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Chief Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$43.85 - $53.50/hr

The Chief Engineer must possess at a minimum five (5) years of experience within the past seven (7) years in the management of building mechanical maintenance operations and supervision of ...

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality work and customer ...

Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Chief Engineer Location: Arlington, VA 22203 Job Summary We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Chief Engineer to lead and oversee all engineering operations at our Arlington, VA facility.

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Chief Engineer Location: Arlington, VA 22203 Job Summary We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Chief Engineer to lead and oversee all engineering operations at our Arlington, VA facility.

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Chief Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$43.85/hr

The Chief Engineer must possess at a minimum five (5) years of experience within the past seven (7) years in the management of building mechanical maintenance operations and supervision of ...

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective daily leadership of his/her staff, managing the engineering program to the highest level of quality ...

Chief Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Active management and supervision of all work and repairs being performed; will be a hands‑on Chief Engineer that requires active and vigorous leadership. * Collaborates with the General Manager to ...

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

The Chief Engineer leads the engineering team and turns operational needs into dependable workflows in partnership with editorial, production, operations, and Corporate technology teams. Networking ...

The Chief Engineer is responsible for supervising personnel and the maintenance, operation, and repair of all facility systems and equipment. The Chief Engineer ensures all systems function ...

The Chief Engineer is responsible for supervising personnel and the maintenance, operation, and repair of all facility systems and equipment. The Chief Engineer ensures all systems function ...

Chief Engineer

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$83K - $105K/yr

The Chief Engineer is responsible for supervising personnel and the maintenance, operation, and repair of all facility systems and equipment. The Chief Engineer ensures all systems function ...

The Chief Engineer leads the engineering team and turns operational needs into dependable workflows in partnership with editorial, production, operations, and Corporate technology teams. Networking ...

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

The Chief Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority responsible for all aspects of physical plant and building operations, including oversight of power generation systems, HVAC, ...

The Chief Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority responsible for all aspects of physical plant and building operations, including oversight of power generation systems, HVAC, ...

The Chief Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority responsible for all aspects of physical plant and building operations, including oversight of power generation systems, HVAC, ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chief Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$92.1K

$179.4K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Virginia is $92,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What are some common challenges chief engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

How much does a chief engineer earn?

A chief engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold advanced technical skills and certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licenses, which can influence compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Chief Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,148 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Chief Engineer

Culpeper, VA • On-site

Industrial Trade Services
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

$43.85 - $53.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Chief Engineer must possess at a minimum five (5) years of experience within the past seven (7) years in the management of building mechanical maintenance operations and supervision of technicians.


The Chief Engineer must possess a valid stationary engineer’s license at least equivalent to a Class 3 Steam Engineer (DC) or First Grade Engineer (MD) as well as demonstrate competency in other disciplines such as HVAC, plumbing and/or electrical through a combination of education, professional registration and experience. An industry certification from International Facility Management Association (CFM, FMP and/or SFP), Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI), and/or Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) are highly desirable.


Additional requirements include:

• Ability to plan, organize and meet project deadlines.

• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and prioritize work, as required.

• Demonstrate working knowledge of engineering and building systems.

• Ability to read, review, and understand blueprints.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Shall be available for emergency contact by phone twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, 365 days a year.

• Shall have an availability to work flexible hours as required in response to emergency situations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, CMMS and project tracking software.

#ITS12


Industrial Trade Services logo

About Industrial Trade Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

While some skilled trade recruiters specialize in moving warm bodies around, Industrial Trade Services specializes in matching skilled craftsmen to every job. With two decades of industry experience, we know what contractors and construction companies need when it’s time to get the job done. Our attention to detail while maintaining efficiency sets us apart. We are thorough and obsessed with quality, but we are able to deliver the right professionals for every project quickly, thanks to our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen in the country. Our database of skilled and vetted professionals is vast, and our pros mobilize quickly, arrive tooled up and ready to jump in immediately to help you get the job done.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Monmouth, IL, US

Year founded

2002

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