What does an associate mechanical engineer do?
Associate Mechanical Engineers are usually entry-level mechanical engineers hired by the company. They help design and conceptualize mechanical assets, construct and install mechanical parts, and repair mechanical problems in the different machines they work with. Associate Mechanical Engineers should be licensed with specialized knowledge of the different activities involved in the role. They ensure that the model they are making is working properly. They also help out in operating machines and other mechanical equipment needed by the company. They are expected to know the science behind the different machines and the machinations at play.
Associate mechanical engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real associate mechanical engineer resumes:
- Attain SolidWorks CSWP certification and maintaining proficiency within CREO & AutoCad
- Participate in FMEA s and recommend design improvements.
- Document and confirm risk management activities (DFMEA & PFMEA).
- Create tolerance stacks, risk assessments and DFMEA, used results to improve designs.
- Design, create, and correct assign manufacturing drawings and solid models with the use of SolidWorks.
- Design in accordance with both commercial and military standards and include cost management preparation and reporting per full DoD requirements.
- Recommend, develop and control the company's engineering documentations to standardize and improve ECO procedures and assembly procedure.
Associate mechanical engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Associate Mechanical Engineers are proficient in CAD, Mechanical Design, and Solidworks. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Listening skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Associate Mechanical Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CAD, 14%
Utilized CAD to incorporate specified materials and components from documentation into product drawings to successfully build products.
- Mechanical Design, 7%
Provided expertise in mechanical design, simulation, analysis, and design documentation of high volume consumer electronics products.
- Solidworks, 6%
Created detail designs utilizing SolidWorks design software for various aircraft components.
- Mechanical Systems, 6%
Maintained and improved project mechanical systems.
- Engineering Design, 4%
Provided mechanical engineering design to the architectural team for one of the State of Kansas progressive and award-winning design firms.
- FEA, 4%
Conducted FEA analysis on 3D models to ensure parts hold up to expected forces and loads.
"cad," "mechanical design," and "solidworks" are among the most common skills that associate mechanical engineers use at work. You can find even more associate mechanical engineer responsibilities below, including:
Creativity. One of the key soft skills for an associate mechanical engineer to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what associate mechanical engineers do because "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." Additionally, an associate mechanical engineer resume shows how associate mechanical engineers use creativity: "patented 1 invention: us20110265430 a1 mechanical designer, parata systems. "
Listening skills. Many associate mechanical engineer duties rely on listening skills. "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists," so an associate mechanical engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways associate mechanical engineer responsibilities rely on listening skills: "communicated with solidworks drafters to keep drawings and assemblies up-to-date. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for associate mechanical engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how associate mechanical engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an associate mechanical engineer: "developed mathcad models for thermal analysis of pcb's, electronic enclosures and other products. ".
Mechanical skills. A big part of what associate mechanical engineers do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to associate mechanical engineer responsibilities because "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical associate mechanical engineer tasks: "associate mechanical engineer- designed magnetizing fixtures for custom applications, produced assembly drawings complete with details for machine shop fabrication. "
Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in associate mechanical engineer job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what associate mechanical engineers do. Associate mechanical engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." You can also see how associate mechanical engineer duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "solved engineering calculations to guide design changes to meet customer specifications, such as fluid flow and stress analysis. "
The three companies that hire the most associate mechanical engineers are:
- Northrop Grumman11 associate mechanical engineers jobs
- L3Harris9 associate mechanical engineers jobs
- Cummins4 associate mechanical engineers jobs
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Compare different associate mechanical engineers
Associate mechanical engineer vs. Engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between associate mechanical engineers and engineer. For instance, associate mechanical engineer responsibilities require skills such as "mechanical design," "mechanical systems," "engineering design," and "engineering drawings." Whereas a engineer is skilled in "python," "cloud," "c #," and "aws." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $97,672. On the other hand, associate mechanical engineers are paid more in the automotive industry with an average salary of $81,136.engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than associate mechanical engineers. In fact, engineers are 2.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Associate mechanical engineer vs. Product design engineer
A Product Design Engineer designs new products that customers will want to purchase. They are responsible for designing, modeling, and testing prototypes for products.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, associate mechanical engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "solidworks," "mechanical systems," "fea," and "hand tools." Meanwhile, a product design engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "creo," "design concepts," "ul," and "nx." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, product design engineers earn a higher salary than associate mechanical engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, product design engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $116,796. Whereas associate mechanical engineers have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $81,136.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Product design engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than associate mechanical engineers. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Associate mechanical engineer vs. Staff engineer
Staff engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and inspecting various products, equipment, or structures. These professionals may perform varied duties depending on their specialization that includes overseeing the design and construction of buildings, bridges, sewer systems, and other infrastructure, estimating the financial costs of construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations. Other duties include designing and developing machinery, tools, and engines, solving design problems, and building the manufacturing equipment needed to create their products.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from associate mechanical engineer resumes include skills like "mechanical design," "solidworks," "mechanical systems," and "fea," whereas a staff engineer is more likely to list skills in "java," "python," "architecture," and "software development. "
Staff engineers earn the highest salary when working in the telecommunication industry, where they receive an average salary of $119,079. Comparatively, associate mechanical engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $81,136.staff engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to associate mechanical engineers. Specifically, they're 5.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Associate mechanical engineer vs. Equipment engineer
The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one's organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers' preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between associate mechanical engineers and equipment engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an associate mechanical engineer might have more use for skills like "mechanical design," "mechanical systems," "engineering design," and "fea." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of equipment engineers require skills like "equipment performance," "semiconductor," "preventive maintenance," and "provides technical support. "
In general, equipment engineers earn the most working in the energy industry, with an average salary of $108,645. The highest-paying industry for an associate mechanical engineer is the automotive industry.In general, equipment engineers hold similar degree levels compared to associate mechanical engineers. Equipment engineers are 1.8% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of associate mechanical engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
