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Dc 3Rd Class Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Donohoe Companies, Inc.

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

DC 3rd Class Engineer license or Maryland 1st Class Engineer license * EPA 608 (Universal CFC) EOE, including disability/veterans IND123 Complete Building Services (CBS) is a company that is ...

Complete Building Services

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA

$45 - $50/hr

DC 3rd Class Engineer license or Maryland 1st Class Engineer license * EPA 608 (Universal CFC) EOE, including disability/veterans IND123 Why You'll Love Working With Us Complete Building Services ...

Complete Building Services

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

DC 3rd Class Engineer license or Maryland 1st Class Engineer license * EPA 608 (Universal CFC) EOE, including disability/veterans IND123 Why You'll Love Working With Us Complete Building Services ...

Alutiiq

Lead Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

Minimum five (5) years of experience in engineering services related to facility operations District of Columbia (DC) 3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Heating Boiler Engineer license Secret security ...

Alutiiq

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

State Stationary Engineers License Must hold a District of Columbia (DC) 3rd Class Steam Engineer License (and obtain 1st Class Steam Engineer License within 2 years of hire) Secret security ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Must hold a District of Columbia (DC) 3rd Class Steam Engineer License (and obtain 1st Class Steam Engineer License within 2 years of hire) * Secret security clearance required * Demonstrated ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Must hold a District of Columbia (DC) 3rd Class Steam Engineer License (and obtain 1st Class Steam Engineer License within 2 years of hire) * Secret security clearance required * Demonstrated ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Lead Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

District of Columbia (DC) 3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Heating Boiler Engineer license * Secret security clearance * Extensive knowledge of mechanical systems, facility management, and regulatory ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Lead Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

District of Columbia (DC) 3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Heating Boiler Engineer license * Secret security clearance * Extensive knowledge of mechanical systems, facility management, and regulatory ...

JBG SMITH

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA

$58.20/hr

Industry and trade licenses/certifications are a plus (such as a DC 3rd Class License). * Military ... Work as a controls engineer or controls technician for building automation systems (BAS) / energy ...

JBG SMITH

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$58.20/hr

Industry and trade licenses/certifications are a plus (such as a DC 3rd Class License). * Military ... Work as a controls engineer or controls technician for building automation systems (BAS) / energy ...

kgs

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

Valid 3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Heating Boiler Engineer license (DC jurisdiction) or ability to obtain upon hire * Minimum 3 years of experience in Engineering Services or facility operations ...

Koniag, Inc.

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

Valid 3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Heating Boiler Engineer license (DC jurisdiction) or ability to obtain upon hire * Minimum 3 years of experience in Engineering Services or facility operations ...

Koniag, Inc.

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Valid 3rd Class Steam and Hot Water Heating Boiler Engineer license (DC jurisdiction) or ability to obtain upon hire * Minimum 3 years of experience in Engineering Services or facility operations ...

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All JobsDc 3Rd Class Engineer JobsDc 3Rd Class Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Dc 3Rd Class Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$95K

$126.4K

How much do dc 3rd class engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for dc 3rd class engineer in Virginia is $94,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,300.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DC 3rd Class Engineer?

A DC 3rd Class Engineer is a licensed professional responsible for operating and maintaining boilers, engines, and other mechanical equipment in facilities such as power plants or large buildings. The '3rd Class' designation typically refers to the level of license or certification required, which allows them to work with specific types or sizes of equipment under certain regulations. Their duties often include monitoring systems, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring all equipment runs safely and efficiently. They usually work under the supervision of more senior engineers. This role is essential for the continuous and safe operation of large-scale mechanical systems.

What does a DC 3rd Class Engineer do?

As a DC 3rd Class Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include monitoring and maintaining building systems such as HVAC, boilers, and electrical equipment. You'll perform regular inspections, conduct preventative maintenance, and respond promptly to service calls or equipment malfunctions. Collaboration with other engineering team members and facility staff is common to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, accurate documentation of maintenance activities and adherence to safety protocols are essential parts of the role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a DC 3rd Class Engineer?

