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Design Engineer Salary Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

As a Trex Design Engineer, you will be looked to as an innovator in the manufacturing process and ... The salary range provided serves as a general guideline for potential compensation for this ...

Design Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

As a Trex Design Engineer, you will be looked to as an innovator in the manufacturing process and ... The salary range provided serves as a general guideline for potential compensation for this ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Supervisor's Title : Director, Design Engineering Department ... Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one ...

Structural Design Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full Structural Design Engineer We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Structural Design ... We strive to offer competitive salary and a generous benefits package with health insurance options ...

Hardware Design Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$90 - $135/hr

Hardware Design Engineer Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

New

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

Hardware Design Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Excellent Salaries * Flexible Work Schedule * Cafeteria Style Benefits * 10% - 401k Matching ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$85K - $134K/yr

Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. * Flexible ... Nuclear Engineering, Design Engineer, DoD, Defense, Security Clearance, Engineering, Government

Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. * Flexible ... Nuclear Engineering, Design Engineer, DoD, Defense, Security Clearance, Engineering, Government

Mechanical Design Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$85K - $134K/yr

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design of system components for ... Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. * Flexible ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$85K - $134K/yr

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design of system components for ... Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. * Flexible ...

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Position OverviewElectra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration, and ... Salary: Electra's salary range for this position is: $92,000.00- $112,000.00Our salary ranges ...

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Position Overview Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration ... Salary: Electra's salary range for this position is: $92,000.00- $112,000.00 Our salary ranges ...

Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $112K/yr

Position Overview Electra is seeking a Airframe Design Engineer to help the design, integration ... Salary: Electra's salary range for this position is: $92,000.00- $112,000.00 Our salary ranges ...

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Design Engineer Salary information

What are some typical challenges design engineers face in balancing creativity with practical constraints on the job?

Design Engineers often encounter the challenge of merging innovative ideas with real-world limitations such as budget, manufacturability, safety standards, and project timelines. While creativity is essential for developing effective solutions, these must be balanced with client requirements, available materials, and technical feasibility. Successful Design Engineers regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management—to ensure their designs are practical and aligned with broader organizational goals. Navigating these constraints effectively is key to advancing in the role.

What is the difference between Design Engineer Salary vs Mechanical Engineer Salary?

AspectDesign Engineer SalaryMechanical Engineer Salary
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labsManufacturing plants, design offices
Industry UsageProduct design, automotive, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, aerospace
Common Search IntentSalary comparison, job prospectsSalary comparison, job prospects

Both Design Engineers and Mechanical Engineers typically hold similar qualifications and work in related environments within engineering industries. While salaries can vary based on experience and location, they generally have comparable earning potential, especially in sectors like automotive and aerospace.

Are design engineers well paid?

Design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. According to industry data, the median annual salary for a design engineer ranges from $65,000 to $85,000, with higher earnings possible for those with specialized skills or advanced certifications. The role often requires proficiency in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence compensation levels.

What is the average salary for a design engineer?

The average salary for a Design Engineer varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. In the United States, the average annual salary typically ranges from $65,000 to $90,000, with entry-level positions starting around $60,000 and experienced professionals earning upwards of $100,000. Salaries may also include bonuses or other benefits, and engineers working in high-demand industries or regions may earn more.

Is a design engineer a good career?

A design engineer is a valuable role in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive, involving creating and developing product designs using CAD software. The career offers competitive salaries, opportunities for specialization, and requires technical skills, problem-solving, and often a bachelor's degree in engineering. Job stability and growth potential depend on industry demand and individual expertise.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA, along with knowledge of industry standards and certifications like FE or PE, is often required. Creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork make a Design Engineer stand out. These competencies are vital for developing innovative and manufacturable solutions that meet technical and client requirements.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Design Engineer Salary jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Design Engineer Salary job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer Salary job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Design Engineer

Trex

Winchester, VA • On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

When you work at Trex, you’re helping to grow and enhance a true original. You join a company that boldly launched an entire industry… and still leads the way.

We are looking for a Design Engineer to help us create and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D drawings to enhance throughput and drive performance to the next level. As a Trex Design Engineer, you will be looked to as an innovator in the manufacturing process and is responsible for gathering ideas and concepts from multiple departments and turning them into robust, manufacturable CAD models and drawings.  This role is a key member of our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team.

