1

Associate Engineer Jobs in Manassas, VA (NOW HIRING)

Provide systems engineering support and perform required engineering activities for government clients in the aviation industry * Record and track system requirements and provide assistance in the ...

Design Engineer Associate 1

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

The Engineer provides system programming and management support for large scale networking infrastructures. The responsibilities include the administration and maintenance of high performance ...

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Pair with Mid and Associate engineers, run design reviews, give substantive code/config review, and grow the next tier. Quality of output from less senior engineers is part of your scope.

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Pair with Mid and Associate engineers, run design reviews, give substantive code/config review, and grow the next tier. Quality of output from less senior engineers is part of your scope.

Showing results 21-40

Associate Engineer information

See Manassas, VA salary details

$41.5K

$82.6K

$132K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Manassas, VA is $82,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $95,000.00 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 Manassas, VA?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Manassas, VA are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Manassas, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Manassas, VA are:

What cities near Manassas, VA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Manassas, VA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Manassas, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,618 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Associate Principal Engineer

Southland Industries Inc.

Dulles, VA • On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Southland Industries rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary

This role is 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. 

Position Details

  • 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 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.

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required
  • PE license required
  • Minimum 12 years’ relevant experience, including minimum 5 years’ people management
  • Expert knowledge of applicable systems design, such as HVAC, plumbing, etc., as well as all design engineering aspects
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communication with all levels of employees, clients and general contractors
  • Proven ability to lead an engineering group
  • Strong public speaking ability
  • Strong computer skills, including CADD and Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel

Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

  • 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 

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. 

Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For Virginia this ranges from $147,510.00 - $202,826.00 plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).


Required Skills
Required Experience

What Southland Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom