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Cognitive Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Node.Digital LLC

RPA UIPath Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

D i gital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best‑of‑breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission.

Node.Digital

RPA Developer with AI

Herndon, VA · On-site

D i gital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital

RPA Developer with AI

Herndon, VA · On-site

D i gital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital LLC

RPA Developer with AI

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

D i gital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital

RPA Developer with AI

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

D i gital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital LLC

Cloud Solutions Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Digital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital

Cloud Solutions Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$65 - $89/hr

Digital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital

Cloud Solutions Architect

Chantilly, VA

$65 - $89/hr

Digital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital

Cloud Solutions Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$65 - $89/hr

Digital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital

Incident Manager (Junior)

Arlington, VA · On-site

Digital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital

Technical Writer & Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

Digital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

Node.Digital

Technical Writer & Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

Digital is an independent Digital Automation & Cognitive Engineering company that integrates best-of-breed technologies to accelerate business impact. Our Core Values help us in our mission. They ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCognitive Engineering JobsCognitive Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Cognitive Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$46.1K

$145.6K

$172.5K

How much do cognitive engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive engineering in Virginia is $145,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,500.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cognitive engineering job?

A Cognitive Engineering job involves designing and optimizing systems that enhance human decision-making, problem-solving, and interaction with technology. Professionals in this field apply principles from psychology, artificial intelligence, and human factors engineering to improve user experiences and system efficiency. They work in domains like healthcare, aviation, autonomous systems, and AI-driven applications. The goal is to create intuitive and intelligent systems that complement human cognitive abilities and reduce errors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in cognitive engineering?

To thrive as a Cognitive Engineer, a strong background in psychology, human factors, computer science, or related fields is essential, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in human-computer interaction (HCI) tools, usability testing software, and cognitive modeling platforms is highly valued, as are certifications like Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE). Exceptional problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualities are critical for designing systems and products that align with human cognitive capabilities, ensuring both safety and usability.

What are the typical daily tasks and work environment for a cognitive engineer?

Cognitive Engineers typically spend their days analyzing user behaviors, designing user interfaces, creating cognitive models, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams such as software developers, product managers, and UX designers. Much of the work involves conducting user research, running usability studies, and iteratively improving products based on data-driven insights. Work environments can range from tech companies to research institutions, often with opportunities for remote or hybrid schedules. Teamwork is a significant aspect of the role, as Cognitive Engineers often bridge the gap between technical development and user needs. This setting fosters ongoing professional learning and provides a clear path toward roles in user experience leadership or advanced human factors research.

How much do cognitive engineers make?

Cognitive engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work with AI, machine learning, and data analysis tools, and advanced skills can lead to higher compensation.

What does a cognitive engineer do?

A cognitive engineer designs and develops systems that mimic human thought processes, such as perception, reasoning, and decision-making. They often work with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human-computer interaction to improve system performance and usability, typically requiring skills in programming, psychology, and data analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cognitive Engineering jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cognitive Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Cognitive Engineering jobs in Virginia?

For Cognitive Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cognitive Engineering jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Cognitive Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

Cognitive Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cognitive Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,608 per year, or $70 per hour.

Research Associate in Systems and Information Engineering

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Systems and Information Engineering Department at the University of Virginia is seeking a Research Associate. The candidate will contribute to a large Multi-University Research Initiative examining variability in judgment and decision making.
Responsibilities will include designing and conducting laboratory and simulation-based studies, developing and evaluating interventions to improve decision making, analyzing experimental data, and contributing to literature reviews, conference presentations, and manuscript preparation. The candidate will collaborate with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in systems engineering, industrial engineering, human factors, cognitive psychology, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.

Preferred Qualifications
  • At least one accepted first-author publication in a related peer-reviewed journal or conference proceeding.
  • Experience designing and conducting human-subject experiments in laboratory, simulation, or virtual environments.
  • Experience developing or evaluating interventions such as decision-support tools, interface designs, training methods, or information-presentation strategies.
  • Knowledge of judgment and decision making, human factors, cognitive engineering, or decision making under uncertainty.
  • Experience with quantitative data analysis and statistical programming in R, Python, or comparable software.
  • Ability to work independently, take intellectual ownership of a research project, and mentor graduate or undergraduate researchers.

TO APPLY
Apply at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for R00XXXXX. Attach a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Make sure to upload all the documents to complete your application. Incomplete applications will not be given consideration. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the CV box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on August XX, 2026 and the posting will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Estimated Salary range is $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience.
This is a one-year appointment that may be renewed for up to two additional one-year terms, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Matt Sinclair at bkb9bf@virginia.edu .
For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .
For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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