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Associate Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Associate, Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$71K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate, Systems Engineering Job Code: 39499 Job Location: Ashburn, VA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off * Perform ...

Associate DER Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Opportunity with McKinstry We're looking for an experienced Associate Electrical Engineer to join our growing Engineering and Design team in Richmond, VA. In this role, you'll play a key part in ...

Associate DER Engineer

Richmond, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Opportunity with McKinstry We're looking for an experienced Associate Electrical Engineer to join our growing Engineering and Design team in Richmond, VA. In this role, you'll play a key part in ...

Associate DER Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Opportunity with McKinstry We're looking for an experienced Associate Electrical Engineer to join our growing Engineering and Design team in Richmond, VA. In this role, you'll play a key part in ...

Design Engineer Associate

VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities Design Engineer, Associate Essential responsibilities and activities include but are not limited to: * Uses the electrical engineering web site to access department guides and ...

Engineer (Associate to Staff)

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Engineer: 0-2 years of relevant engineering experience * Engineer: 2+ years of relevant engineering experience * Sr. Engineer: 5+ years of relevant engineering experience * Staff Engineer ...

Engineer (Associate to Staff)

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Engineer: 0-2 years of relevant engineering experience * Engineer: 2+ years of relevant engineering experience * Sr. Engineer: 5+ years of relevant engineering experience * Staff Engineer ...

Engineer (Associate to Staff)

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Engineer: 0-2 years of relevant engineering experience * Engineer: 2+ years of relevant engineering experience * Sr. Engineer: 5+ years of relevant engineering experience * Staff Engineer ...

Associate, Systems Engineering

Forest, VA · On-site

$62K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate, Systems Engineering Job Code: 40111 Job Location: Forest, VA Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off * Perform ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$81.9K

$130.9K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Virginia is $81,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate engineer?

Associate Engineers are entry-level engineering professionals who support more experienced engineers in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining various projects in their field. They typically work under supervision and assist with tasks such as drafting technical documents, conducting research, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Associate Engineers often gain practical experience and training to advance to higher-level engineering roles as they develop their skills.

What are some typical challenges associate engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Associate Engineers often find the transition from academic projects to industry roles challenging due to differences in project scope, teamwork dynamics, and pace. In industry, you’ll likely work on larger, multi-disciplinary teams where effective communication and collaboration are crucial. Additionally, projects often have stricter deadlines and require adherence to established processes and standards, which may be less emphasized in academic settings. Embracing continuous learning and seeking mentorship from senior engineers can help ease this transition and set you up for success.

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

To thrive as an Associate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate technical solutions and contributing effectively to engineering projects.

What is the difference between Associate Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssociate EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-level certificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; professional licensure (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and support roles in engineering teams; often in office or lab settingsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing in industrial or construction settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position across various industries like manufacturing, construction, and techDesign and development roles primarily in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

The main difference between an Associate Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting engineering tasks, while Mechanical Engineers have more experience and handle complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but Mechanical Engineers often pursue licensure for advanced roles. The choice depends on your experience level and career goals within engineering fields.

How much does an associate engineer get paid?

An associate engineer's average salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with experience and additional responsibilities.

What can I do with an associate engineer's degree in engineering?

An associate engineer's degree prepares individuals for entry-level engineering roles such as technician, assistant engineer, or project support staff. These positions often involve tasks like drafting, testing, data analysis, and using tools like CAD software, with opportunities for on-the-job training and certification to advance in engineering fields.

What is the salary of an associate engineer?

The salary of an associate engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on factors such as industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Associate Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in VA?

For Associate Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,927 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Associate Principal Engineer (construction)

Synerfac Technical Staffing

Sterling, VA

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Associate Principal Engineer
Location: Sterling, VA
Shift: Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
Type: Direct Hire
About the company:
Our Client is an expert in MEP building systems and provides integrated, full lifecycle solutions that optimize the design, construction, operation, and efficiency of buildings.
Job Description:
The Associate Principal Engineer will be responsible for providing design and engineering guidance on projects. In addition, this role attends meetings as the design expert and ensures engineering standards are maintained and adhered to.
Responsibilities:
- Provides design and engineering support to other departments as needed. Partners with team to ensure engineering standards are maintained and followed. Stays current on industry trends and issues.
- Manages conceptual design for specific projects. Prepares complex preliminary redline design layouts for estimating. Performs complex calculations for projects, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection and sizing, etc., depending on discipline-HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, etc.
Performs site inspections to determine compliance with construction documents and resolves design issues during the construction phase.
- Attends project team meetings as design expert.
- Responsible for successful achievement of project goals and objectives.
- Manages a smaller group of engineers, including staffing, training, coaching and performance management.
Benefits:
- 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
- Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
- Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
- Disability income protection insurance
- Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
- Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
- Wellness benefits
Disclaimer:
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, Al-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Synerfac Technical Staffing and our contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undeliverable messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at www.synerfac.com/privacy/
- A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management
- P.E. License
- 8+ years of relevant design engineer experience in the construction industry
- 4+ years of managing/supervisory experience
- Expert knowledge of applicable systems design, such as HVAC, plumbing, etc., as well as all design engineering aspects
- Strong computer skills, including CADD and Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel

Synerfac Technical Staffing logo

About Synerfac Technical Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1987, Synerfac has served three groups, Our Clients, Our Candidates and Our Staff. We treat all three with equal importance because we recognize the synergy of success when one group succeeds, We all succeed. Synerfac is in the business of providing opportunities and adding value. We strive to create extraordinary experiences. For our clients we provide staffing services that enable them to focus on their core competencies which will add value to their businesses. For our employees we provide permanent and temporary assignments that complement their job skills and experience while providing professional and financial rewards. For our staff –we provide careers that are balanced, uplifting and carry the highest rewards by continually improving our business process. Our goal is to enhance the lives and enterprises of all those we touch to make them better off for having known us.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Cherry Hill, NJ, US

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