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Associate Engineer Jobs in Charlottesville, VA (NOW HIRING)

Trilon

Mid/Senior Drainage Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA) is seeking a skilled Drainage Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join our dynamic team in Manassas, Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, Virginia Beach or Waynesboro.

Trilon Group

Mid/Senior Drainage Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Waynesboro, VA Compensation: $110,000 - $160,000 / year Description Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA) is seeking a skilled Drainage Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join our dynamic team in ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

Associate Engineer information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$41.2K

$82K

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How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Charlottesville, VA is $81,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 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 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 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.
More about Associate Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA? For Associate Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA are:
What cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Charlottesville, VA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Charlottesville, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,980 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Mid/Senior Drainage Engineer

Trilon

Waynesboro, VA • On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Rinker Design Associates, LLC (RDA) is seeking a skilled Drainage Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join our dynamic team in Manassas, Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, Virginia Beach or Waynesboro.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and performing supporting drainage analysis for stormwater conveyance systems on transportation projects, ensuring compliance with VDOT, State, Local and Federal design requirements or regulations specific to drainage design, stormwater management, and floodplains.
$10K Sign-On Bonus
  • Hydrologic and Hydraulic Design: Design stormwater management systems, culverts, storm drains, and other drainage structures for roadways, highways, and bridges, in compliance with to VDOT/Federal/State/Local design requirements.
  • Project Management-Discipline Specific: Hydraulics: Manage the overall hydraulic design related elements on a wide-range of Transportation-type projects for VDOT and Locality managed tasks. Projects will range from Interstate widening/Interchange projects, bridge replacement/widenings, and drainage improvement projects.
  • Environmental Compliance: Knowledgeable to assist the Design Team to navigate through applicable Federal, State, and Local Environmental Compliance regulations.  Including Stormwater Management, Floodplain Management, Streams/Wetlands, MS4, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, etc.  Holding an active and applicable Environmental Certifications would be a plus.
  • Erosion and Sediment Control: Knowledgeable  to perform review, design, and field construction inspection of Erosion and Sediment Control, in accordance with VDOT, State, and local requirements and regulations. Holding an active VDEQ Certification for Erosion and Sediment Control would be a plus.
  • Collaboration: Coordinate with civil and transportation engineers, contractors, and VDOT personnel to integrate drainage designs with overall project objectives.
  • Technical Reporting: Prepare detailed engineering reports, drainage calculations, and technical documents for VDOT project submission.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in drainage design.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-In-Training (EIT) with the intent to obtain PE licensure within 1 years.
  • Proficiency in hydraulic modeling software, such as Ensoftec,HY-8, MicroStation, and OpenRoads Designer. 
  • Knowledge and experience using HEC-RAS, SWMM, HEC-HMS, TR-55, TR-20 would be a plus.
  • Solid understanding of VDOT drainage design standards, regulations, and construction.
  • Solid understanding of Virginia Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control design standards, regulations, and constructability.
  • Strong, proactive communication skills to collaborate and work with multidisciplinary teams.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:   
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan; Roth Contributions
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
  • Paid time off, including 8 federal holidays + 1 floating holiday
  • Parental leave
  • Professional/career development tracks
  • Positive work/life balance
RDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applicants that require an employment visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered. 

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