To thrive as a DC 3rd Class Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, boiler operations, and basic electrical knowledge, usually backed by a 3rd Class Engineer license or equivalent certification. Familiarity with control systems, maintenance management software, and safety protocols is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. Mastering these abilities ensures the safe and efficient operation of equipment, regulatory compliance, and minimizes downtime in industrial or facility settings.

What is the difference between Dc 3Rd Class Engineer vs Dc 2Nd Class Engineer?

AspectDc 3Rd Class EngineerDc 2Nd Class Engineer
CertificationsRequires a 3rd Class Engineer LicenseRequires a 2nd Class Engineer License
Work EnvironmentMaintains and operates machinery in ships or facilitiesHandles more complex systems, supervises 3rd Class Engineers
ResponsibilitiesAssists in machinery operation and maintenanceOversees 3rd Class Engineers, manages systems

The main difference between a Dc 3Rd Class Engineer and a Dc 2Nd Class Engineer lies in their certification requirements and responsibilities. A Dc 2Nd Class Engineer has a higher license, enabling them to oversee more complex machinery and supervise lower-class engineers. Both roles are essential in maritime and industrial settings, but the 2nd Class Engineer holds greater authority and technical expertise.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Dc 3Rd Class Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Dc 3Rd Class Engineer job openings:

Dc 3Rd Class Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dc 3Rd Class Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,974 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Plant Operator

The Donohoe Companies, Inc.

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and dependable Plant Operator to support the operation and maintenance of a large medical facility in Fairfax, VA.

This position requires a DC 3rd Class or Maryland 1st Class license.

Available Shifts:

Second Shift: 2:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Days: Friday-Tuesday

Salary: $45.00 - $50.00

First Shift: 6:00 am to 2:30 pm

Days: Tuesday-Saturday

First Shift: 6:00 am to 2:30 pm

Days: Friday-Tuesday

Position Summary
Operate, monitor, and maintain central utility plant equipment to support safe, reliable building operations. Responsibilities include boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, generators, and diesel fuel systems. Ensure accurate documentation and adherence to safety and compliance requirements. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor boiler systems; support basic boiler water chemistry and treatment activities.
  • Operate and monitor chiller systems, including cooling towers, condenser/chilled water pumps, and related equipment.
  • Perform routine generator operational checks and maintain basic generator run logs.
  • Support diesel fuel operations for dual-fired equipment, including tank inspections and familiarity with equipment controls/monitoring.
  • Utilize BAS to monitor equipment status, alarms, and trends; Siemens Desigo experience is a plus.
  • Document rounds, readings, and operational activities per site standards.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.
  • Working knowledge of boiler operations and basic chemistry concepts.
  • Basic generator run log knowledge and documentation experience.
  • Experience supporting diesel fuel systems and tank inspections for dual-fired equipment.
  • BAS operational experience (monitoring, alarm response, basic navigation).

Required Qualifications

  • DC 3rd Class Engineer license or Maryland 1st Class Engineer license
  • EPA 608 (Universal CFC)

EOE, including disability/veterans

IND123


Complete Building Services (CBS) is a company that is passionate about the operation and maintenance of buildings/facilities in the commercial and government sectors. CBS is the largest division of The Donohoe Companies, Inc. - Washington DC's most established real estate company. At CBS, we celebrate and empower our talented employees - and it shows as we have been ranked by the Washington Business Journal as the "Best Place to Work" multiple times. 

Perks & Benefits 

We offer a full slate of benefits, including competitive salaries, medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, flexible vacation, commuter benefits, and a 401k plan with a match. And...we offer some not-so-standard, extra great benefits, including tuition reimbursement for education/certifications, employee discounts programs (including hotels and our vendor's products), and an Employee Assistance Program that offers free financial consultants, therapists, and lawyers. We value diversity and believe in forming teams in which everyone can be their authentic self is the key to our success. Come join us, and find out what the best work of your career could look like for you.

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