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Dangerous Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HAZMAT & Dangerous Goods Specialist * Training Specialist - Unmanned Systems * Field Service Engineer - Unmanned Surface Vehicle * Field Service Engineer - Unmanned Underwater Vehicle VA Beach, VA

Bachelor's degree in industrial, Chemical, Plastics, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering is ... to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and extreme noise when working at plant ...

Process Engineer

Wytheville, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $98K/yr

Bachelor's degree in industrial, Chemical, Plastics, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering is ... to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and extreme noise when working at plant ...

Bachelor's degree in industrial, Chemical, Plastics, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering is ... to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and extreme noise when working at plant ...

Process Engineer

Wytheville, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's degree in industrial, Chemical, Plastics, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering is ... to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and extreme noise when working at plant ...

Process Engineer

Wytheville, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $98K/yr

Bachelor's degree in industrial, Chemical, Plastics, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering is ... to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and extreme noise when working at plant ...

Valid TWIC Card Valid Engineering License Must pass pre-employment drug test. Must pass pre ... The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations ...

The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Engineer to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the ...

Test Engineer - Robotics

Fredericksburg, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $115K/hr

Too dangerous for humans to handle. That's where we come in. At HDT, we build robotic arms and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) with military-grade strength and precision engineering, built for the ...

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Dangerous Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$38.2K

$86.6K

$154.7K

How much do dangerous engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for dangerous engineering in Virginia is $86,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dangerous engineering?

Dangerous engineering refers to the design, development, or maintenance of systems, structures, or equipment that involve significant risk to human safety or the environment if not handled properly. This can include working with hazardous materials, high-pressure systems, explosives, or in extreme environments such as oil rigs or nuclear plants. Professionals in this field must follow strict safety protocols and regulations to minimize risks and protect both workers and the public. Dangerous engineering plays a crucial role in industries like construction, energy, and manufacturing, where safety is a top priority.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What safety protocols are typically in place for dangerous engineering roles, and how does the team ensure adherence to them?

Dangerous engineering roles often involve working with hazardous materials, high-risk machinery, or in extreme environments. To ensure safety, teams follow strict protocols such as comprehensive risk assessments, mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular safety drills, and thorough incident reporting processes. Collaboration with safety officers and ongoing training are integral, and adherence is monitored through audits and peer reviews. This safety-first culture not only protects employees but also ensures project continuity and regulatory compliance.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, and software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. These roles typically require specialized knowledge, leadership responsibilities, and work in high-demand industries or companies.

What is the difference between Dangerous Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectDangerous EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, safety certifications, specialized trainingEngineering degree, mechanical certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk sites, construction zones, industrial plantsFactories, design labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, chemical plantsAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing

Dangerous Engineering involves working in high-risk environments requiring safety certifications and specialized skills, focusing on hazardous industries. Mechanical Engineering covers designing, analyzing, and manufacturing mechanical systems in safer, controlled settings. Both roles require engineering credentials but differ significantly in work environment and industry focus.

What are the top 10 riskiest jobs?

Dangerous engineering jobs often involve high risk, such as oil and gas extraction, construction, mining, electrical power line work, and working at heights or in confined spaces. These roles typically require specialized safety training, protective gear, and adherence to strict safety protocols due to hazards like explosions, falls, and exposure to toxic substances.

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

To thrive as a Dangerous Engineer (such as those specializing in hazardous environments or high-risk projects), you need a solid background in engineering principles, safety standards, and risk assessment, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional certification (e.g., PE, CSP). Familiarity with safety regulations, specialized hazard analysis software, and equipment for monitoring and mitigating risks is crucial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential for managing complex projects and ensuring team safety. These competencies are vital to minimize hazards, comply with regulations, and achieve successful project outcomes in challenging environments.

What is the hardest engineering job?

Dangerous engineering jobs, such as oil and gas drilling, structural engineering in hazardous environments, or aerospace engineering, are considered among the most challenging due to high risk, demanding technical skills, and the need for strict safety protocols. These roles often require specialized certifications, physical endurance, and the ability to work in extreme or high-pressure conditions.
What are popular job titles related to Dangerous Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Dangerous Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Dangerous Engineering job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,594 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Software Engineering Manager, Forward Deployed

Software Engineering Manager, Forward Deployed

Air

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Air is the leader in Enterprise Readiness. Our mission is to establish readiness as a real-time condition that is continuously achieved. Today, a dangerous Readiness Gap exists between what the front line needs and what is delivered. Our AI-native platform, Air Enterprise Readiness, aligns development, production, delivery, and sustainment into one coordinated execution system for government agencies and industrial suppliers. By revealing true capacity, exposing real constraints, coordinating resources, and executing at the speed of operational demands, the front line gets what it needs to succeed.
Job Description
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Software Engineering Manager to join our talented team as Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) Manager at Air. Air is a leading technology company dedicated to supporting the defense and intelligence communities with cutting-edge software solutions. As a FDE Manager, you will be pivotal in shaping and driving our software engineering processes and implementations to new heights.
As an FDE Manager at Air, you will lead a team of skilled Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs), both front-end and back-end specialists, through the entire software development lifecycle. You will oversee Agile ceremonies, set coding and testing standards, and ensure the quality of deliverables. Your leadership will be essential in translating business requirements into technical specifications, building scalable technology, and promoting innovation and efficiency within the team.
This role is a full-time position located out of our office in Pittsburgh, PA, or Arlington, VA.
This role may require up to 10% travel
Scope of Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the Go-To-Market teams to ensure appropriate engineering support and delivery for government customers
  • Lead and mentor a team of FDEs, guiding them from ideation to implementation, and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment
  • Organize and lead Agile ceremonies for the software engineering team, ensuring efficient project execution and alignment with business goals
  • Establish coding and testing best practices and standards for engineers, driving excellence in software development
  • Take charge of developing, testing, and deploying modern software applications and new features, ensuring they meet quality standards and deadlines
  • Oversee the quality of engineers' deliverables, including coding, testing, and debugging, to maintain high standards of software quality
  • Collaborate closely with Air's product team to translate business requirements into technical specifications, ensuring the successful delivery of software solutions
  • Continuously seek innovation and process improvement opportunities, finding efficiencies in all assigned tasks to drive the team's success
  • Work collaboratively with data engineers, data scientists, QA engineers, and DevOps engineers to enhance our platform's overall quality and performance

Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizenship is required

Required Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of external or internal customer-facing, complex, and large scale project management experience
  • Minimum of 5 years of software development management with object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, Python, C#, or Ruby)
  • 2+ years of people management
  • Thorough understanding of microservice architecture
  • Proven experience leading teams using an Agile development framework
  • Strong analytical skills and unwavering attention to detail

Desired Skills:
  • Current possession of a U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain one with our sponsorship
  • Experience in or exposure to the nuances of a startup or other entrepreneurial environment
  • Experience in SQL and database design
  • Strong knowledge of data structures, object-oriented design, algorithms, exception handling, and troubleshooting
  • Hands-on experience with JavaScript frameworks like React or AngularJS
  • Familiarity with Redis, Aurora PostgreSQL, and Apache Kafka
  • Proficiency in profiling Java applications to identify bottlenecks
  • Knowledge of Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery concepts and build tools
  • Experience with containers, cloud infrastructure, and DevOps patterns
  • Familiarity with Linux commands and scripting

We firmly believe that past performance is the best indicator of future performance. If you thrive while building solutions to complex problems, are a self-starter, and are passionate about making an impact in global security, we're eager to hear from you.
Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans status or any other characteristic protected by law.