Is an engineering associate an engineer?

You must also complete at least four years of engineering experience and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination.

An entry-level engineer is typically an engineering student who recently graduated college and is entering the workforce.

An entry-level engineer typically has little to no job experience in engineering, though some complete engineering internships before graduation to earn experience and increase their employability post-graduation. You do not need to be certified to land an entry-level engineering position.

An associate engineer is next after an entry-level engineer. Associate engineers typically have between one and two years of engineering experience, are state-certified, and have completed their education and training.

Associate engineers have technical and practical knowledge of engineering concepts and have applied these concepts in job settings and learned the everyday tasks of the engineer.

Hierarchy of engineering positions:

• Entry-level (not certified)

• Associate

• Engineer (sometimes with level I, II, III)

• Sr. Engineer

• Principal engineer

• Engineering Director