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Associate Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

Overview VTG is seeking an Associate Systems Engineer to support our Navy customer in Manassas, VA . This role is primarly on-site in a classified lab enviroment. This systems engineer will work to ...

Associate, Rocket Test Engineer Job ID: 37017 Job Location: Orange, VA Job Schedule: Shift: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off ...

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 ...

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 ...

RS&H is currently seeking a mechanical engineering associate to join our team. This position will have the ability to work a hybrid schedule of in-office and remote. As part of the buildings team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$81.9K

$130.9K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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?

An associate engineer is a lower level engineer in many fields of engineering, including environmental, civil, and mechanical. The title denotes rank and experience level. As an associate engineer, your typical job duties involve analyzing project plans, designing products, maintaining equipment, closely following specifications and procedures, and writing reports. The specific duties vary widely depending upon your field and employer. This career usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and obtaining a license in your state. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience, strong technical skills, and a familiarity with your specific industry.

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 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 Associate Engineers?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Virginia 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:
Associate to Staff Engineer - Civil Design Surry

Associate to Staff Engineer - Civil Design Surry

Dominion Energy

Surry, VA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Dominion Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Dominion Energy is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. If you want to work for a purpose-driven company that values safety and collaboration, we're looking for you. You won't just find a job here; you'll find your career. Review the position below and apply today.

Military service members and veterans with ranks from E5-E9, W1-CW5, or O3-O6, plus appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined below will be considered for this opportunity. 

Job Summary

The Nuclear Design Engineering department at Surry Nuclear Power Station in Surry, Virginia is seeking a Civil Design Associate Engineer, Engineer, Senior Engineer, or Staff Engineer.   This position will be filled at a level commensurate with the successful candidate's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating design modifications to nuclear plant systems including the preparation and review of

  • Design modification packages using the standard design process
  • Site/System/Construction drawings
  • Calculations and analysis to support modification and operation of plant systems
  • Impact on plant design and licensing basis

Additionally perform field support for inspections of plant equipment and structures

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

The knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required for this job include the following:  Associate Engineer:  0-2 years of relevant engineering experience;  Engineer:  2+ years of relevant engineering experience; Senior Engineer:  5+ years of relevant engineering experience; Staff Engineer: 8+ years of relevant engineering experience.  The candidate should have a commitment to safety and quality assurance in all aspects of design and operations at the station

-Extensive knowledge of engineering theories, principles, and practices to a broad variety of assignments and related field.
-Extensive skilled in use of advanced techniques and modification and extension of theories, precepts and practices of the field and related sciences and disciplines.
-Full Knowledge of business/financial and contractual matters.
-Recognized expert by other engineers and management in assigned area.
-Provides expert technical advice to other engineers and management in assigned area.
-Skilled in the use of advanced engineering techniques.
-Strong planning and project management skills.
-Strong technical and organizational leadership skills.
-Strong oral and written communication skills (includes technical writing).
-In depth knowledge of various computer applications, with the ability to manipulate personal computer applications and perform engineering calculations using applicable software programs (e.g., Matlab, Excel, etc.).
-Proven decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply codes, regulations, and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to process information quickly and effectively manage multiple tasks.
-Equally effective working independently or in team environment

Nuclear employees: Must have at least one year of Nuclear power experience.

REQUIRED ENGINEERING CRITERIA: 
For placement of a candidate in the Engineer job series, the following criteria must be met:   

Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an ABET accredited Engineering program based on the year that the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or 

Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an institution outside of the U.S. which is accredited through the country's own Engineering accrediting body under the Washington Accord as a full signatory, and is a degree that was recognized by the country's accrediting body on or after the date that full signatory status was achieved, or  

Possess a 4-year degree in Engineering (non-ABET accredited), Physics, Chemistry, Math or Engineering Technology and a post-graduate Engineering degree from an institution where the undergraduate degree in the same Engineering discipline is ABET-accredited based on the year the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or 

Holds or has previously held a valid U.S. Professional Engineer license. 

Preferred Quals:  

Familiarity with regulatory requirements for commercial nuclear power plants, including those from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO). Experience with performing 10 CFR 50.59 screens and evaluations. Nuclear Design Engineering experience with relevant analytical capabilities
Previously qualified or ability to qualify in the Standard Design Process, Engineering Calculations, Specifications and similar Nuclear Qualifications
Professional Engineering license, Civil Engineering
Familiarity with Crane design and applications including NUREG-0612
Experience with foundation, steel and concrete structure, pipe support, pipe stress, and rigging
An understanding of Engineering Specifications (Procurement, Design, Installation, etc.)
Knowledge of ASCE, AISC and ACI Codes
Knowledge of primary systems (NSSS) and Balance of Plant (BOP) systems

Education Requirements

Required Degree (equivalency not accepted in lieu of required degree):

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, structural concentration preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description

Note: Dominion Energy minimum experience and education requirements may exceed stated ANSI standards and candidates must meet the Dominion Energy minimum requirements.

For Nuclear employees, this ANSI standard must be met, all of which is met or exceeded in the Engineer series job summaries with the exception of the Nuclear Power experience requirement of at least 1 year:

ANSI/ANS-3.1-2014, Section 4.6.1 Education requirements: Baccalaureate or associate degree in engineering or related science. Minimum experience for the position: Related experience which shall include 2 years; Nuclear power plant experience to include 1 year.

Working Conditions
Cold Up to 25%
Dust / Grease / Oil Up to 25%
Energized Wires Up to 25%
Fumes Up to 25%
Heat Up to 25%
Loud Noise Up to 25%
Office Work Environment 76 -100%
Outdoors Up to 25%
Pressurized Lines & Valves Up to 25%
Radiation Up to 25%
Travel Up to 25%
Other Working Conditions
Test Description

No Testing Required

Export Control


Certain positions at Dominion Energy may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law.  Compliance with these export controls may result in Dominion Energy limiting its consideration of certain applicants.

Other Information


We offer excellent plans and programs for employees. Employees are rewarded with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which may include: health benefits with coverage for families and domestic partners, vacation, retirement plans, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and much more.   To learn more about our benefits, click here dombenefits.com.

Dominion Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin and/or status as a protected veteran or individual with a disability. 

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About Dominion Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a leader in the clean energy transition, with a clear strategy to achieve Net Zero carbon and methane emissions. Headquartered in Richmond, VA, we're creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Richmond, VA, US

Year founded

1983

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