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Contract Engineering Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineering Manager IV

Herndon, VA · On-site

$140.90K - $257.23K/yr

... of contract(s). * Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall ... Must possess the ability to resolve complex management and technical problems. * The selected ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer Manager

Chantilly, VA

This position is for a Satellite System Engineering Manager for a large, multi-year contract supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Satellite System Engineering Manager leads a ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer Manager

Chantilly, VA

This position is for a Satellite System Engineering Manager for a large, multi-year contract supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Satellite System Engineering Manager leads a ...

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Contract Engineering Manager information

See Reston, VA salary details

$48.4K

$152.8K

$181K

How much do contract engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract engineering manager in Reston, VA is $152,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,200.00 and $180,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management, and team leadership, usually backed by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Trello), engineering software, and often certifications such as PMP or Agile methodologies are highly valued. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you manage diverse teams and client relationships effectively. These competencies are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to client specifications in a dynamic contract-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a Contract Engineering Manager, and how can they be addressed?

As a Contract Engineering Manager, one common challenge is integrating quickly with existing teams and understanding project context within a limited timeframe. Since contract roles often involve leading established engineering teams on short notice, building trust and aligning on goals efficiently is crucial. Effective communication, setting clear expectations, and leveraging strong project management skills help ensure smooth collaboration. Proactively identifying knowledge gaps and seeking input from team members can also accelerate onboarding and project delivery.

What is a Contract Engineering Manager?

A Contract Engineering Manager is a professional hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to oversee engineering teams and manage technical projects. Unlike permanent managers, contract engineering managers typically work for a set duration or until the completion of a particular project. Their responsibilities include coordinating engineering efforts, ensuring project deadlines are met, managing budgets, and facilitating communication between team members and stakeholders. Companies may hire contract engineering managers to provide specialized expertise or to fill temporary leadership gaps. This role requires strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to different work environments.

What is the difference between Contract Engineering Manager vs Project Engineer?

AspectContract Engineering ManagerProject Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages contracts, liaises with clients and vendorsFocuses on specific projects, coordinates engineering tasks, reports to project managers
Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, energy sectorsWidely used across engineering disciplines in various industries

The Contract Engineering Manager typically oversees multiple projects, manages contractual aspects, and liaises with clients, requiring leadership and contractual knowledge. The Project Engineer focuses on executing specific engineering tasks within a project, emphasizing technical skills and project coordination. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Contract Engineering Manager has a broader managerial and contractual scope compared to the more technical and project-specific Project Engineer.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Engineering Manager jobs in Reston, VA? For Contract Engineering Manager jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Engineering Manager jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Engineering Manager jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Contract Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Contract Engineering Manager job openings:
Contract Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Engineering Manager job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,795 per year, or $73.5 per hour.
Engineering Manager IV

Engineering Manager IV

General Atomics

Herndon, VA • On-site

$140.90K - $257.23K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

General Atomics rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Engineering Manager, Integration and Test at our Herndon, VA facility which is part of our Electromagnetic Systems group. The Herndon team provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • The selected candidate will direct and be involved in all technical and managerial phases of assigned engineering projects from inception through completion in support of spacecraft development, integration, and test activities.
  • Direct all activities for engineering project(s) including planning and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained - sometimes utilizing a hands-on approach.
  • Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by mentoring younger engineers, and directing and participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
  • Responsibilities may require the integration of multiple disciplines and departments.
  • Collaborates with technical staff, program managers and/or Division/Group executive management to develop and implement current, annual and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business and financial objectives for the unit(s).
  • May also contribute to the development of annual and long-term objectives for the Division/Group.
  • May be responsible for decisions that have an extended impact on outcomes where erroneous decisions could result in critical delays and modifications to projects.
  • Establish design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration.
  • Interact with management and customer representatives concerning projects, operational decisions, scheduling requirements and contractual clarification.
  • Contribute to the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets and financial terms/conditions of contract(s).
  • Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment; and ensures that appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates completed.
  • Lead progress review sessions to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering or a related technical field as well as thirteen or more years of progressively complex engineering experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrates extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as comprehensive project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Must possess the ability to resolve complex management and technical problems.
  • The selected candidate will be an integral participant in derived-requirements definition, system integration, test, and verification for spacecraft and associated flight-payload/ground electronics; including working closely with the mechanical team, as well as the spacecraft development team in the full life-cycle of spacecraft systems.
  • Candidate must have significant hands-on experience in support of spacecraft integration and test activities, as well as developing and implementing electrical integration procedures for flight vehicle assembly and the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) required to successfully accomplish spacecraft integration, test, and development efforts.
  • Significant experience formulating test plans for component level, subsystem level and system level testing, typically based on engineering ICDs, system requirement documentation and program requirements; and ensuring documentation meets various compliance, reporting, and safety standards.
  • Spacecraft operations experience is a plus.
  • Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
  • Customer focused, must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment.
  • Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance is required.

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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