Our Operations team is guided by 5 beliefs:

  1. We put people first
  2. We all operate on the same page
  3. We own it
  4. We are always tuned for success
  5. We make dynamic decisions

It’s how we started and how we continue to lead the industry – finding intersections of opportunity and hard work, digging in, and digging deep. The result is progress, both for the company and for the people building their careers here. If you are values-driven and share our beliefs, if you are willing to hold yourself and others accountable to the highest standards, then Trex is a place you can call home.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Put safety first – Always!
  • Lead and foster our “people first” culture
  • Participate in and lead cross-functional teams to gather feedback and identify opportunities for improvement through the modification or creation of tooling and/or mechanical systems.
  • Communicate directly with internal machine shop and external vendors to ensure efficient manufacturing and implementation of designs.
  • Provide design assistance to the process development group from concept through implementation stages.
  • Reverse engineer existing parts using conventional measuring tools, 3D scans, and/or legacy drawings.
  • Conduct design checks and provide feedback on other designers’ work to minimize errors.
  • Support the development of systems and processes that streamline the design and manufacturing process.
  • Manage prioritization of activities to meet multiple project timeline requirements.
  • Plan and execute special projects as assigned.

JOB LOCATION

Winchester, Virginia, United States (on-site)

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time/Regular

EXPERIENCE

We are looking for leaders with a bachelor's degree in engineering, along with 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment with an emphasis on design and optimization. The ideal candidate will have experience using SolidWorks or AutoCAD, along with working on assemblies, drawings, sheet metal, and weldments. They will also be familiar with machining processes and comfortable partnering with machining teams to support production needs. We want to hear from you if you have comprehensive knowledge of 3D/2D CAD packages.

At Trex, we believe in persevering even when there’s no road map, embracing groundbreaking as a way of life. We encourage multiple perspectives and welcome diverse people who problem-solve, adapt, and innovate – always with a firm foundation in safety and integrity.

SALARY

Base Salary Range $80,000 - $115,000 annually.

The salary range provided serves as a general guideline for potential compensation for this position. It reflects the base salary and does not account for other benefits or additional compensation opportunities that may apply. This role is also eligible for further compensation through an annual/sales bonus, in addition to the base salary.

At Trex, individual base salaries are determined based on various factors, including relevant skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. We are committed to maintaining pay equity and consider the internal equity of our existing team members when finalizing compensation offers. In addition to competitive pay, Trex offers a comprehensive benefits package, which is detailed below.

BENEFITS & PERKS 

We believe that real effort should be rewarded. We take care of you as part of our Trex family so you can take care of yours. Here are some of the perks beyond the paycheck:

  • Time Off: We’ll give you paid holidays and paid vacation.
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance: Choose from a variety of options. We’ll cover a generous share of the cost. Plus, you can earn lower rates through our wellness program.
  • 401(k) With Company Match: Save for your retirement and we’ll match it dollar for dollar.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: We’re all about lifting each other to the next level. When you’re ready to get the degree, we’ll pick up part of the tab.
  • Training and Education: We offer dozens of options to boost your performance – both online and on-site nearby.
  • Stock Purchase Program: Invest in Trex at a discounted price.
  • Employee Discount Program: When you make the World’s No. 1 Decking Brand, you’ll probably want to enjoy the finished product yourself. We’ll give you a discount.

WHO WE ARE

Over 30 years ago, our founders created the world’s first high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking and outdoor living products. That entrepreneurial spirit still drives us today as we continue to redefine our industry and lead the way for what’s next in outdoor living. Today, Trex is the world’s #1 brand of sustainability-made, wood-alternative decking, and deck railing – all proudly manufactured in the USA. As a publicly traded company [NYSE: TREX], we take pride in being the largest recycler of plastic film in the country, as well as caring for the communities and the planet where we live. We nurture meaningful connections, from local engagement and investment to eco-friendly products and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Everything we do is grounded in our values and guided by our beliefs. We are looking for candidates who embody our core values:

  • Do the Right Thing
  • Act with Boldness and Authenticity
  • Drive Sustainability
  • Innovate and Adapt

At Trex, you’ll become part of a diverse yet unified team that sustains the trailblazing spirit and strengths that made Trex the industry leader – learning, adapting, solving, and succeeding.

We welcome new ideas and fresh perspectives, and we encourage you to bring your best to help us shape the future of Trex.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT

At Trex, you can take pride in craftsmanship. There’s an art and a science to what we do, and we never stop working to refine and improve. That means no matter how long you’ve been with Trex, you have ongoing opportunities to grow your expertise – enhancing your career, your team, and our shared efforts. You will help shape our future.

EEO

Trex is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these or any other characteristics protected by law

E-VERIFY

Trex participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. E-Verify is a web-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their employees. For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. At this time, Trex Company, Inc. is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.