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Application Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... application * Minimum of three (3) years of experience demonstrating the ability to concept ... design, code, and engineer embedded software solutions * Knowledge of C#, Java, or C++ * Knowledge ...

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain enterprise software applications that support ... developer who enjoys working across the application lifecycle--from architecture and coding to ...

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain enterprise software applications that support ... developer who enjoys working across the application lifecycle--from architecture and coding to ...

Showing results 21-40

Application Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$20

$57

$86

How much do application design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for application design engineer in Virginia is $57.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.68 and $72.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Application Design Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectApplication Design EngineerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD or design certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, client sitesOffices, development labs, remote work
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, industrial equipmentIT, software development, tech companies
Primary FocusDesigning and testing physical products and systemsWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications

Application Design Engineers focus on creating and testing physical product designs, often working with hardware and systems integration. Software Engineers primarily develop and maintain software applications. While both roles require technical skills and collaboration, their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly, making this comparison useful for those exploring career options or job opportunities in engineering fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an application design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, software development, and system design, usually supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for translating client needs into technical solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that complex applications are designed efficiently, meet user requirements, and function reliably in real-world environments.

What are some common challenges faced by application design engineers when working on custom solutions for clients?

Application Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing client requirements with technical feasibility, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. They must frequently adapt to evolving project scopes and navigate communication between cross-functional teams, including sales, development, and support. Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential, as is the ability to clearly translate client needs into practical design specifications.

What is an application design engineer?

Application Design Engineers are professionals who develop, customize, and optimize technical solutions or products to meet specific client or industry needs. They work closely with customers, sales teams, and product development teams to ensure that applications perform efficiently and address user requirements. Their role often involves both engineering design tasks and application support, requiring a strong understanding of both product capabilities and customer use cases. They may also assist in troubleshooting, prototyping, and modifying existing systems to improve functionality.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Application Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Application Design Engineer job openings:

$141K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 243 rated software companies


Job description

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
Key Responsibilities
  • Design of digital electronics including Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) development and circuit design
  • Responsible for definition, design, verification and documentation
  • Determines architecture, system simulation, and detailed design approach
  • Defines module interfaces and all aspects of device design and simulation
  • Evaluates the process flow including but not limited to high level design, synthesis, place and route, timing and power utilization
  • Creates test and simulation plans that establish functional criteria
  • Verifies test results and analyzes performance
  • Verification and validation on target hardware
  • Leadership on inter-disciplinary design efforts

What Sets You Apart:
  • Strong understanding of electronics principles, topologies, and design methodologies
  • Ability to learn new technologies and handle increasing design complexity
  • Experience leading a small team of technical personnel
  • Proficiency in teaching and mentoring junior engineers
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills with hands-on debugging capabilities
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development in electrical engineering
  • Effective communication skills with ability to present technical concepts clearly

We Encourage You to Apply if You Have Any of These Preferred Skills or Experiences:
  • Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (OrCAD, Xpedition, or similar)
  • Working knowledge of networking electronics
  • Understanding of System-On-Chip (SoC) design with embedded processor on FPGA
  • Experience with application programming on embedded processors
  • Ability to translate system requirements into designs independently
  • Ability to "reverse engineer" existing designs and update functionality for new requirements
  • Proven troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills for complex electronic systems
  • Utilize AI for innovation, technical verification, and process improvement

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
  • This position is fully on-site.
  • While on-site, you will be a part of the Manassas, Virginia facility.

Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $141,739.00 - USD $157,242.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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