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Associate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer to support on-going ...

Mechanical Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are recruiting mechanical engineers who want to build real systems, solve hard physical problems, and move fast enough to meet the timelines defense technology demands. The battlefield waits weeks ...

Job Summary Chloeta is hiring an Mechanical Engineer to provide professional engineering services in support of federal facilities and infrastructure projects. This role supports a wide range of ...

We are recruiting mechanical engineers who want to build real systems, solve hard physical problems, and move fast enough to meet the timelines defense technology demands. The battlefield waits weeks ...

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to manage and supervise the Mechanical Design Department. Responsibilities include HVAC, plumbing, fuel, and fire protection systems. Designs large and ...

As a Mechanical Engineer with our Energy, Manufacturing & Bioprocessing team, you will work in a dynamic multi-discipline environment with other engineering and technical personnel to ensure overall ...

As a Mechanical Engineer with our Energy, Manufacturing & Bioprocessing team, you will work in a dynamic multi-discipline environment with other engineering and technical personnel to ensure overall ...

As a Mechanical Engineer with our Energy, Manufacturing & Bioprocessing team, you will work in a dynamic multi-discipline environment with other engineering and technical personnel to ensure overall ...

Mechanical Engineer

Boydton, VA · On-site

$133K - $219K/yr

As a CO+I Mechanical Engineer , you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's online services including Bing, Office 365, Xbox ...

New

What a Great Mechanical Engineer will be doing This role focuses on developing nextgeneration lidar products for defense and space applications. The successful candidate will work within a ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$160 - $240/hr

Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP (WRA) is a leading multidisciplinary engineering and ... As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP, you will play a pivotal ...

New

What a Great Mechanical Engineer will be doingThis role focuses on developing next‑generation lidar products for defense and space applications. The successful candidate will work within a ...

What a Great Mechanical Engineer will be doing This role focuses on developing next-generation lidar products for defense and space applications. The successful candidate will work within a ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Mechanical Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$81.9K

$130.9K

How much do associate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate mechanical 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 the difference between Associate Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssociate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; some roles may require internship experienceBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; often requires licensure or professional certification for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentEntry-level positions in design, testing, or manufacturing departmentsDesign, analysis, and project management in various industries like automotive, aerospace, or HVAC
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and government agencies for entry-level rolesCommonly employed across industries for mid-level engineering tasks and project execution

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

What types of projects and responsibilities can an associate mechanical engineer expect in their first year?

As an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you can anticipate working on a variety of projects such as assisting with the design and testing of mechanical components, creating CAD models, and supporting senior engineers during prototype development. You'll likely be involved in drafting technical documentation, performing basic calculations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like manufacturing and quality assurance. This early experience provides valuable hands-on exposure to industry standards and project workflows, helping you build a strong technical foundation and develop professional skills essential for career advancement.

What is an associate mechanical engineer?

Associate Mechanical Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems and products. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to projects such as machinery, HVAC systems, automotive components, or manufacturing equipment. Their responsibilities may include creating technical drawings, performing calculations, preparing reports, and supporting the engineering team throughout the project lifecycle. This role is often a starting point for mechanical engineering graduates seeking to gain practical experience and advance their careers.

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

To thrive as an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), engineering simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail help you excel in collaborative projects and technical documentation. These competencies enable you to design, analyze, and implement effective mechanical solutions while ensuring safety, efficiency, and innovation in engineering environments.

What can I do with an associate mechanical engineer?

An associate mechanical engineer can work in designing, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and HVAC. They often assist senior engineers, use CAD software, and may pursue certifications like EIT or PE to advance their careers.

Is an associate in mechanical engineering worth it?

An associate degree in mechanical engineering can provide a foundation for entry-level roles such as technician or drafter, often requiring less time and cost than a bachelor's degree. However, for higher-level engineering positions, a bachelor's or higher degree is typically necessary, and the associate degree may limit advancement opportunities in the field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Virginia 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 $81,927 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Talent Acquisition Concepts

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

The Mechanical Engineer will serve as a technical authority for our client. This individual will be a registered Professional Engineer and will lead facility engineering projects throughout the facility planning, design, construction, warranty, and operations lifecycle. The Mechanical Engineer will utilize their building design, construction, and operations experience in complex mechanical systems to develop engineering solutions, ensure compliance, recommend best practices, and increase operational efficiencies for our client's clients. The Mechanical Engineer will exercise considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignments and supervises, coordinates, provide leadership to and reviews the work of assigned staff. our cliient has built a reputation for excellence in their industry and the Mechanical Engineer will uphold that tradition by being diligent, proactive, solutions-oriented and a facilitator of success for team members, both internal and external. This position offers a career path to a Senior Mechanical Engineering role, and eventually to Program Management. Moreover, it exciting opportunity to make an impact in the growing markets of sustainability, resiliency, and cybersecurity with mission-critical facilities.

Responsibilities
  • Perform energy management, HVAC and life safety surveys, and facilities management evaluations and condition assessments
  • Prepare feasibility studies for design and construction
  • Prepare engineering or repair/replacement estimates and schedules
  • Present reports and explain findings to clients
  • Conduct design reviews, submittal reviews, reviews and facilitation of training plans, and O&M manual reviews
  • Prepare mechanical design calculations; utilize mechanical design software
  • Write technical specifications and develop drawings and visual aids
  • Review and provide comments on designs for configuration, reliability, redundancy
  • Review equipment and controls technology selections and strategies
  • Review and provide comments on equipment submittals, test reports, and manuals
  • Provide quality assurance to ensure compliance with client criteria, codes, standards, and policies and procedures
  • Provide equipment factory and field acceptance testing support
  • Develop testing, maintenance, lockout tagout, and safety procedures
  • Work with senior leadership to grow our mechanical practice
  • Oversee any assigned staff
  • Be responsible for the application of company policies
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required
  • A Virginia Professional Engineer (PE) registration or the ability to acquire a Virginia PE through reciprocity within 6 months is required
  • Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA) and LEED Accredited Professional certifications are highly desirable
  • 5 years of direct experience in facilities mechanical systems such as HVAC, Plumbing (domestic water) systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS), and testing adjusting and balancing (TAB) is required
  • Experience in a supervisory capacity is desired
  • Must have a superior track record of client satisfaction in mission-critical facilities and a passion for analyzing, troubleshooting, optimizing, and upgrading integrated systems in aging facilities and campus environments
  • Must possess an in-depth knowledge of LEED requirements and industry standards and practices i.e. ASHRAE, BCA, ACG, GSA
  • The successful candidate will be a Selfstarter who initiates action and can work independently or with a team while providing multidiscipline coordination.
  • Effective communication and reporting skills at all working and management levels are essential
  • Must be a creative, innovative, and solutions-oriented thinker with the ability to understand and achieve goals and anticipate client needs
  • Experience using AutoCAD and/or Micro Station to prepare design plans is required, energy modeling experience is desired
  • Must be proficient in the use of MS Office suite and scheduling software
  • Experience with database management systems for commissioning and core business processes is necessary
Physical Requirements
  • Travel to and from local and remote project locations
  • Walking construction sites with uneven surfaces and in dust-generating environments
  • Climbing stairs and ladders, carrying/operating test equipment up to 25 lbs.
  • Working near mechanical and mechanical building equipment and systems
Other
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a security clearanc

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME