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Chief Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

dynamicaviation

Chief Engineer

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer is the single technical authority for Dynamic Aviation's engineering function. This role owns the engineering operating model to include how work is scoped, baselined, reviewed ...

Dynamic Aviation

Chief Engineer

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer is the single technical authority for Dynamic Aviation's engineering function. This role owns the engineering operating model to include how work is scoped, baselined, reviewed ...

CMI Management

Chief Engineer

Culpeper, VA

The Chief Engineer responsible for all working matters under the operations and maintenance of building systems at CMI's customer site in Culpeper, VA. Key Job Functions * Responsible for the ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA

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 ...

Dexterra

Chief Engineer

Culpeper, VA

The Chief Engineer responsible for all working matters under the operations and maintenance of building systems at CMI's customer site in Culpeper, VA. Key Job Functions * Responsible for the ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Centreville, VA

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 ...

Dexterra

Chief Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer responsible for all working matters under the operations and maintenance of building systems at CMI's customer site in Culpeper, VA. Key Job Functions * Responsible for the ...

ssc

Chief Engineer

Long Beach, CA

The Chief Engineer is the head of the Engineering Department. They will supervise and coordinate the work activities of the engineering department and crew engaged in operating and maintaining ...

YourSpace Hotels

Chief Engineer

Chesapeake, VA

$45K - $50K/yr

The Chief Engineer will have total responsibility for the entire hotel facility including physical building structure, hotels appearance, all mechanical, Electrical, HVAC systems, and related ...

LTD Hospitality Group

Chief Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

The Chief Engineer will have total responsibility for the entire hotel facility including physical building structure, hotel's appearance, all mechanical, Electrical, HVAC systems, and related ...

kgs

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

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, ...

VTG

Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer will guide system architecture evaluations, technology selection, design integration, and performance optimization across the lifecycle of the program. This role requires deep ...

Koniag, Inc.

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, ...

VTG

Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer will guide system architecture evaluations, technology selection, design integration, and performance optimization across the lifecycle of the program. This role requires deep ...

kgs

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA

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, ...

Nc

$43K - $75K/yr

Multiple Ferry Chief Engineer positions will be filled from this posting. We will be filling positions for the following locations: Cedar Island, Cherry Branch, Currituck, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Pamlico ...

VTG

Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA

The Chief Engineer will guide system architecture evaluations, technology selection, design integration, and performance optimization across the lifecycle of the program. This role requires deep ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsChief Engineer JobsChief Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Chief Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$92.1K

$179.4K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 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 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 a Chief Engineer?

Chief engineer is a job title that has a range of meanings across different industries. A chief engineer is the head of the engineering department in an organization. The duties and responsibilities of this role vary in different industries. In general, a chief engineer must have engineering experience in the industry, strong leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Depending on the industry, the education requirements for a chief engineer job range from an associate degree to advanced degrees in engineering.

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.

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 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.
More about Chief Engineer jobs
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:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in VA? For Chief Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,148 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Chief Engineer

dynamicaviation

Bridgewater, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:   The Chief Engineer is the single technical authority for Dynamic Aviation’s engineering function. This role owns the engineering operating model to include how work is scoped, baselined, reviewed, and released across the program portfolio and is accountable for the technical health of every program in execution. The portfolio spans DoD aviation modification and sustainment (G-IV, King Air variants, Dash-8), civil-adjacent qualification work, and an expanding integrated solutions pipeline.

The Chief Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering and PMO and serves as a peer to the Engineering Manager. Technical authority to design standards, baseline approval, qualification governance, review authority, technical capability planning sits with the Chief Engineer. Functional management includes people leadership, capacity allocation, hiring execution, career framework, and retention programs is managed by the Engineering Manager. The two seats share the engineering function and partner closely. Decision rights are explicit and documented in the engineering RACI.

Dynamic Aviation has named engineering governance, proactive leadership engagement, and technical depth as the three operating priorities for the function. The Chief Engineer is the position those priorities run through.

Key Responsibilities:    

  • Owns the engineering operating model including workflow standards, configuration management, and requirements traceability
  • Chairs design reviews and serves as technical authority through SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and PRR
  • Governs DO-160 qualification testing and corrective action investigations
  • Provides technical authority during aircraft modification and engineering installation events
  • Owns Technical Subcontract Management including supplier surveillance and deliverable acceptance
  • Defines and executes the engineering capability roadmap
  • Owns engineering tool baseline strategy including DOORS, MBSE, and CAD environments
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • BS in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
  • 15+ years of engineering experience on DoD aviation programs
  • 5+ years in a chief engineer or equivalent senior technical authority role
  • Hands-on DO-160 qualification testing experience
  • Technical Order and TCTO authorship experience
  • MBSE proficiency in Rhapsody and/or Cameo
  • DOORS / DOORS NextGen proficiency
  • Technical Subcontract Management experience
  • Active DoD Secret clearance and be able to maintain applicable security clearances

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • MS in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
  • Top Secret clearance or eligibility
  • INCOSE ESEP certification
  • FAA DER or comparable airworthiness authority experience
  • Experience recovering or standing up a technical authority function

 

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to travel as required, up to 25%
  • Ability to support aircraft modification and field operating activities
  • Passport or work authorization requirement to work in the US

Working Conditions

  • 7 am – 4 pm; flexible based on business needs
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating office equipment
  • Ability to view computer screens for extended periods, with close vision and the ability to adjust focus
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment and on aircraft
  • Ability to lift and move items up to approximately 10–20 pounds (e.g., files, office supplies)
  • Effective verbal and written communication abilities
  • Ability to maintain focus and perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail
  • Regularly works in office environment and around aircraft hangars

Apply