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Associate Engineer Jobs in Vienna, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer-Aviation

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineers. Continues to develop technical expertise in discipline and may begin to specialize in niche ...

Senior Electrical Engineer-Rail & Transit

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineers. Continues to develop technical expertise in discipline and may begin to specialize in niche ...

Help mentor Associate engineers and participate in peer code/architecture reviews. * Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications * Bachelor's degree or 5+ years of professional or military ...

Essential Job Functions of the Associate, Software Engineer: * Design, build, and maintain applications using C# and ASP.NET Core, primarily WPF and MVC * Work within and extend our proprietary, in ...

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Showing results 41-60

Associate Engineer information

See Vienna, VA salary details

$41.7K

$82.9K

$132.5K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Vienna, VA is $82,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $95,400.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Vienna, VA?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Vienna, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,942 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Senior Electrical Engineer-Aviation

Burns Engineering, Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

About Burns:

Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help our clients attain their strategic goals and initiatives through successful large-scale infrastructure projects.  Burns’ full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering.

Recently voted a Top Workplace by Philly.com, we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team.  Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm, and has been named an MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig.  We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients’ successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world.  We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to “write their own story” with us.

Aviation Team

For more than 50 years, we have built our reputation on outstanding client service.  Ranked a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Design Firm, we are personally invested in helping our clients achieve their goals, sharing in their passions, and successfully guiding them through the challenges of complex projects using our no surprises Burns Unique Client Experience.

Burns is currently seeking a licensed Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Aviation team in Washington, D.C, New York City, or Philadelphia. 

SUMMARY

The Sr. Engineer makes independent decisions on engineering problems and methods. Requires the use of advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices of the field. Provides supervision and guidance related largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters. Develops solutions for larger and highly complex engineering projects. Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineers. Continues to develop technical expertise in discipline and may begin to specialize in niche technical areas. The Senior Engineer will spend the majority of their time developing technical expertise and supporting others. Must dispense knowledge to staff through mentoring or internal presentations. Provides the production of projects on-time, in budget with high technical quality and client satisfaction. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensures that company technical policies and procedures are practiced during the execution of projects for clients.
  • Takes lead in developing design approaches and concepts on assigned projects and requests assistance from the senior technical staff when needed.
  • Performs specific engineering studies and design analyzes and assists the project manager in establishing budgets, cost estimates and project schedules.
  • Reviews shop drawings, record changes and communicate directly with suppliers, contractors and client representatives as required.
  • Performs on-site inspections during construction and coordinates design requirements with contractors and equipment suppliers.
  • Develops innovative technical solutions and engineering methods to enhance efficiency, quality and production
  • Make and/or supervise the scoping, implementation and design of plans.
  • Plan other consultation services. Maintain highest quality of design and review.
  • Assists Project Managers in the coordination of project designs with other disciplines including attendance at project meetings.
  • Assists in proposal writing and client presentations for future work.
  • Provides feedback to Project Managers in regards to technical staff performance for mid and end-of-year review periods.
  • Develop a specialized niche of company's target markets.
  • Maintain overall group schedule of project deliverable milestones, billing objectives and activity codes.
  • Is recognized by clients as an expert technical resource.
  • Actively participates in professional organizations and/or client groups where the technical reputation and image of the firm may be enhanced.
  • When directed by the President, Project Manager or Chief Engineer assumes other duties.
  • Sets technical direction for specific discipline on projects, determine discipline work tasks and flow, delegates design elements to Engineers. Designers and primarily retains most complex, high value tasks for self.
  • Mentors junior staff

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Informal task supervision of CAD Operators, Designers, Junior Associates,  Associates,  Engineers and Engineer IIs at the direction of the Project Manager.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Professionally Licensed Engineer with a Bachelor's (B.S.) Engineering degree and at least 10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Professional Engineering License is required at this level.