ensure timely completion.

How does a project associate typically interact with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Project Associates frequently collaborate with diverse teams such as marketing, engineering, finance, and operations to ensure that project tasks are executed smoothly. They help coordinate meetings, track deliverables, and communicate project updates between departments. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and adaptability, as Project Associates often serve as a bridge to align team efforts and resolve issues quickly. Regular interaction with different stakeholders provides valuable exposure and learning opportunities, making it an excellent stepping stone for career advancement in project management.

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

To thrive as a Project Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software like MS Project, Asana, or Trello, as well as proficiency in MS Office, is typically expected. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate tasks and support project managers effectively. These skills ensure that projects stay on schedule, stakeholders are informed, and objectives are met efficiently.

What is a project associate?

Project Associates are professionals who provide administrative, organizational, and technical support to project managers and teams. They assist in planning, coordinating, and monitoring project activities to ensure tasks are completed on time and within budget. Their responsibilities often include scheduling meetings, preparing reports, tracking project progress, and facilitating communication between team members and stakeholders. Project Associates play a key role in the smooth execution of projects across various industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Chattanooga, TN? The most popular types of Project jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Associate jobs in Chattanooga, TN? For Project Associate jobs in Chattanooga, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chattanooga, TN are hiring for Project Associate jobs? Cities near Chattanooga, TN with the most Project Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Associate job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,403 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Associate Project Implementation Engineer

Mars

Cleveland, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Mars Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 434 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description:

The Associate Project Implementation Engineer ensures that all start-ups are safe, deliver high-quality products, and fulfill business objectives through effective leadership, collaboration, and technical expertise. This role executes the commissioning, validation, and start-up (CVS) process for capital projects, ensuring safe, high-quality project delivery that meets business objectives and critical success factors (CSFs).

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

  • 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing or associate's degree in engineering or other technical field of study and 2 years of experience in a TPM/technical, manufacturing environment.

  • Good communication, listening and influencing skills

  • Comprehensive understanding of the CVS (Commissioning, Validation, & Start-up) process, lean thinking methodology, and their application to the site environment

  • Demonstrate leadership skills and a strong ability to troubleshoot / problem solve

  • Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

  • Must be able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds

  • Must be able to work flexible hours and able to travel up to 25%

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering considered a plus

What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities?
  • Project Leadership:Integrate cross-functional teams to execute the CVS process for new products, equipment, and projects, from pre-engineering through project closure.

  • Planning & Execution:Manage execution plans, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to support project milestones. Ensure materials and resources are in the right place at the right time.

  • Problem Solving:Identify and address gaps using problem-solving methodologies; use data tracking to drive continuous improvement and operational effectiveness with cross-functional partners.

  • Cross-functional Partner Engagement:Support clear communication between operations, supporting site functions, and engineering; communicate project plans, status, and milestones using storytelling and visualization.

  • CVS Activities:Coordinate and drive execution planning meetings, de-risking workshops, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and cross-functional decision-making teams.

  • Handover Strategy and Tracking:Lead the team through the Handover process ensuring relevant items are completed with supporting evidence. Support site audits as needed.

  • Asset Readiness:Ensure asset-specific readiness, compliance with MSE Pillar design requirements, and that site processes and success criteria are in place at each milestone.

  • Performance Metrics:Ensure projects deliver the committed benefits, CSFs, and targets specified in the project charter and/or equipment specifications by tracking progress against KPIs and milestones.

  • Training Integration:Ensure Operations & Maintenance training plans are executed and identify any gaps proactively; ensure training plan is on track per execution plan agreements.

  • Continuous Improvement:Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement and risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle. Maintain a zero-waste mindset and ideate ways to reduce waste during execution.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration:Drive mutual accountability, identify resourcing gaps, and support other functions to achieve project milestones.

  • Risk Management:Proactively communicate site needs and requirements, identifying risks that could impact products, people, or sites.

  • Expand Beyond Projects:Depending on project workload, this role can support sites, R&D or engineering initiatives to drive value beyond projects.

What can you expect from Mars?
  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

  • Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University

  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

#on-site

#LI-MP1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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