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Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer Associate

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... Uses 2D CAD/BIM skills * Assist on the development of Method of Procedures (MOP), and Sequence of ...

Hardware Design Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Description The Electronic Warfare Division of Leidos is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to ... and assist in the execution of both lab testing and occasional field testing. • Conduct ...

The Electronic Warfare Division of Leidos is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to support Circuit ... Develop project test plans and test procedures, provide test planning support, and assist in the ...

The Electronic Warfare Division of Leidos is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to support Circuit ... and assist in the execution of both lab testing and occasional field testing. • Conduct ...

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

This position is ideal for an experienced engineer ready to contribute at a high level while ... Assist with structural design tasks from concept through detailed design and into certification ...

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Position Overview Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration ... * Assist with structural design tasks from concept through detailed design and into certification ...

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Position Overview Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration ... * Assist with structural design tasks from concept through detailed design and into certification ...

Job Summary As a Propulsion Design Engineer at Lynk, you will support the development of the Hall ... Develop CAD models of components in Solidworks or similar. * Assist in the design of valves and ...

Be Seen First

Key Responsibilities Engineering & Design · Lead the design and engineering of products ... Assist in evaluating new equipment, software, and manufacturing technologies. Project Management ...

Be Seen First

Key Responsibilities Engineering & Design · Lead the design and engineering of products ... Assist in evaluating new equipment, software, and manufacturing technologies. Project Management ...

Design Engineer Associate

VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... Uses 2D CAD/BIM skills * Assist on the development of Method of Procedures (MOP), and Sequence of ...

Design Engineer Principal

Tysons, VA · On-site

$125K - $156K/yr

Uses the electrical engineering web site to access department guides and standards * Assist other engineers in producing conceptual design to construction documents from utilization voltage to low ...

Design Engineer Principal

Tysons, VA · On-site

$125K - $156K/yr

Uses the electrical engineering web site to access department guides and standards * Assist other engineers in producing conceptual design to construction documents from utilization voltage to low ...

Design Engineer Staff

Tysons, VA · On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

Development of Engineering Installation Design Packages including the creation of Block Diagrams ... Create Cable, Device, and Performance Verification Test Plans * Assist in the Bids and Proposals ...

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Assistant Design Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$33.7K

$90.8K

$137.5K

How much do assistant design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant design engineer in Ashburn, VA is $90,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $106,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant design engineer do?

An Assistant Design Engineer supports senior engineers in creating and developing designs for products, structures, or systems. Their tasks often include preparing technical drawings, conducting research, creating prototypes, and assisting with testing and analysis. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create models and work closely with other team members to ensure designs meet project requirements and safety standards. This role is typically an entry-level position that provides valuable experience in engineering design and project management.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as EIT (Engineer-in-Training) are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure precise, innovative design solutions and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Assistant Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectAssistant Design EngineerDesign Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role in design teams, assisting senior engineersLead or primary role in designing projects, overseeing technical details
ResponsibilitiesAssist in creating designs, preparing drawings, and conducting researchDevelop and finalize designs, review technical specifications, and coordinate with manufacturing

The main difference between an Assistant Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in responsibility level and experience. Assistant Design Engineers support the design process and gain experience, while Design Engineers take on more complex tasks and lead design projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Design Engineers typically have more hands-on experience and responsibility.

What are some common challenges assistant design engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to professional engineering environments?

Assistant Design Engineers often find that transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering roles involves adapting to tighter deadlines, larger teams, and stricter compliance with industry standards. Unlike classroom assignments, professional projects require precise documentation, coordination with other departments such as manufacturing and quality assurance, and adherence to budget constraints. Embracing collaborative tools and clear communication is essential, as is being open to feedback from senior engineers to grow technically and professionally.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA? For Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Assistant Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Assistant Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Design Engineer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 69% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,760 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Design Engineer Associate

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries
In this role, as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Design Engineer will be responsible for developing, integrating, and developing project engineering deliverables. These documents include drawings, specifications, product selection, installation sequence planning, and commissioning testing/commissioning scripts.
Responsibilities
  • Uses the electrical engineering web site to access department guides and standards
  • Assist other engineers in producing conceptual design to construction documents from utilization voltage to low voltage including, detailed equipment layout, single and three-line diagrams, grounding, and feeder routing.
  • Prepares and reviews simple electrical sketches, specifications and data sheets
  • Performs simple routine electrical calculations
  • Assists in design reviews and checks
  • Assist in the development of specifications and installation details of construction materials and equipment.
  • Uses 2D CAD/BIM skills
  • Assist on the development of Method of Procedures (MOP), and Sequence of Operations (SOP) to support construction execution effort
  • Interprets mechanical, special and other miscellaneous equipment schedules and logic narratives
  • Ability to accurately estimate completion percentage of assigned tasks.

Qualifications
  • 0+ years of experience in engineering with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Capable of performing calculations for required short circuit and overcurrent protective device ratings.
  • Medium voltage design experience, including working knowledge of relays protection schemes.
  • Ability to understand PLC and ladder logic and write control sequences.
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
  • Certified in Power Quality (CPQ)
  • Lighting Certified (LC)
  • Certified Lighting & Efficiency Professional (CLEP)
  • Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)
  • INCOSE Certification
  • AutoCAD Inventor Experience Programs
  • MS Office Suite of products
  • SharePoint Calculation Software - AGI32, ETAP, SKM AutoCAD Revit
  • Engineering Document Management System (EDMS)
  • Infrastructure Maintenance Management System (IMMS)
  • Bluebeam

Abilities
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Pay Range
USD $75,520.00 - USD $94,400.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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